Head Coach John Phelan told his team before the season last year, “We’ve finally arrived.”
They backed up the bravado by winning 14 games and coming within a run of forcing a game three against Kellenberg.
“We finished the season knowing with could compete against anyone,” said Phelan. “We caught up to these other teams.” Additionally, he feels the team matured by facing high-end pitcher such as Chris Cappas and Noah Lorenzo.
That team did graduate the CHSAA MVP in Matt Martino, who won six games on the hill and also smacked three home runs. They also graduated Connor Levchuk, who hit .340 last year. Both of them are currently playing ball at Vassar College.
“Those are two big bats we lost, but fortunately Cameron Tomaiko came into his own.”
The senior CF is committed to the University of Michigan. He said of Tomaiko, “he finally the let the athlete shine,” referring to his player’s development.
Coach Phelan is also high on his catcher Kyle LaGrutta, who is committed to St. Thomas Aquinas. He noted that he should be in the early consideration for Catcher of the Year. He will be protected in the lineup by Noah Fortuna. The New Haven-commit was forced to learn first base last year with a loaded outfield, but he will be returning to his natural position in right field. Starting in LF will be Jordan Rose.
“This outfield should be as good as–if not better than–last year,” he said. That is high praise considering he told us last year that it was the best outfield he’s ever had.
He is also glad to have versatility with Steven Rizzo, who can play multiple positions and he stated he needs to find a way to get his bat into the lineup. He also will be battling for the third spot in the rotation.
Speaking of the rotation, it will be headlined by junior Jared Restmeyer. He has been garnering interest from several high-end programs and he will be anchoring the rotation alongside 6’4″ Collin Keho and either Logan Vallas or Rizzo.
“With the new pitch counts, it change the way you have to approach it,” said Phelan.
They will be opening up conference play against St. Mary’s.
“It’s gonna be exciting,” said Phelan.
