Sacred Heart University

Restaino takes over the helm of the Sacred Heart Baseball program in 2017-18 after spending the last three seasons as Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator for the Pioneers. During his tenure, he helped the SHU secure its fourth Northeast Conference Championship in 2015 and reach the NEC Title game two out of three years.

Restaino came to Sacred Heart after serving as the hitting coach at Southern Connecticut State in 2014. Prior to his time at Southern Connecticut State, he was the head baseball coach at Fordham University for seven seasons after serving as an assistant for six. He has also had previous collegiate assistant coaching stints at Lehman College and Manhattan College.

In addition to coaching, Restaino established the Complete Player Baseball Academy in 2005. As the founder and primary camp director, he assists children in proper player development and improving their overall knowledge of the game of baseball.  

2019-20:

• Led the team to 6-7 overall record before the season was halted by the NEC
• Saw three players earn NEC weekly honors: Ryan LaMay - NEC Pitcher of the Week, Sam Mongelli - NEC Co-Rookie of the Week, Justin Jordan - NEC Prime Performer
• Saw a shut out game against Ball State 1-0 at the Swing and Swine Tournament in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.

2018-19:

• Clinched 10th spot in NEC Tournament in 11 years with a 11-13 record after defeating conference rival Bryant in extra innings 3-2
• As head coach, outfielder Justin Jordan earned four NEC Co-Rookie of the Week with a season fielding percentage 0.980
• Under his lead, two players earned NEC weekly honors: Cooper Thompson - NEC Pitcher of the Week, Isiah Daubon - NEC Player of the Week, Baylor Sundahl - NEC Pitcher of the Week

2017-18:

• He earned his first win as head coach in the season opener on February 23, 2017 at Norfolk State 9-4
• Coached freshman NEC Pitcher of the Week Cooper Thompson with his shutout performance against Big East member Villanova
• Coached one player to NEC weekly honors: Ryan LaMay - NEC Co-Rookie of the Week, Anthony Capozziello - NEC Player of the Week
• Under his leadership, senior Anthony Capozziello earned NEC Player of the Week and All-NEC Second Team
• In his first year with the Pioneers, he coached senior Dan Schock, who garnered NEC Player of the Week, All-NEC First Team and NEIBA All-New England Second Team

Coaching Accomplishments

• Five Pioneer hitters earned All-NEC accolades during his three seasons at SHU. 
• Helped Southern Connecticut State first-place finish in the NE-10 Southwest Division in 2014
• 2005 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year in his first season at Fordham
• Under his helm, the Rams registered a .590 winning percentage in Atlantic 10 play
• Led Fordham to the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament in four seasons, including a runner-up finish in 2007
• Overall, he compiled 196 victories at Fordham, including four over nationally ranked programs.
• Off the field, his team was recognized with the NCAA APR Public Recognition Award for academic progress six years in a row
• During his time as coach, he has seen 13 of his players drafted into Major League Baseball and, six more sign professional contracts.
• He has coached 14 All-Conference players, seven Louisville Slugger All-Americans, six ECAC All-Stars, and in 2008, one of his Fordham players led the NCAA in stolen bases.