O'Neill Throws a Milestone NHS Career

The last couple of years at Nutley High School, the varsity baseball team has had a lot of success. The baseball team has had many talented athletes come through the program and one is Josh O'Neill. Josh has been on the varsity team for all four years of his high school career. His senior year, Josh achieved a huge milestone in his career, achieving 200 strikeouts. This is very special because Nutley plays very good teams in their league such as Seton Hall Prep, Montclair, and Don Bosco Prep. There is some talented competition in New Jersey and Josh has been one of few athletes to reach this goal.

Josh reached the milestone of 200 strikeouts in the first round of the county tournament against Newark Academy on May 4, 2019. Reaching this milestone his senior year was so special to Josh and his family. Josh has been playing with these boys ever since he was young and to do it with this group meant a lot because they were on the field with him the whole way.

Going into the season Josh did not realize that he could reach 200 strikeouts. Midway through the season he realized that he was very close to a huge milestone. There was a lot of time left to accomplish this milestone. Josh eventually made it happen in the county tournament, which helped them advance to the second round.

Josh knew that the team was going to be very good this season because of the team’s talent and chemistry. Going into the season, Nutley was expected to make a run in the state tournament and county tournament. Other than this one milestone, Josh pitched in the finals of the state tournament. The game was away in West Morris Central and he had seven strikeouts, no walks, and only let up five hits. Even though NHS lost 2-1 Josh ended his career at Nutley High School with his head high.

Though you will not see Josh pitching for Nutley High School anymore, this is not the end for Josh’s baseball career. Josh will continue his career in college at Stony Brook University. Going into college Josh is already starting to make goals for him to accomplish when he gets there. Josh said “ My goal in college is to earn a starting position as a freshman and get some quality innings.” With Josh’s winning attitude there won't be much he can't do in college.

With graduation coming up, Josh looks back on of his most memorable moment playing for Nutley High School. He says his highlight was, “definitely this year, my senior year, when we came back from 5-2 in the bottom of the seventh with two outs against Somerville where we rallied and won 6-5 to advance into the state finals.”

Head coach of the Nutley baseball team is Rob Harbison. Josh says, “Coach Harbison has been very supportive of me throughout my career and only helped me get better each year.” The whole Nutley coaching staff will miss Josh greatly next year, it is going to be tough trying to find someone to fill his position as a leader and athlete.