In 31 years as head coach at Seton Hall (1973-2003), Mike Sheppard recorded 28 winning seasons and 27 postseason berths, highlighted by 15 Big East Tournament appearances. He was named the Big East Coach of the Year three times (1985, 1987 and 1989), and guided the Pirates to the conference tournament title in 1987. Sheppard's squads reached the NCAA Tournament 12 times while he led Seton Hall to appearances in the College World Series in 1974 and 1975.
Under Sheppard's tutelage, the Pirates won 20 or more games 30 times, 30 or more games 22 times, and 40 or more games five times. He holds a career record of 998-540-11 and ranks in the top 75 on the list of NCAA's all-time winningest coaches (by victories).
During his tenure, more than 80 Seton Hall players have gone on to sign professional contracts, with 30 of them moving on to play in the major leagues. He coached John Valentin to a fifth-round draft pick plus eight first round draft picks that consisted of such stars as Craig Biggio, Rick Cerone, Jason Grilli, Matt Morris and Mo Vaughn.
In 1989, Sheppard was honored as a "Giant Steps" Award winner by the Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sports Society. In addition to being inducted into the Seton Hall University Hall of Fame in 1996 and having his jersey number 17 retired on in 2004, he earned the McQuaid Medal in 1990 which is an award given for 20 years of academic and athletic service to the Seton Hall community.
Though currently retired from coaching baseball, Sheppard remains active in the Seton Hall community as the Head Coach Emeritus, while also continuing his duties as the Chairman of Essex County American Legion Baseball, a post held since 1983, and the Commissioner of Atlantic Baseball Confederation Collegiate League.
