By Emily Iannaconi
Special to GoHolyCross.com
Though John Colella (Class of 2013), Matt Perry (Class of 2010) and Jim Sweeney (Class of 2001) each graduated from Holy Cross at different times, the three former baseball players who were named to the Patriot League 25th Anniversary team can all agree on one thing: Without their team and support system at Holy Cross, they would not be where they are today.
Outstanding Careers
Sweeney, who is a member of the Holy Cross Hall of Fame, earned All-America honors and was named the Patriot League Player of the Year in 1999, while he also received 1999 and 2000 first-team All-League accolades. Sweeney ranks fourth in league history with a .375 career batting average and second for a single season with his .448 mark in 1999.
Perry, who was recently inducted into the Holy Cross Hall of Fame, ranks in the Patriot League single-season top 10 for batting average (.423, 2009) and hits (81, 2010). He is the school's all-time leader in hits (220) and runs (135), while his 52 doubles are tied for fourth in league history. He was also the Patriot League Player of the Year as a junior in 2009 and recipient of first-team All-League status in each of his final two seasons.
Colella became the first reliever to earn the Patriot League Pitcher of the Year Award when he claimed the honor in 2013. He earned first-team All-Patriot League honors in each of his final two seasons and is the league's all-time leader in saves (28) and relief appearances (81).
Upon hearing that he was named to the 25th Anniversary team, Colella admits that it was a very exciting moment for him, his family and his teammates. “You're in the company of the 25 best players in the Patriot League over the past 25 years, so it's a very humbling moment.”
The Foundation Of Family
Perry comes from a family that had numerous athletic accomplishments during their time at Holy Cross as he also built onto this legacy. His father, Ronnie Perry '80 and grandfather, Ron Perry '54, are also members of the Holy Cross Hall of Fame. “I'm very proud of everything that my grandfather and dad accomplished - they both had special careers at HC between the national championships, personal accolades and my grandfather's tenure as athletic director, all of which definitely inspired me to push myself each and every day. They were my biggest supporters and I'm a lucky grandson and son to have had them as mentors and friends.”
Perry believes that his father deserves credit for helping him to become the athlete that he became by stressing what he called the three “keys” of the game. “Early on, he taught me the importance of the fundamentals of the game and would always stress his three keys: 'Poise, Compete and Hustle. I was always taking batting practice, visualizing being at the plate and focused on repetition.”
Colella says that his parents deserve the most credit for being the first to teach him how to handle the physical and mental challenges that come with being a pitcher, specifically a reliever. “My dad was the first guy who taught me the mechanical yes's and no's of pitching. My mom was also a great help in how to approach the mental side of the game.”
Power Of The Team
Together, Colella says that he and his teammates learned about the importance of accountability during their time playing baseball at Holy Cross. “As a Holy Cross baseball player you were constantly representing the school, the coaching staff, your family and your fellow teammates. You're expected to act and work in a manner that honors all of those parties.”
Sweeney echoes Colella's emphasis on the importance of team. “I think the biggest lesson that came from all of my coaches at HC was how to be selfless and always put the team first.”
Perry also highlighted Colella and Sweeney's importance of team. “Having the opportunity to play with such a great group of teammates and coaches all four years is one memory that stands out to me. Being surrounded by great people is definitely what makes Holy Cross a special place to be a part of.”
Memories Made
Qualifying for the Patriot League Tournament in 1999 for the first time in program history is a memory that will always stand out in Sweeney's mind. Overall, Sweeney enjoyed the student-athlete experience that he had the chance to participate in on a daily basis. “The challenge and combination of high academic standards put forth by the college and the Division I athletic experience is second to none,” said Sweeney.
Colella stressed the importance of his teammates throughout as he cited his final game as a Crusader as one of his fondest memories, despite the loss that the team suffered to Army West Point in the Patriot League Championship. “I don't think that there was a dry eye in the room. But what I really remember feeling wasn't the disappointment in losing the game, but rather being hit with the realization that this was the last time I'd play baseball with 31 of my best friends in the world.”
Embracing The Struggle
Developing into a reliever took practice for Colella as it took some time before he became truly dominant on the mound. “My senior year started out as poorly as it possibly could,” admitted Colella. “There was a point where I was demoted from the closer role and was essentially not projected to pitch in the big games of the year.”
With hard work however, Colella was able to regain his form and win Patriot League Pitcher of the Year. “Fear of failure can be one of the most toxic mindsets as a reliever, so the emphasis for me was always pitching with confidence and expecting to be successful.”
Challenges for a student-athlete at Holy Cross go beyond the field of play. “Both academics and athletics demanded a lot of time and hard work, but that made it even more rewarding,” said Perry. “I very much enjoyed the liberal arts education I received at Holy Cross, and then loved having the opportunity to lace up the cleats in the afternoon for a practice or game with the team.”
The Next Level
For Sweeney, his time as a Holy Cross baseball player prepared him for the 2000 MLB Draft as he was selected as a pitcher in the 14th round out of 50 rounds. “I remember getting a call in my living room from John Tumminia, the White Sox scout I had been in contact with the few weeks leading up to the draft, and it's a moment I'll never forget,” said Sweeney.
Ironically, Sweeney's favorite baseball player growing up was Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox. During spring training in 2001, Sweeney was called up to a major league game that Thomas was also playing in. “It was pretty surreal taking the field with him that day,” admits Sweeney.
Similar to Sweeney, Perry was also drafted by a professional baseball team as he was selected by the Detroit Tigers in 2010. Also after graduation, Colella played a season with the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League.
In Reflection…
Currently a Dean of Students and math teacher in his hometown at Norwood High School and living with his wife Michelle and two children, Elizabeth and Matthew, Sweeney encourages current baseball players at Holy Cross to work hard both on and off the field and to never take their time as Crusaders for granted. “Trust that the effort you give in the classroom and on the field will lead to great things in the future. Cherish the opportunity each day to be a part of such a great academic and athletic institution.”
As an analyst for a commercial real estate consulting company and living in New York City, Colella offers the following advice to current Holy Cross baseball players: “Have fun and enjoy the time you have with your teammates.”
Currently working for Colliers International in Boston and living in Beacon Hill with his wife Katie, who is a 2010 Holy Cross graduate and was a member of the women's lacrosse team, Perry encourages current Holy Cross baseball players to take advantage of every opportunity, both academically and athletically. “You are surrounded by a lot of like-minded people who want each other to succeed, and although the time certainly goes by quickly, you really have a chance to make an impact while you are there.”
Colella, Sweeney and Perry ultimately feel honored and humbled to be named to the Patriot League 25th Anniversary team. All three also recognize that they could not have achieved this honor without the help and support of their dedicated coaches and teammates, and the opportunities Holy Cross provided them.
KEEP CONNECTED:
For all things Holy Cross baseball, follow the Crusaders on Twitter and Facebook. You can also sign up for email updates on the baseball team and all of the other 26 Holy Cross varsity sports by clicking here.
SUPPORT CRUSADER STUDENT-ATHLETES:
Go here to make a gift to the baseball program through the Crusader Athletics Fund.
