Sad news to report out of the travel ball world as former Jersey Intensity coach Mitch Schwartz passed away on May 7 after suffering from long-term health issues.

He had been with the Intensity for over 14 years after starting in the prestigious East Coast program with his daughter, Jenna, who was 12 years old at the time, and soon the athlete’s father became a full-time coach on the field.

Kevin O’Donnell, the head of the club organization, told Line Drive Softball:

“Mitch was always a true coach at heart. He loved the players who dedicated themselves to hard work, preparation, and perseverance. He was the coach that all the players would ask ‘Mitch, can you stay after practice to throw some more to me?’ and he would reply ‘Of course!’”

O’Donnell explains that Schwartz was invested into player development and worked hard to get to know the makeup and DNA of the players.

“Mitch wanted to know what makes them tick so he could improve them,” O’Donnell continues. “At practice, his lines were always long in the batting cage, and he was considered one of the best front tossers. Mitch wanted to make players accountable and held them to a high standard.”

Off the field, Schwartz was a New York City paramedic who played a part in the 9/11 rescue efforts and, more recently, was involved with the city’s work to aid COVID victims.

The Brooklyn-born coach worked at the Presbyterian Hospital in New York and was an EMT and paramedic for close to 25 years.

O’Donnell recalls how his former coach saved countless lives and helped thousands of patients over the years.

“Whether it was 9/11 or COVID, he was always there to help,” he remembers. “Mitch was a giver and gave all of himself to his family friends and Intensity players. One of his proudest moments was when Jenna started to coach with him.”

The Intensity head man says those in his organization will also miss socializing with Schwartz and his family off the playing fields.

“We will miss the time not only on the field but off the field as well,” O’Donnell continues. “We spent hours sitting on the beach at the Jersey shore talking about family, coaching strategy and how we are getting the players to the next level. He was so proud of great outcomes like these and being part of the Intensity family.”

“He will be missed but never forgotten,” the long-time coach concludes. “Mitch made a difference.”

As one of Schwartz’s friends, Billy McDonald, wrote:

“Mitch fought a long hard battle, but sadly at 02:48 hours he died peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends. We ask that you keep the Schwartz family, Patricia, and Jenna, in your thoughts.”

Over the last several years, Schwartz had dealt with multiple health issues including liver cancer, being forced to miss several months of work due to COVID and then, in 2021, being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

A private cremation will be held for his family followed by a Celebration of Life set for Sunday, June 9^th between the hours of 2-6 pm at the Elks Lodge in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

For anyone interesting in knowing more details, contact Billy McDonald at Billy.McDonald@siemt.info.

The Intensity travel ball organization paid tribute to Schwartz shortly after his passing with this graphic detailing many of his accomplishments:

*****

Here are some other social posts from friends and co-workers honoring Schwartz:

RIP Mitch… Such a profound loss… https://t.co/oMWZJY0QUA

— Sergey Motov (@painfreeED) May 9, 2024

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— Brentt Eads / Line Drive Softball