Community mourns loss of Darrin Winston
Rutgers star, ex-MLB pitcher was also a pillar in Millstone youth sports
BY JANE MEGGITT Staff Writer

Darrin Winston (back row, center) with the Mudhens and the rest of the team's coaches, Don Gasparo (l-r), Rob Faber, Al Morrone and Mike Turner.

The local sports community is reeling from the unexpected death of Darrin Winston, a local youth baseball and football coach and dedicated family man.

Winston, 42, died Aug. 15 at CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, just days after being diagnosed with leukemia. He is survived by his wife, Jerilyn, six children and one grandchild.

A former professional baseball player, Winston played two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and four seasons with the Somerset Patriots. He was also a member of the Rutgers University Hall of Fame for his outstanding athletic accomplishments.

Mike Turner, a friend of Winston's who coached youth baseball with him, said that although Winston was an accomplished athlete, he made everyone feel equal to him.

"He was a good, good soul," Turner said, adding that Winston always had his kids with him.

Turner said Winston worked with all of the kids on the Mudhens team and made them feel special.

Although he didn't look well on the Wednesday night before he went into the hospital, Winston came out to coach practice, Turner said. After practice ended at 8:45 p.m. it was dark outside, but Winston continued to play with his 16-year-old son, Jake, who would be going to football camp.

"He thought of his kids before he thought of himself," Turner said, calling his friend "selfless."

Turner said that while he knew Winston had been a professional baseball player, he didn't find out that his friend held Rutgers career records for victories (26), innings pitched (278) and complete games (22) until he read the obituary.

Turner said Winston was a "regular guy" who didn't wear his athletic accomplishments on his sleeve. In the five years they were friends, Turner never knew Winston to speak badly of anyone or get mad at anybody, he said.

"He was great at inspiring people and kids," he said.

Bev Hetrick recalled that Winston gave baseball lessons to kids all over the area. She said he influenced local children of all ages.

According to Hetrick, Winston did everything he could for his family and was always helping his friends.

"He made time for everyone," she said.

Millstone Eagles Pop Warner President Fiore Masci coached with Winston at the Pee Wee level a few years ago, and recalled asking him where he grew up. Masci expected Winston to say he came from a farm in Kentucky or another place in the South because he was "such a nice, good hearted and beautiful person."

"When he then said very simply, Edison, N.J., I responded back loudly Edison, N.J.?" Masci said.

Masci continued, "With an odd look but with that smile only Darrin would have, he said, 'Yeah, Edison. Why, where did you think I'm from?' I told him from some farm down South and we both just laughed!"

Masci said, "I never expected someone who grew up in this area to be so kind, caring and compassionate."

Masci also remembered Winston as being a great teacher who would always take the time with kids having difficulties learning something from the coaches.

"Darrin, simply put, represented what all of us should be as a human being," Masci said. "He will be deeply missed by all of us in the community."

Mike Henry met Winston when their sons became friends playing on the same baseball and football teams. He said he spoke to Winston nearly every day.

Henry recalled that Winston never seemed to get tired, even though he had a large family, coaching duties and a construction business.

"He could do anything," Henry said, recalling that Winston built his own house, including a basketball court and pool for his kids.

Henry called Winston "an amazing, godly man" who knew the Bible well and often quoted Scripture. Henry said he would be happy to be half the man his friend was, and that Winston was a great example of how to live.

"Since he died, the world seems dark," Henry said.

A fundraiser for the Winston family is planned for Aug. 29 at the Clarksburg Inn. Donations payable to the Winston Family Trust may be sent to The Winston Family Trust, c/o Bev Hetrick, 10 Ella Drive, Millstone, NJ 08510.