MONTCLAIR – Every so often, Matt Parish gets a weird feeling when he’s out on the pitcher’s mound. Instead of thinking like the New Jersey Jackals starter he is, Parish is acting like a coach.

But that’s not too surprising, since Parish is the Mendham pitching coach as well — at least until it’s time for him to leave to chase his own baseball dream.

He got ready for his own season, which actually started in Joplin, Missouri, by throwing to the Minutemen. Most haven’t had much success stepping into the batter’s box against their assistant coach. But Mendham’s pitchers have benefited from Parish’s tutelage, even part time. When Parish has to go, assistant coach Jay Cook takes over calling pitches.

While settling in with the Jackals, Parish has gotten used to leaving tickets for hometown friends and family. He estimated about 15 people came to see one of his earlier starts. Most of the Mendham players haven’t made it to Yogi Berra Stadium yet, but head coach Brad Wetzel is trying to get a group together.

“He’s baseball, baseball, baseball. That’s all he is. He’s really into it,” Wetzel said. “He’s still living the dream of trying to get to that next level. … It shows the kids this is what it takes to be that good.”

That “baseball, baseball, baseball” sentiment echoed exactly what Parish said, dating his own dream of becoming a pro ballplayer back to age 4. A Morristown graduate, Parish started in late coach Harry Shatel’s last win before retirement, the 2006 NJSIAA Group III final when he was a sophomore.

Parish pitched at UNC-Greensboro and Belmont Abbey, then played “a couple of months in a league in Ohio that doesn’t exist anymore.” While on a barnstorming tour with the Ridgewood-based Black Sox last year, Parish pitched against the Joplin Blasters — and got signed that night.

He went 2-4 with a 7.22 ERA in 67.1 innings for Joplin last year, appearing in 20 games while starting 11. Parish appeared in eight games for Joplin this season before being released on June 15. He called former Blasters teammate Matt Padgett, now the Jackals’ hitting coach, and was invited to throw in the bullpen.

It went well, and Parish fit in with his new team — but he didn’t have a clear role immediately. With an opening in the rotation, Jackals pitching coach Anthony Claggett called on Parish, “the guy who was fresh.”

Added Claggett: “The biggest thing is he knows the kind of pitcher he is. He knows he’s not an overpowering guy, so he’s not going to try to throw it past you. He knows what he has to do to get outs. I think that’s why he’s successful.”

Throwing a fastball, split-fingered changeup and curve, Parish is 2-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 25.2 innings with New Jersey, third among active pitchers. His first five appearances all resulted in Jackals wins, with the only loss, 4-3, at Sussex County on Sunday. The Miners, including former Randolph righty starter Michael Suk, infielder John Brucker of Sparta and former Pope John catcher Alex DeBellis of Kinnelon, visit Montclair for a weekend series.

“I’m very comfortable, very happy here,” Parish said. “It’s nice to be at home and get to play.”

Staff Writer Jane Havsy: 973-428-6682; jhavsy@gannettnj.com; www.dailyrecord.com/writerjane/