THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
THE NJ WILD THINGS
INFORMATION
COACHES
Our coaches are long experienced in coaching youth sports including lacrosse, soccer, basketball, and most importantly, years of baseball both with their sons and prior. The overall coaching philosophy is not to give general instruction but to personalize coaching to the needs of each individual player. This instruction will include skills and mental approach. Additionally, unlike most facilities, we focus on game play intelligence and situational baseball to ensure each player has the preparation to perform their best in every game.
MATT COGNETTA
HITTING & FIELDING COACH
Matt is a passionate and experienced baseball coach with over seven years of coaching experience. A former collegiate player with three years at the college level, he brings strong fundamentals and a deep understanding of the game to every practice. Whether coaching on the field or analyzing games in his free time, Matt’s commitment to baseball is evident in everything he does.
CHRIS CONNELLY
PITCHING & SITUATIONAL COACH
Chris has played baseball from T-ball through high school, where he threw the first no-hitter in his school's freshman baseball history. A passionate teacher of the game, he began coaching youth baseball while still in high school. After graduating college, Chris continued coaching at the local level in Hawthorne, NJ, and later coached his own child in town sports in Wyckoff, NJ. His instructional experience spans both casual recreational environments and competitive travel programs.