Mueller Notches 300th Win as Cougars Down Bernards, Reflects on Coaching Journey
Nicholas Mistretta
MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent
Montgomery High School varsity baseball coach Pete Mueller earned his 300th career victory on Friday with a 7–3 win over Bernards High School, marking a milestone nearly three decades in the making. The Cougars’ victory was not only a testament to their steady play on the field, but a celebration of Mueller’s long-standing impact on the program and its players.
In his 28th year of coaching—four as a junior varsity coach under Zorin Milich and 24 as varsity head coach—Mueller has become a cornerstone of Montgomery athletics, guiding the Cougars through both championship seasons and rebuilding years with equal focus and commitment. Off the field, Mueller teaches TV and Radio at Montgomery High School, bringing the same energy and mentorship into the classroom.
Montgomery Headline News caught up with Coach Mueller over the weekend for a wide-ranging conversation full of insight, humor, and humility.
A Long Road from Win No. 1
When asked if he remembered his first career win, Mueller didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely,” he said. “It was 2012, a 9-8 win over Delaware Valley. Very stressful it was. We had a lot of new players on the squad. Walt Walker was their coach. We became good friends, and after his retirement, he became my pitching coach.”
As for the idea of reaching 300 wins, Mueller admitted it wasn’t something he ever imagined.
“Absolutely not. Furthest thing from my mind,” he said. “In the beginning, you’re in survival mode. You’re ready, but you’re not really ready. I had four years of JV experience, but it took years to really understand what it takes. At first, you think winning is everything—but I was missing the boat. It’s about getting the kids ready.”
Adapting with Time
Mueller spoke candidly about how his coaching approach has evolved over time.
“Experience results in changes. Perspective results in changes. Aging,” he said with a laugh. “It’s trial and error. You learn it’s not about egos. You learn to look for what worked and what didn’t for each kid. How do we help this one or that one? All kids are different.”
He credits mentors like Zorin Milich and Mike Girvan, and says the path to becoming a coach wasn’t linear.
“I actually started coaching soccer,” Mueller noted. “It’s been a journey.”
Still Going Strong
When asked about retirement, Mueller chuckled.
“I’m Tier 1, so technically I could retire anytime,” he admitted. “But that thought is far from my mind. I’ve got two kids in college and one still in high school. I’m not going anywhere.”
Advice for Future Coaches
Asked what advice he’d offer a young coach just starting out, Mueller shared words born of experience.
“Try everything. Experiment. Be yourself. It’s about personality. Be stern, laugh with them. In order for you to do well, you need to understand—it’s about them.”
Pride and Perspective
Mueller shied away from any focus on personal accolades, even when asked about the pride Cougar alumni feel about the program’s legacy.
“I never really thought about that,” he said. “I mean, I would get texts from the likes of John Rooney—colleague and alum—expressing his gratitude and pride for what we have done. But honestly, I never gave that much thought. I’m not doing this for accolades.”
He was quick to credit his assistant coaches over the years, praising their dedication and willingness to improve.
“They study, go to clinics, talk to other coaches. It all adds up,” Mueller said. “I’ve been fortunate to have incredible staff with me every step of the way.”
Photo Credit: Nick Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com