A Jersey Blues Testimonial - Baseball Alumnus Paddy Matera

Lincroft, NJ - As a 2006-2007 Jersey Blues shortstop, student-athlete alumnus, Paddy Matera, expresses his gratitude towards Brookdale and his baseball coaches for his positive experiences. Following Brookdale, Matera went on to play professional baseball and is currently the owner of Gee Gee's Pizzeria Restaurant in Manasquan, NJ.

"Brookdale Community College was one of the greatest times of my life. Not only was it a stepping stone for my academic success, but also my athletic success. Brookdale has great academic and athletic programs. Brookdale gave me an opportunity to get a full scholarship to Lynn University to play baseball. My coaches, Johnny Johnson and John Wells, played a major factor in my baseball career at Brookdale as well as my career after Brookdale. Coach Johnson brought out the best in me on and off the field. He taught me how to be a great player, but also how to become a man, a great husband, and the great father that I am today.

After Brookdale I went on to play baseball at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL. While I was there, we won the Division II National Championship. After Lynn, I ended up playing professional baseball with the Newark Bears, Camden Riversharks, Carolina Mudcats and the Cleveland Indians. The impact that Brookdale had on my life was tremendous; it shaped me up, and turned me into the man that I am today. I have a lovely wife, Heather, with our 3 kids Sierra, PJ, and Brooke. I currently own Gee Gees Pizzeria restaurant in Manasquan, NJ, with my best friend, my Father. While attending Brookdale, I made countless amount of friendships that I will never forget. Brookdale was an unbelievable experience and I know it has helped a lot of young men and women capture their dreams and goals."