When people think of powerhouse sports programs in New Jersey, Don Bosco Prep Baseball often flies under the radar, until now. Behind their recent string of state championships is a story of grit, community, and a program that’s bigger than baseball.
In one of our episodes of the Myokinetix Podcast, we spoke with Head Coach Mike Rooney to unpack the untold story of how Don Bosco Baseball became one of the most respected programs in the state and how their rise from overlooked to elite has inspired athletes across Morris County and Northern New Jersey.
Whether you’re a coach, parent, or athlete in East Hanover or beyond, this blog is a must-read on how to build a winning mindset and lasting legacy.
From Football School to Baseball Powerhouse in East Hanover, NJ
Don Bosco Prep has long been known for its football dominance, but baseball has quietly become the heartbeat of the campus.
In 2015, everything changed. The team went 29–1 and reached the state championship. Although they fell short, it launched the program into a new era.
The team’s evolution wasn’t overnight. It was built through consistency, deep reflection, and a clear mission to prioritize character development as much as athletic performance.
Why Don Bosco Prep Baseball Is More Than a College-Like Program
Some say Don Bosco Baseball “feels like a college program,” but Coach Rooney pushes back:
“We’re not a college program. We’re a high school program, working with 14-year-old kids who are growing as people.”
Located near East Hanover and surrounding towns like Whippany, Florham Park, and Parsippany, Don Bosco Baseball serves student-athletes from all over Northern NJ. But what sets them apart is their unwavering focus on the development of the person, not just the player.
Kids compete hard, but they’re also supported through academic challenges, identity growth, and social-emotional development.
Don Bosco Prep Baseball Has 3 State Championships in 4 Years And Still Growing
Don Bosco has now claimed three New Jersey state titles in four years (2022, 2023, and 2025). But it’s not the trophies that define them, it’s the journey.
- Kaden Dana, now a pro, led with intensity.
- Kevin Jaxel returned from injury and inspired a next-man-up mindset.
- Eric Becker, fresh off representing Team USA in Japan, came back to mentor middle schoolers at local camps.
“These kids don’t just win, they come back. They give back. That’s what this program is about.”
Why East Hanover Families Trust Don Bosco Prep Baseball
Families from East Hanover and the greater Morris County area choose Don Bosco not just for the accolades, but for the environment.
When injuries happen, Don Bosco partners with trusted providers like us at Myokinetix Physical Therapy & Performance in East Hanover, NJ, ensuring athletes return stronger, not just sooner.
“Our best players are also our hardest workers. That’s the culture, and it pushes everyone to grow.”
A Village That Stays Together
At Don Bosco, players don’t leave the program, they carry it with them.
From D1 standouts to drafted pros, alumni return to camps, mentor younger players, and even coach. The same coaching staff has stayed together for over a decade, an anomaly in high school sports.
“When you build something meaningful, people don’t want to leave, they want to pour back into it.”
Scholarships, Fundraisers, and Real Support for Local Families
Success shouldn’t come with a financial wall. That’s why Don Bosco works year-round to provide:
- Need-based scholarships
- Local fundraising events like the Annual Golf Outing
- Sponsorships from East Hanover businesses and families
- Scoreboard and field banner opportunities
“No family should have to get a third job just so their son can have an opportunity. We’re here to help close that gap.”
To support, visit donboscoprepbaseball.com or reach out directly to the coaching staff.
Life Lessons, Not Just Line Drives
Here’s what Don Bosco Baseball teaches its players, and what every young athlete in East Hanover should know:
- Your hardest worker should be your leader
- Peer pressure can be positive when it pushes you to be better
- Injuries are part of the game, how you recover is what sets you apart
- Character is what gets you through hard seasons and earns trust from scouts
- A “winning program” is one where players, families, coaches, and alumni all contribute
Check out our full conversation below.
Want to Train Like Don Bosco Baseball? Start Here in East Hanover
If you’re a baseball player in East Hanover, Hanover Township, or anywhere in Morris County, the secret to long-term success isn’t just talent, it’s staying healthy, recovering right, and building resilience.
That’s where we come in.
At Myokinetix Physical Therapy & Performance, we help local athletes:
- Recover from arm, shoulder, or knee injuries
- Build strength and movement patterns that prevent injury
- Develop elite performance habits off the field
Book your FREE athlete consult today!