by Mike Guido
2016 Record: 31-23 (East Regional Appearance)
Key Additions: Dominic Danetti (LHP), Luciano Morrello (RHP), Sean Hogan (C), James Messina (RHP), Anthony Vano (RHP), Matt Imbrogno (INF), Patrick Kennedy (RHP), Jake Saltzman (OF), Justyn Crisostomo (3B)
Key Losses: Nick Gonchar (RF), Deilyn Guzman (RHP)
After putting up a program-record 31-wins and earning the No. 6 overall seed in the East Region bracket of the NCAA Tournament last season, a heavily battle-tested Molloy team looks to do much of the same in 2017–if not better. With an overwhelming majority of last season’s roster returning including a loaded freshman class, success for this program looks imminent.
Molloy has eight out of their starting nine returning in 2017 including ECC Player of the Year and Baseball on the Island MVP, Angelo Navetta, who hit .372 with three home runs and 34 RBI. Their rotation is not lagging behind–with a three-headed monster of Ron Bauer, Bobby Kelly, and Anthony Catinella.
They are also expected to have a strong infield given that all of last year’s starters have returned including Mike Rahn and Brian Murphy manning the middle with Angelo Navetta and Kevin Podell holding down the corners. Podell is a player that should be watched throughout the year. After coming off of a season where he hit .343 with 26 RBI’s and drew 28 walks, he should be a key to the team’s success.
The outfield has two returning starters manning left field and center field in seniors Anthony Galanoudis and Anthony Alberghina. Alberghina is a player that will be looked upon to contribute heavily to Molloy’s run production as he led the team with 37 RBI last season. Right field is the only question mark left for this team with the graduating of Nick Gonchar. Despite that, the production at the position should not take a backseat as the options competing for the spot have produced well in previous years. Elijah Leerdam hit .324 in 74 at-bats with 19 RBI’s last season while standing at 6’4” and 225 lbs. Others fighting for the spot are Austin Nieves, Joe Nastasi, and freshman Jake Saltzman–who all have track records of success.
They will be relying on a veteran staff that has proven they can succeed at this level. Ron Bauer, who posted a 7-3 record with a 2.26 ERA and a .187 BAA last season, will take the ball on Opening Day. Bobby Kelly–who had an ace-level season last year–and Anthony Catinella head a deep starting rotation. Also returning are two veteran relievers that will contribute heavily coming out of the bullpen in Lucas Burton and left-hander, Sean Klotsche. Additionally, the team added five arms from outside the program to bring in extra depth to the already strong staff.
Taking a look at the freshman class for Molloy, catcher Sean Hogan out of Holy Trinity, should be a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses. He played four years of varsity ball, while also earning Catcher of the Year and an All-Long Island spot in his senior year. James Messina and Saltzman could be making solid contributions as well.
According to Coach Joe Fucarino, who is in his 12th season as Molloy’s head coach, his team’s biggest strength would have to be the experience of his team and the leadership of his players. He then goes on to say that the team he has this season is, “deeper than we’ve ever been.”
After tasting success in their previous campaign, expect Molloy to be hungry for more in 2017.
