ROB YURMAN, JOHN JAY ‘81
Robert Yurman played baseball at CUNY’s John Jay College for Criminal Justice from 1977-80. A right-handed pitcher for legendary head coach Lou DeMartino, the Bloodhounds won the CUNYAC title three consecutive seasons from 1977-79. In ’78, Yurman set the Division III record for earned run average (ERA) in a season at 0.75. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Criminal Justice (‘81) and his Master’s (MPA) in Public Administration (‘97). For over twenty years, Yurman has been working at the College of Staten Island, where he is currently the Associate Director of Public Safety. He also teaches literacy for the Continuing Education department at CSI.
“Rob and I came in as freshmen together in 1976, we quickly became very good friends, Rob was also a great teammate. He always but the team before himself, even when he had to skip a turn in the starting rotation, he never complained. He had and still has a tremendous sense of humor in any situation. People appreciate that. We remain great friends to this day,”
Bob Mulligan, Yurman’s teammate, who was drafted out of John Jay by the Minnesota Twins and is the current head coach at Monsignor Farrell High School.
Q: What inspired you to play college athletics?
RY: I followed in the footsteps of my good friend Robert Turbiak who was playing hockey for John Jay and convinced me that JJC needed good players. I enrolled in JJC to play hockey and earn a degree so that I could attain a career in law enforcement. The hockey team soon disbanded and I asked Coach Lou DeMartino if I could try out for the baseball team. Baseball was, and still is, my favorite sport.
Q: How did you decide upon attending John Jay?
Rob Yurman: I enrolled at JJC to get a degree in Criminal Justice and make a career out of law enforcement. I also had a few close friends who were older and loved the school.
Q: Can you tell us a single standout moment, while you were in college?
RY: I can give you many, on and off the field, but here’s two that stand out. I remember our first CUNY Championship in 1977, I pitched against CSI in the last game of the season to clinch the title. Our Florida trips were infamous, but I remember our star pitcher Bob Mulligan beating Miami Dade College. The Dade team members were shocked!
Q: Tell us about your greatest athletic achievement or game, and why it still impacts you today?
RY: At the time, I think it was my sophomore year, I held the record for earned run average in DIII with a 0.75 ERA. It was broken by Mr. Mulligan the next year. He recorded a 0.54 and was drafted by the Minnesota Twins. However, my greatest achievement was surviving the Florida trips.
Q: How would you sum up the influence your college coaches have made on your life?
RY: I would simply say that it was the happiest four years I’ve ever spent in any school. My experiences and friendships have lasted to this day. Coach DeMartino was my second father. He gave us a lot of leash, but expected all of us to work hard and give our absolutely best effort. He supported us in school and always kept in touch with us after I graduated. When I entered the masters program, I made a point to visit Lou every chance I got. When he passed in 2002, I was devastated!
Q: Talk about being on a team, and the relationships it fosters. Do you still keep up with your old teammates?
RY: Yes, a large group of us meet annually at the Lou DeMartino memorial dinner. We golf regularly and call each other constantly. My teammates are really my soulmates. I truly love those guys!
Q: Do you find difficulty keeping up with baseball, now that your focus is on your career?
RY: I watch a lot of CSI games: Baseball, basketball and Softball. I know all of our coaches and have a good rapport with all Sports and Recreation personnel. I help organize basketball, softball and other special events at CSI. I love athletics!
Q: What would you say to current student-athletes, as they look forward to their next chapter in life?
RY: Have fun, get school-serious and you must complete a degree. CUNY is the best bang for the buck! We have a great faculty, excellent facilities and a supportive and dedicated staff. Being an athlete is great for the mind and body but it does not make you a complete person. At some point, you must make a career decision and always ask questions of others while seeking help. Never do everything alone.
Q: What led you to your current career path?
RY: JJC groomed me for a career in law enforcement and when I graduated I was on every civil service list as well as being sought after by certain federal agencies. When an internship opened up at CSI, I accepted the position. I was called for some of the civil service positions but accepted a permanent position at the College. I am ever grateful that I did, I’ve been here since. I love it here!
Q: How did being a student-athlete help you in your career or personal life?
RY: I still play hoops twice a week, hockey once a week and starting May, intramural softball once a week. I also golf as much as I can squeeze in. Even though I’m much older, playing sports makes me feel younger. I’m always around student-athletes so why not act like them and compete with them.
Q: As an alumnus, do you keep up with John Jay?
RY: Not as much as I should, only because my life has shifted to CSI. I do see my teammates often and Bloodhounds Head Baseball Coach Dan Palumbo when he comes to our campus. I attend Lou’s dinner annually, it’s the least I can do.
Q: Can you tell us your final thoughts about your experience as a student-athlete?
RY: It was my best four years in any institution! I talk to CSI coaches and tell them that if it wasn’t for Lou and the baseball program I would not have graduated and would have entered the work force. I am truly indebted to CUNY, JJC and CSI for a great education and the chance to live the life I presently have. My experiences and memories are many and I would not have traded it for anything else.
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