One of the benefits of being a successful program is having top-talent choose to transfer to you when things don’t work out where they started. This is becoming the case for St. Joseph’s, who has been able to snag some talented players–Nick Girardi, Ryan Aloise, P.J Martino, Lou Doria and now Paul Britt–who chose to come home and play for the Golden Eagles.
Our reporter David Moskowitz had a chance to speak with him and here is the conversation….
You played high school baseball at St Anthony’s. What was it like to play there and play in the Catholic League?
I loved every second of it. Coach Phelan, Amendola, and Gemma were all great to me. My personal opinion is that the Catholic league is one of the top leagues on the island. The quality of players is tremendous and the way the schedule is set up helps promote rivalries.
You have played for quite a few travel organizations over the years. Any of them stand out?
The Breakers really stood out. Chris Weiss, Frankie Moscatiello, Andruw Gazzola, Aaron Floyd, and many more all played with me on that team and we won multiple tournaments against top ranked New York State Travel teams
In 2013 you won the Louisville Slugger award from Baseball Factory. What did it mean to you to win that award? What do you think makes you such a good hitter?
It meant a lot to me because a lot of great players have gone through that program and the fact that I stood out enough to win that award means that I did something right. My determination and work ethic have made me a great hitter. I am constantly working on my game and I dont think you will find many players who work harder than I do.
You were playing at Cortland and you ended up hurting your arm/needing Tommy John. You had the surgery but the recovery wasn’t smooth and so you stopped playing. How bad did it hurt physically and mentally to give up the game?
I was at Cortland and named the starting catcher. During throwdowns my UCL locked up and I found out I needed surgery. Took a huge mental toll because I was unable to help my teammates and Cortland went to the World Series. I could have been the starting catcher on the World Series team. I started rehab and my arm never comfortable, even a year after. It took a lot out of me to accept the fact that I couldnt play anymore. One of my buddies asked me to fill in last summer on his summer team. I showed up, played, and my arm felt great. I have continued my normal routine and have had no problems since.
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After your injury you went to Farmingdale and while there you coached at St Anthony’s. What was it like to contribute to your Alma matter and stay involved in the game?
I decided to go to Farmingdale to help save my parents money. I was an assistant coach for the freshman team and we won the championship. I loved coaching because I loved seeing a kid understand high-level baseball.
You are playing at St Joseph’s now. How did you get back into playing collegiately? Is your arm all the way back?
Coach Sully and I spoke about playing and he put me in touch with Coach Pars. I got a tour of the school and decided to give it a shot. I think my arm is back and better than ever. My pop time was 1.96 in the fall and I am getting more mechanically sound. Eager to see how much better I can get before the season starts.
St Joseph’s won the Skyline last year. The school did an excellent job recruiting and brought in a ton of talent which includes two former Dowling Players (Raucci & Piscitelli) a well regarded third baseman in Tyler Sanderson, and many more. Old Westbury also brought in some high level recruits and you can never count Farmingdale out. How far do you think this year’s team can go?
To be honest, from what I have seen in the fall, I think we can repeat as conference winners and we have a legit shot to go far in regionals. Anthony Bonilla, our transfers (a lot) will help lead the team and make us a deep team.
What is your long-term plan(s)? Do you think baseball will be a part of them?
I still have the desire and talent to be a part of baseball for a long time. Would love a shot at independent ball. Would love to be a head coach somewhere or just be involved anyway I can. Becoming a Pharmaceutical Rep is something that appeals to me after I graduate.
Any parting words for the readers?
Appreciate the game. It can be taken away at any second.
