From Cherry Hill to Kansas City to S.J. Baseball Hall of Fame

J.J. Picollo was at the forefront of one of the most impressive runs in South Jersey baseball history as the catcher and team leader of a program that would reach unprecedented heights.

A 1989 graduate of Cherry Hill West, Picollo was a starter on three straight South Jersey championship teams. His 1989 squad won the state Group 4 championship.

From 1987-1992, Cherry Hill West won six straight South Jersey titles and four state championships, a staggering period of dominance.

Picollo was a leader of those first three West teams. He would earn a scholarship to North Carolina State, transfer to George Mason and eventually sign with the New York Yankees, where he played a year of minor league baseball before beginning his second and current career.

Picollo is now assistant general manger of scouting and player development for the Kansas City Royals after previously working for the Atlanta Braves, where he began as a scout and moved up to director of minor league operations.

Those dominant Cherry Hill West teams are recalled with Picollo's coming induction into the South Jersey Baseball Hall of Fame in the Hotstovers Baseball Club of South Jersey's ceremony on Nov. 27 at Williamstown's Masso's Columbus Manor.

Picollo will be inducted with three other former South Jersey greats, Brett Laxton (Audubon), Nick Italiano (Bishop Eustace) and Joe Hudson (Holy Cross). Former Courier Post sports editor Bob Kenney and longtime Tri-County League president Rick Ventura will be honored as contributors.

For all he has accomplished in the game, Picollo takes a great deal of pride in the beginning of the Cherry Hill West baseball dynasty.

"We got to the state final my sophomore and junior year and then to win it my senior year is one of my best recollections in baseball," Picollo said in a phone interview.

As a senior, Picollo was an Inquirer first-team all-South Jersey selection after batting .410 with eight homers and 34 RBIs. He would later be named to the all-state team.

It's amazing that somebody who has climbed the ladder as an executive in professional baseball still holds such a special place in his heart for his high school accomplishments.

"It's quite an honor to be named to the Hall of Fame," Picollo said. "The Hotstovers do such a great job promoting South Jersey baseball and this is really a proud moment for me."

Picollo said he keeps up with some of his great high school teammates and that he felt fortunate to play for Tom Trotman, who was the coach during those championships seasons.

"I've met a lot of baseball people and Tom Trotman stands out as one of the best teachers of fundamentals," Picollo said.

In scouting the entire country, Picollo says that South Jersey - even though it doesn't enjoy year-round warm weather - is still an extremely strong baseball area.

"I think it's one of the most underrated areas around," he said. "The players from South Jersey have as good a work ethic as anywhere and I have a soft spot for the area."

He is looking forward to coming home over Thanksgiving weekend for his induction.

While being employed in professional baseball is a dream, there are sacrifices. Picollo, the married father of three children, estimates he will be on the road 240 nights a year scouting players.

"There's a lot of sacrificing a family makes in a job like this," he said. "But I feel fortunate to be doing something I love every day."

And just as fortunate to be included in his rightful place among the best in South Jersey history.