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St. Mary’s Motivated to Take Next Step After Building Strong Foundation

Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series

by Ryan Manno

After a dramatic ending to last season, St. Mary’s enters the spring determined to prove it can compete with the best teams in the Catholic League. Head coach Chris Estrada believes the Gaels are continuing to build a strong foundation as a program, and the goal this year is simple: compete and earn a playoff spot.

“The biggest goal is to compete and get into the playoffs,” Estrada said.

Last season showed just how close the Gaels are to reaching that goal. St. Mary’s season ended in heartbreaking fashion in the playoffs against Holy Trinity when the Titans won on a walk off in extra innings in the tenth inning. While the loss was difficult, it also reinforced something important for the program.

“What it showed our guys is that what’s been working is the work and effort they are putting in,” Estrada said. “If we continue that, we will be able to compete in this league.”

The Gaels will move forward this season without the senior class that played a major role in helping rebuild the St. Mary’s baseball program. Catcher Ryan Ortega, now playing at the College of Staten Island, was a major leader both on and off the field. Estrada praised Ortega for the way he worked with the pitching staff and the example he set through his work ethic in the classroom, weight room, and on the field.

Rigo Mercedes (Felician University), Todd Feurtado III (Missouri) and Jacob Severino (CCBC Essex) also leave behind an important legacy. Mercedes, Feurtado III, and Severino were among the first players in the revived St. Mary’s program to spend four full years on varsity and helped attract other student athletes to the program.

While those departures leave big shoes to fill, St. Mary’s returns several players expected to lead the offense this spring.

Center fielder Fabian Diaz, committed to American International College, will once again be a catalyst for the Gaels. Diaz played in 25 games last season, scoring 16 runs and finishing with a strong .369 on base percentage. His ability to get on base and cover ground in center field makes him one of the team’s most valuable players.

“He commands ground out there,” Estrada said. “He will probably be anywhere from leadoff to fourth in the lineup.”

Shortstop Thomas Galan III is another key returning contributor. One of the program’s most consistent hitters over the past three seasons, Galan III finished last year with a .279 batting average, a .392 on base percentage, and a .492 slugging percentage. He recorded 17 hits, 16 RBIs, and 18 runs scored while appearing in 26 games. This season will also be his first as the primary shortstop following the graduation of Mercedes.

Outfielder Braelyn Grady is another player expected to produce offensively. Grady played in 23 games last year and hit .277 with a .386 on base percentage and a .447 slugging percentage. Known for his strong plate discipline and power potential, he consistently forces pitchers to work deep into counts.

“Braelyn has an incredible eye at the plate,” Estrada said. “He’s a true power guy and a strong kid.”

Noel Soto will also be competing for the starting catcher role while providing another bat in the lineup. Soto appeared in 19 games last season and finished with a .327 on base percentage, consistently finding ways to contribute offensively.

Beyond individual performances, the Gaels are focused on establishing a strong team identity built around accountability and work ethic.

“They want to be a close knit group that takes accountability,” Estrada said. “We will all have each other’s back. Same goal, same mission.”

On the mound, St. Mary’s will be led by Aidan Savinon, who emerged as one of the team’s most reliable pitchers last season. Savinon served as the team’s number two starter and delivered a standout performance in the playoff loss to Holy Trinity, throwing six innings of one run baseball.

The Gaels expect Savinon to take another step forward this season.

“We look to see him competing for one of the top pitchers in the Catholic League,” Estrada said.

Ryan Lawrence is another pitcher the coaching staff will be watching closely. After spending the past two seasons pitching on the junior varsity level, Lawrence will look to step into a role on the varsity staff and provide important innings.

Galan III could also play a role on the mound, potentially serving as a late game reliever who can shut down opposing lineups.

Much of the pitching staff’s success will depend on how younger players adjust to varsity competition.

“It depends on how the guys developed from the JV level,” Estrada said. “If their work ethic carries over into the spring, they will have a great season and that will be what takes us over the hump.”

Leadership will also play an important role as younger players step into larger roles. Estrada pointed to Galan III, Savinon, and Diaz as vocal leaders who understand what it takes to compete in the Catholic League.

“They know what the league and coaches expect,” Estrada said. “They help the younger guys understand how to compete so they can contribute right away.”

St. Mary’s will be tested immediately when the season begins. The Gaels open the year on the road against Kellenberg during the first week of the season, facing the defending Catholic League champions.

“That will test us right away,” Estrada said.

For the Gaels, the matchup provides an early opportunity to show they are ready to compete in the league.

“We want to be a team that people have to look out for,” Estrada said.

With returning talent, developing pitching, and strong leadership, St. Mary’s hopes this season will be the one where the Gaels turn a tough playoff loss into momentum and push their way back into the postseason.