by Andy Smith
2022 was a transitional year for St. Mary’s. Head Coach Christopher Estrada was hired beginning with the 2020 season. That season was abruptly canceled due to the pandemic. In 2021, the Gaels were not able to play a season, and instead just played three scrimmages. Following these tasking seasons, the Gaels finally completed their first season in almost five years last year.
Coach Estrada, a former college baseball athlete, made appearances at Monroe College, Coppin State, Missouri Western State University and even had a stint with the Indy Ball League (Desert League).
Estrada reflected on this challenging 3-year journey at St. Mary’s, and how he learned from it. “Last season was an introduction and learning experience for the players and staff, since it was the first time St Mary’s Baseball had a season since 2017. All first time coaches in the league, and with all first time players in the league, our team had 10 players split evenly between freshmen & sophomores.”
Estrada continued explaining the obstacles the young team faced. “It shows us, both staff and players, the difference between experienced and inexperienced ball players in this league. We have the talent to play, but lack that upperclassmen experience and grit that comes with playing in the league.”
Estrada added, “The class gap was a major obstacle. Everyone we play didn’t have a starting lineup or pitching rotation that included 9 players combination of freshmen or sophomores. However, we chose to play varsity over JV because as we say ‘to be the best, you have to play the best. Despite the obstacles and struggles, it was needed for all of us to know what to expect going forward.”
It was a learning experience for the Gaels, who finished with an 0-12 record and qualified as the 7th seed in the playoffs. This year’s team has the added advantage of size and service time. “Now this year we will have a varsity and a JV team”, said Estrada.
St. Mary’s did not graduate anyone in 2022, but did lose Miguel Sime Jr. as a transfer. The LSU-commit is now playing at Poly Prep.
Estrada mentioned three impact players who will all serve a role in the starting rotation and in the batter’s box. Edwin Diaz will serve as the ace for the Gaels in 2023. The current senior started a team high five games last season, and let just twenty runners on base. As a hitter, Diaz had a team high .324 AVG and recorded eleven hits.
Joining him will be fellow senior Jorge Rodriguez who will be featured on both sides of the ball. On the bump, Rodriguez had a 50% ground ball rate and only allowed one home run. As a batter, Rodriguez excelled with team highs in OBP and OPS with .469 and .869 respectively.
In addition, southpaw Todd Feurtado II will be a featured player on the mound. The current junior made two starts last season and gave up seven hits. Feurtado II will also see time in the outfield. Other options on the bump include closer Kyle Peña (senior) and freshman Aidan Savinon.
Estrada highlighted that the second base and shortstop spots are currently position battles with a number of players wanting to show their skills. Sophomore Jacob Severino and freshman Ryder Dougherty will be vying for time at second base. Severino tallied four hits in his freshman season, one being for extra bases. At shortstop, Rigo Mercedes (sophomore) and Thomas Galan (freshman) will be in the spotlight for the starting role.
Estrada also shined some spotlight on some freshman and first-year varsity players who could potentially leave their mark on the team in 2023. Ryder Dougherty (2B/SS) , Thomas Galan (INF/RHP), Anthony De Leon (C), Jadiel Rivera (C), Fabian Diaz (OF) and Aidan Savinon (1B/OF/RHP) could certainly make an impact. Sophomores Derek Mateo (3B/1B/RHP) and Ryan Ortega (C) are also part of this contributing group.
Despite the tough record, last season was a great learning experience, and now St. Mary’s is in much better shape to begin to build their program. “This year we should be winning games this season as we didn’t graduate anyone and gained impact transfers and freshmen that will only strengthen our team. With the experience we gained last year, we know what to expect.”
St. Mary’s will be in the CHSAA LI which features; Chaminade, St. Anthony’s, Kellenberg, Holy Trinity, St. John the Baptist, and St. Dominic’s. However, this season, CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens teams are in the league schedule for the Gaels in addition to their usual Long Island opponents. St. Mary’s will play Long Island schools on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Saturdays they will play schools from Queens and Brooklyn.
The Gaels take the diamond on March 28th against St. Dominic’s.
