The Comeback Coach

In 2000, after a long bureaucratic struggle straight out of Kakfa, Jesse Braverman was removed as coach of the varsity baseball team of Bethlehem Central High School of Bethlehem, New York, nearly destroying him. But the baseball gods were not done with the beloved diamond strategist. Hired by La Salle Institute of Troy, Braverman took its baseball team, the Cadets, to new heights, including an unprecedented 27 game winning streak. Written with distinguished journalist and his long-time friend Gordon F. Sander, Comeback Coach tells the story of Braverman’s remarkable, dual career as multi-sport athletic coach and special education teacher. Packed with human interest, Coach follows Jesse’s forty-year journey from the sandlot baseball fields of his youth, learning about life and baseball at the knee of his mentor, Joe Austin—with whom he would be elected to the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015—to his initial successes with his numerous Bethlehem teams; to his heartbreaking firing and inspiring “redemption” with the Cadets.

I have learned lots about both baseball and life from Jesse Braverman, and my own career is proof of that. I urge anyone who is interested in learning about the value of loyalty and dedication, amongst other things, to read this compelling book. —Matt Quatraro, Assistant Hitting Coach, Cleveland Indians The story of coach and special education teacher Jesse Braverman epitomizes one of his trademark phrases, ‘They pay me to try.’ Comeback Coach is a must-read for any teacher coach, or individual who aspires to make a difference in the world. --Thomas Reardon, Superintendent of Schools, Wynantskill Union Free School District, Wynantskill, New York A great read about a dedicated, caring and hard-working teacher, coach and friend. His work with the young men of La Salle Institute and throughout the Capital District will be remembered for generations. An incredible story about a man who refused to give up. —Pat Mulcahy, former athletic director, La Salle Institute The Comeback Coach shows the courage of Jesse to stand up for what he believed was right. A man of principle. He's a tribute to his family and mentor Joe Austin. —Tony Maculoso, Coordinator for the Friends of Joe Austin Jesse’s career has touched the lives of hundreds of kids, but not before his commitment, talents and courage were tested to the breaking point by the self-interested machinations of school administrators, the frustrations of the legal system, and time in a purgatory not of his making. In the end, we find a man, vindicated and victorious, who has made his students and their parents better for having known him. —David Homer, Retired Federal Judge Being the father of three girls who had this man as their coach provided me with a somewhat different perspective from that of some of the other supporters or critics of Jesse Braverman. This is a story about the enduring lessons of getting back up when one is knocked down and the immutable truths that transcend sports. It's a triple play about perseverance, integrity, and giving of oneself to others. A man without children of his own unselfishly did for hundreds and hundreds of other people’s children, ball players and special needs students alike, what someone, also unrelated to him, did for him when he was young. At least, that is who he always gave credit to besides his own parents. It may sound simple to say because it's what every parent can never do enough of for the ones they love, but Jesse just never, ever stopped saying, in spite of the bleakest circumstances or handicaps, "You can do this." Eventually, he almost always broke through. —Peter J. Corrigan, Parent/Lawyer Coach Braverman made the difficult team selection process civil and dignified, especially for those not selected. Every athlete was given a personal evaluation of their performance and a script of actions and encouragements to undertake and enhance their skills. Likewise, when the seasons ended, there would be long, very long “awards” celebrations. Each and every team member, regardless of their team stature or contribution to the W/L record, was recognized publicly for their positive influences on the team’s successes as he saw them. —Nancy McKenna, School Social Worker and Former Adirondack Director of the Empire State Games

Jesse Braverman has coached 118 teams in numerous sports. He is the varsity baseball coach for La Salle Institute of Troy, New York. He is also a special education teacher.