JACKSON-Jim Furlong, who has volunteered as a manager for the Holbrook Little League Dodgers for 42 years, will be recognized by the board of Directors this Saturday at 10am at the Holbrook Little League Complex on Bartley Road in Jackson.
From 1974 through the mid 1980’s Furlong coached his four sons, Jim Jr., Billy, Michael & Bobby and enjoyed coaching so much, he continued doing it for nearly 30 more years after his sons outgrew the Little League program. He is the longest tenured manager or coach in Jackson Township athletic history, according to Del Vecchio.
Furlong also served as an elected board member at Holbrook Little League for 9 years.
As a manager, coaching 9-12 year old baseball teams, he won over 500 games, including 16 first place finishes and once had back-to-back undefeated seasons. He coached 16 Holbrook Little League All-Star teams in his volunteer career with the league.
“I have managed with Jim since 1996 when my son played in the league,” said league President Tony Del Vecchio. “I then had the honor of him beating me for his 300th career victory and over the years we became close friends, we both share our Brooklyn roots and love of baseball here in Jackson.”
One benefit Jim had through his longevity as a volunteer at Holbrook was that he was able to also coach his grandchildren Alex, Matt and Andrew as well as grand-nephews Alex and Jonathan.
“Jim is probably the most fun person to talk about old-time baseball,” Del Vecchio said. “Even though he’s officially retiring, he’s welcome to come back at any time to announce games; his presence at the complex will surely be missed. We truly appreciate the years he has dedicated to the Holbrook Little League and the children who have had the good fortune of learning baseball from him.
Jim’s late brother Tom was a founding member of Holbrook Little League in 1963 and is a member of the Jackson Township Hall of Fame.
Jim is married to his wife Judith, who was his assistant coach in his first season. Together they won the Holbrook Little League championship in their first season together.