Former Baseball Assistant Appointed Head MHS Coach

Mike Nestor, recently appointed to the head baseball coach position at Medford High, is pictured with last year’s baseball team after the Mustangs’ victory over Malden Catholic.

– Allison Goldsberry

He hung up his cleats last year after thirteen seasons and twelve years as assistant baseball coach, but the MHS baseball program was not quite ready to let Mike Nestor go, as he has been appointed as the team’s head coach.

Coach Nestor was selected to replace varsity coach Nick Tucci, who recently stepped down as head coach.

Tucci, who was coached by Nestor when he was a Mustang baseball player about a decade ago, had nothing but praise for the incoming head coach.

“Coach Nestor is a quality baseball mind that has made a positive impact on the baseball players in the city of Medford for the past 10 years. He was a true asset as my top assistant coach during my tenure as the Head Coach at Medford High School. I wish Coach Nestor and the Mustangs luck in the coming years,” said Tucci.

Nestor said he is both nervous and excited to build on the strong foundation established by Tucci and former coach Paul Mattatall. He plans on building good relationships with his team members and teaching them how to work hard to reach their goals.

“I think we can do well. I’m excited to get going,” said Coach Nestor.

Medford Athletic Director Bob Maloney is pleased to have Nestor continue the success of the baseball program.

“We are thrilled to have Mike Nestor remain part of the Mustang Family. Mike has earned his stripes and is well respected in the Medford baseball community. I am extremely confident Mike will build on Coach Tucci’s successes and keep our baseball program going in the right direction. I look forward to working with Coach Nestor and want to thank Coach Tucci for all of his hard work in getting our baseball program back on the map and wish Nick nothing but good luck in his future endeavors,” said Maloney.

Nestor, a 1995 vocational school graduate and GBL All-Star catcher who began coaching in 1997, retired last season as a high school coach so he could spend more time with his three sons and help with their baseball teams. He consulted with his fiancée , Erin, and his father, Kenneth, as well as his sons, Mikey, Shawn, and Logan before making his decision, and he said the smiles on his kids’ faces told him all he needed to know.

“Even at their age they know being a head coach is something that their Dad wanted,” said Nestor, who gives his family much credit for their “amazing support.”

Mustang baseball fans can expect to see Nestor’s children cheering on the team and serving as bat boys next spring.

Nestor said he plans on “bringing a new level of energy, excitement, and having fun” to the team. He wants his team members to feel comfortable to talk to him about anything but also wants them to earn their success by working hard. He said he will treat all of the players fairly and there will be no special treatment for “superstars.”

“Kids who work hard, train hard, and play hard will have a spot on the team,” said Nestor.

He also said he won’t tolerate poor grades, poor sportsmanship, or a poor attitude.

“There’s no spot for that at MHS,” he said.

Nestor said he has a strong returning team and he will meet with them sometime next week.