PARSIPPANY — Matty Rzucidlo was honored on Thursday, April 21 at the Par-Troy West Little League Opening Night.
Matt Rzucidlo was born in Hoboken, the birthplace of baseball. It was during his early childhood that he first found his passion for the game, playing with the Hoboken Little League. Some of his earliest memories go back to when he would play ball on the streets of the city with the other neighborhood kids. The Yankees shaped his childhood, going to Yankee Stadium with his uncles to watch players like Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra. He grew up in a family of baseball players. He was inspired by his uncles who he always looked up to.
In 1959, his family moved to Parsippany and began his playing career with the Par-Troy West Little League, Kiwanis Club, as a pitcher and infielder. He continued playing through middle school where he was a proud Central Cougar.
For Matt, high school is where “it all started.” Not only was he on the baseball team, but he also played football all 4 years, 3 of which he was the varsity quarterback.
Baseball though, was his ultimate passion. And the man who fostered and mentored his talents was the late Jack Mott. A man who Matt respects and honors to this day.
For his freshman year, Matt went straight to JV. At JV he played short stop and also practiced with the varsity team who saw great potential in the young but extremely talented rookie.
Sophomore year Matt made varsity debut and was the starting left fielder. By the 7th game, he was moved over to short stop.
That season was off to a great start for Rzucidlo, until he unfortunately had his first knee injury. This injury had him out for the rest of the season. Despite his cast, he was still sitting on the sideline of every game, supporting and cheering on his team. Matt’s dedication and devotion to the game never waive red.
The Red Skins suffered a devastating loss to the team. That year Parsippany High School varsity baseball team went on to play in the Greater Newark tournament, which they unfortunately lost.
He recalls the team pitching in and buying him a brand new glove as a gift. Junior year Matt started as the Varsity second baseman and as a relief pitcher – letting the teammate who took over his position the previous year finish his senior year as short stop.
That year, the Parsippany High School team finished second in the Jersey Hills Conference. Parsippany High School baseball knew next year was going to be an impactful year – especially for Rzucidlo.
Matt’s senior year was his best of his high school career. He was the captain of the varsity baseball team and played as short stop for the whole season. Rzucidlo pitched four games (which he was 3-1), had three homeruns, and received the “Daily Advance All-Area Baseball” recognition.
Major league scouts where looking at Rzucidlo during this exciting time including the Atlanta Braves and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After high school, Matt attended Miami Dade County College where he continued to play ball that fall.
The transition from baseball to fast pitch softball came from his mentor and high school coach, Jack Mott. Matt Rzucidlo was far from done with his playing career.
Rzucidlo’s first softball team was with the Parsippany Athletic club sponsored by Dean Gallo. During that time, he also played with the Hub Lakes League (from ’69-’70).
From there, he played for Mario’s and in 1969 he won a softball championship with the team. In addition he played for the Parsippany slow pitch league with the Tally-Ho team who also won a championship.
Rzucidlo then continued on to play with DeMaio’s who won three straight championships for the Parsippany slow pitch league. He followed that with playing for Hilltop who won an additional two championships.
From there Matt played with Primos in the Parsippany league which went on to win four more championships.
Within all those years, Rzucidlo won 12 championships in the Parsippany slow pitch league.
During his time with Primo’s, Rzucidlo also played for Mt. Hope. Sponsored by Jerry Smith and coached by Tim Wyatt. Gaining the nickname ‘the captain’, Rzucidlo began an amazing eig year career with an amazing team.
Rzucidlo played with Mt. Hope from ’77-’85 and during this time the Mount Hope Inn made it’s name well known. The team went to nationals in 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 1983, 1984, and 1985. In 1983 they were 4th in nationals and in 1985 the team took 2nd in the nationals.
During the Mount Hope era, Rzucidlo was named first team All-American utility infielder in 1982 and 1985. He recalls a lot of talented players from the area who where on that team and how it was an amazing time in his life he’ll never forget.
In 1986, Matt retired from playing modified fast pitch. In 1985, Rzucidlo got married and in ’88 and ’89 welcomed 2 daughters and focused his time on raising his family.
That never fully stopped him still playing ball and remembers “dragging my kids to the fields” for a Sunday morning league.
His daughters fondly remember watching him play at Smithfield, the same place he started his career in 1959.
Rzucidlo went on to play in the Parsippany senior league and won two more championships
To this day Matt continues to love the game. He can call every pitch before it leaves the glove, every error before it happens on the field and could go head to head with anyone in baseball trivia.
For someone who has had a playing career full of championships and praise, he has always remained a humble man. Never making it about himself, but always about the team. He exemplifies good sportsmanship. In addition to being a great baseball player, he is a wonderful father, husband, brother, uncle, son, friend and teammate.
