Fordham-commit Jack Vallario (St. Anthony’s 2022) is the reigning CHSAA Player of the Year. Compiled OPS of 1.253. Pro potential pic.twitter.com/B8OnvFZl60
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 1, 2022
Led by the returning CHSAA Player of the Year, Jack Vallario, St. Anthony’s is looking to take a step forward in 2022. They were defeated in the first round of the playoffs by St. Dominic, but they have their sights set on taking a leap this season.
Vallario, a senior SS that is committed to Fordham University, is coming off an outstanding 2021 season that has earned him the respect of teammates and opposing players alike. Coach Paul Parsolano had high praise for his captain:
“I attach other infielders to him – they follow his lead,” said Parsolano, who took over for the Friars in late 2018. “He leads by example. He’s got that charisma. He rarely gets mad, rarely gets angry. His play speaks for itself. He’s as consistent as it comes. During practice, he kicked a couple balls last week since he’s breaking in a new glove. I texted him later that night and asked what he’s doing, he said just finished taking grounders for two hours. That’s why he is who he is.”
He slashed .405/.577/.676 with 2 HRs, 7 RBI, 14 runs, 13 BBs, and went 11-for-11 in steals. Most impressively, he batted a ridiculous .857 with two outs and runners in scoring position. He also committed zero errors during the regular season.
Another of their captains is Alex Celeiro. Parsolano stated that he’s “versatile, but will be in the lineup everyday – maybe in center.” He batted .275 last season and they’ll be counting on him to provide offense, strong defense and leadership. He is committed to St. Thomas Aquinas.
Their third captain is catcher Robbie Vitale. He is committed to Rollins College in Florida. Coach is confident in his abilities since he has played high-level travel ball in recent years.
A critical piece to their offense is senior 1B Taj Farmer. Coach has been impressed with how he’s looked and he led the team in RBIs last season with 10. He will bat in the middle of the order. Farmer will be attending a prep school next year.
Uncommitted 6’3 1B Taj Farmer (St. Anthony’s 2022) pic.twitter.com/2AEV9XgvOe
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 5, 2021
Senior OF Tom Napier was named All-League last season after batting .303. Coach noted that he made the team as the 4th or 5th OF but he made the most of his opportunity and just never stopped hitting and earned his starting role this season. Another Sr. OF is Quentin Vizza, who started last year and will likely do so again this year.
Second baseman Lance Berger is committed to Utica and he will likely start at 2B this season. Another potential impact player for them is Dom Gentile, who is a Division-I track star and runs a 6.98 55-meter dash.
Torin Kassembaum is a junior OF that led the JV team in hitting last season. They are hoping he translates that offense to the varsity level.
The one freshman on the team is catcher Phil Mazzola. Although he may be second on the depth chart to start the season, his massive power is impossible to ignore.
2025 C/2B Philip Mazzola (St. Anthony’s) Uses lower half well with quick hands through the zone. Drove the ball gap to gap. Peak EV 87MPH @TrackManBB @TeamFrancisco pic.twitter.com/9qbSpd23Jo
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) March 3, 2022
The pitching staff is led by 6’4 junior Jason DeCaro. He led the team in innings pitched last season with 25. They struck out 23 batters over those innings. Since that time, he has only improved. His fastball is up to 87-88 MPH and he should be one of the better pitchers in the league.
Junior Nick Pusinelli has a shot to be an impact guy in the rotation as well. His fastball is in the low to mid 80s.
LHP Declan Sullivan is a 6’5 southpaw that is committed to Hood College. He could be a lynch pin in the pitching staff if he reaches his potential.
Zach Dezinski is fully healthy after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Coach Parsolano noted that he could be a possibly closer for the team since he’ll sit in the low 80s and can command three pitches.
He also mentioned senior Louis Pizzileo and junior Chris Baer as pitchers that will see some innings.
While the team looks to be improved in 2022, the biggest positive development has been their influx of talent at the younger levels. They lost in the JVA Championship, won the freshman championship and their 2026 class is flat out impressive.
But first things first, they have a 2022 season to play and they will open up on March 28 against St. Dominic.
