The Edison Township Board of Education plans to approve a resolution to retire the jersey number 24 in honor of the late James “Diamond Jim” Muldowney, a beloved figure in the Edison community and a legendary baseball coach at Edison High School.
Muldowney, an Edison High School graduate and dedicated educator, served the district for nearly four decades in various roles, including teacher, athletic director, and supervisor of physical education and health. However, it was his remarkable tenure as the Edison High School baseball coach from 1988 to 2000 that solidified his legacy.
Under Muldowney’s leadership, the Edison Eagles baseball team achieved unprecedented success, amassing a remarkable 275-75 record and capturing 24 total championships, including 10 Red Division titles, 7 GMC Tournaments, 5 Central Jersey Group 4 titles, and 2 Overall Group 4 titles. His teams consistently demonstrated excellence, winning 20 or more games in 10 consecutive seasons.
Widely regarded as the greatest high school baseball coach in Middlesex County history, Muldowney’s impact extended far beyond the diamond. He instilled in his players the values of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship, shaping them into not just successful athletes but also responsible and upstanding individuals.
To memorialize Muldowney’s extraordinary contributions, the Board of Education has resolved to retire his jersey number 24 across all Edison High School athletic teams that utilize uniform numbers. A special ceremony will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, during halftime of the Edison High School home football game, where a copy of the resolution will be presented to the Muldowney family.
This gesture serves as a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the students, families, and staff of the Edison Public School District will forever be remembered. Coach Muldowney’s number 24 will forever hang in the rafters, a symbol of his enduring legacy and an inspiration to future generations of Edison Eagles.
