George Lopata

Saugus HS Head Coach

Is it true that when you pass away, they are going to bury you in the quad on the Saugus campus?

Some people like to say that because I take great pride in my alma mater. I guess I take it a bit personal when people bad mouth our school or have something negative to say about Saugus. I had many wonderful memories at Saugus High. I am married to my high school sweetheart, my two best friends who I played baseball with in high school live within a half of a mile from my house and I owe everything I am today to the teachers and coaches I had while I attended Saugus. To say I care deeply about Saugus is true but to say I will be buried in the quad is false. There will simply be too much concrete in the quad by the time I go.

 

As a lifelong Centurion, describe how it feels to take over the baseball program at your alma mater?

It is a very exciting time for me. I realize now how much I learned as a high school athlete and a baseball player at Saugus. The lessons learned on the field at Saugus were priceless and can’t always be taught in a classroom; how to handle success and adversity, how to handle pressure, how to have people count on you and how to rely on others. Now, as the head coach at Saugus, I can pass along to the players what I learned. I can also watch young men grow from their experiences on the diamond and hopefully they obtain the same passion I have about Saugus Baseball. That is what I cherish the most, the chance to help mold these young men into something their parents can be proud of.

 

Has it been difficult balancing family life with coaching responsibilities?

Luckily, I have a very supportive wife. When I took this job, I knew it would be time consuming but I had no idea really what it entailed. I have to do a good job of taking care of myself and knowing when I get home from the field that there is a second job waiting for me. I just can’t let myself get tired and realize that the sixty kids in the program depend on me but nothing like my daughter and wife do. I am learning to manage my time but there is no room for error as a father. I must always keep that in mind.

 

Besides silver and blue, are there any better colors than the green and yellow of the Green Bay Packers?

Absolutely not. The Green Bay Packers are by far the greatest sports franchise in sports. And they are led by the greatest competitor and teammate in sports today, Brett Favre. Leader is defined in the dictionary as, “One who or that which goes ahead or in advance. One who acts as a guiding force; commander.” You try and tell me there is a better leader than Brett Favre. Plus, you attend a Packer game in Lambeau, and you’re over-taken by the passion the fans display for their team. It is awesome.

 

What is the best sports book you’ve ever read?

I have read books on Favre, Lou Holtz, Joe Paterno, Ted Williams and many others. But my favorite would have to be Bill Parcells Finding A Way To Win. I appreciate the way he could motivate an average player to be great and a great player to want to be even better. His players understand and respect his tough love. He is a great coach.

 

If you’re drafting a major league all star team made up of current players, who are your starting nine?

My lineup would go something like this:

C Jason Variteck. I think his leadership qualities and toughness speak for itself.

1B Albert Pujols. Power to all fields and can hit for average.

2B David Eckstein. I know he plays SS but I would move him to second for this squad. I love the little guy. He proves you do not have to be 6’2” to be a successful major leaguer. He defies the odds.

SS Derek Jeter. This hurts but you can’t ignore the knack this guy has to make the great play or get the big hit. I am not a Yankee fan but this guy would give this team the best chance to win. Your welcome Fogel.

3B Michael Jack Schmidt would come out of retirement. He was my favorite player growing up.

RF Vlad Guerrero. Five tool player.

CF Tori Hunter. My team would have to have fun while playing the game. I love it when he is on the Best Damn Sports Show. Plus, he can play a little.

LF Jimmy Edmonds. He would move from CF to left. Nobody plays harder.

SP Curt Schilling. His post season performance this year speaks for itself.

 

What is your most memorable baseball moment?

My most memorable baseball moments were everyday I had the opportunity to take the field with my friends at Saugus. To be shoulder to shoulder with guys I really cared about was very special. For four years in high school, I went to battle with some of the greatest guys in the world. Plus, WE WERE VERY SUCCESSFUL!

 

What do you look for in a high school baseball player?

I do not always look for the obvious things like speed, strength or size. I try to find in each kid that plays at Saugus something that will be beneficial to the team. Can this guys help us and in what situation? I want kids that are unselfish, buy into the team concept, and that realize that the SC on their jersey is an identifying symbol that means to people throughout the community that inside that jersey is a kid that will compete like hell. I want loyal players that enjoy pressure and care about their teammates as well as the program.

 

Describe the experience coaching with the likes of Burrill, Priske, Fogel and Smock?

It was great. It was a tremendous blow for our school to lose you guys. I learned a ton from Casey. He had so much on his plate but always seemed to find a way to get it done. Snake was a very organized coach and did wonders for our pitchers. Fogel and Smock were ex-Centurions who always had fun and understood the game of baseball. I am sure Fogel will run his own program one day and Smock will be his right hand man. Although, I do not miss the word “Night.”

 

Hypothetically speaking of course, say Lopata and friends are heading to Palm Springs for a big weekend with the boys, what tunes are bumping in the stereo?

We would have to begin with some Pearl Jam. That would be followed by some good old-fashioned AC/DC. Finally, to prepare for a long weekend, hypothetically, would be some original Beastie Boys.

 

Did the Angels do the right thing by suspending Jose Guillen for conduct detrimental to the team? Or should they have reinstated him like the Dodgers did with Milton Bradley?

I agree with the suspension of Guillen. Nobody really knows what went on but the 25 guys in the clubhouse and the coaching staff. He obviously was disrupting the team and he had to go. On the other hand, Bradley never lashed out at coaches or players. He was full of fire and I think every successful team needs a player like him. Bradley should learn from his mistake though. Next time someone throws a beer to you and you’re at least 21 years old, drink it, don’t throw it back.

 

If you could attend any rivalry game in any sport, what event would you go to?

I would say Yankees/Red Sox but that rivalry is over. The Yankees are done. So, I would say a game at Lambeau Field featuring the Packers and anyone.