After decades of Edison High School sports, it’s safe to say that each sport has held its fair share of coaches. A coach is one of the biggest parts of success, especially in sports like baseball, where strategy and discipline are critical skills.
Some names immediately come to mind, like Coach Mr. Jim Muldowney. He led the Edison Baseball team to multiple championships over his long coaching career. His number was retired, and the GMCs were later named after him.
But what about the coach who follows in the footsteps of Muldowney today?
Head Coach Mr. Vincent Abene has coached high school baseball since 1994. Before Edison High, Abene coached baseball at Colonia High School. He began at EHS in 2000, and recently secured his 300th win in the 2025 baseball season, cementing his own legacy as a coach.
“My whole life I’ve been involved in athletics. I knew that was the path I wanted to go,” said Abene.
His passion has driven him through different sports and styles of coaching, including basketball and football. Today, he prioritizes Edison baseball all year-round.
Abene focuses on committing to his players and the program, working to put the athletes first, ensuring a comfortable and positive experience, and leading the baseball team to consistent success.
“I’ve always said to myself, and I tell my athletes the same thing, if you’re gonna do something you want to do it right,” said Abene. “You want to give it your all, you want to work hard.”
Abene follows the same standards that he sets for his players, even participating in player workouts during the winter. He pushes players through all of the hardships that come with being a student-athlete.
Abene’s philosophy is based mostly around winning, family, and Edison’s red and gold. Instead of focusing on big wins or bad losses in the past, Abene’s mindset is to focus on what he can do for the team in the present.
“I can’t worry about next year. I can’t worry about last year,” said Abene. “I can only worry about what we have right now.”
However, he not only pushes winning, but also respect and love.
“He has pushed me and made me a more mature player as well as person,” said Damien Calandra ‘28, a player on the EHS baseball team.
Abene works to connect with players on a personal level, strengthening their bond into something more than just a coach-to-player connection.
“He’s a great person to look up to and molds kids into men,” said baseball captain Robert Roma ‘26.
Through leadership, commitment, and connection, Coach Abene continues to carry on Edison High School’s baseball legacy.