<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>St. Mary's Archives - Axcess Baseball</title> <atom:link href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/tag/st-marys/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/tag/st-marys/</link> <description></description> <lastBuildDate>Sun, 28 Jan 2024 09:52:37 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <image> <url>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/cropped-x-icon-32x32.jpg</url> <title>St. Mary's Archives - Axcess Baseball</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/tag/st-marys/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>St. Mary’s Poised to Take Step Forward in Year 3</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2024/01/28/st-marys-poised-to-take-step-forward-in-year-3/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=st-marys-poised-to-take-step-forward-in-year-3</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vinny Messana]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sun, 28 Jan 2024 09:52:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2024 Season Previews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chris Estrada]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Max Edelman]]></category> <category><![CDATA[St. Mary's]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.axcessbaseball.com/?p=50062</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>by Max Edelman Just three seasons after restarting their baseball program, the St. Mary’s Gaels look to finally establish themselves in the Catholic League. After restarting their baseball program in 2022, the Gaels, led by head coach Chris Estrada, who is entering his third year with the team, were forced to rebuild from the ground up. Despite finishing 2023 with a 2-14 record in the CHSAA, and a 9-14 record overall, Estrada was able to find the progress his team and players made. “Last season, I think the kids got a better sense of being in the catholic league.” Estrada said. “How strong it is, how competitive it is, how many top prospects there are whether they are going DI or possibly getting looked at to get drafted. The kids had a second year to get adjusted to it, and the record isn’t an indication of the progress.” When St Mary’s restarted their baseball team again, they were consisted of underclassmen. Two years later, St. Mary’s is finally reaping the rewards for what Estrada calls their first real “senior class.” “This is our first year having a senior class.” Estrada said. “So that’s going to make a big difference overall. The past few years, we’ve had mostly freshman, sophomores and juniors. This is the first year we’re going to have six seniors on the field.” Estrada pointed out the pitching staff as an area that has the potential to be a major part of the team. One of those seniors who is likely to make a big impact for the Gaels this year is pitcher Kyle Pena. “Kyle will probably be leading the staff.” Estrada said. “He will make a big difference and has grown a lot.” Arelius Vandrell, while a senior, is new to the Gaels. After sitting out last season following his transfer to St. Mary’s, Vandrell is finally able to make an impact on the mound. Rounding out the key pitchers for the Gaels is junior Missouri-commit Todd Feurtado. Feurtado, along with Vandrell and Pena, solidified what should be an experienced and effective pitching staff for the Gaels. LHP Todd Feurtado (St. Mary’s 2025) commits to the University of Missouri pic.twitter.com/a7OZi9nXRH — Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 12, 2023 St. Mary’s has also developed a very strong bullpen. Estrada pointed out several players who should feature for the Gaels out of the pen this year. “We’ll have good strength on the pitching side with our back of the bullpen.” Estrada said. “With guys like Edwin Diaz, Aaron Diaz and Jorge Rodriguez. Those guys have been pitching in the league for a while are definitely going to be able to understand and compete with the batters. The pitching is definitely going to make a big difference for us this year.” While St. Mary’s is benefiting from experience for the first time since rejoining the Catholic League, they are not taking any focus away from developing underclassmen. “I think we are still so youthful.” Estrada said. “I think guys like Thomas Galan, who is a sophomore. Guys like Ryder Dougherty, who’s also a sophomore, should make a difference. Fabian Diaz, who’s a sophomore now, played as a freshman. All three of them got some playing time on varsity last year, so this year they should definitely make that stride to make a big impact on the varsity team.” When discussing what coach Estrada believes will be the biggest strengths of his team this season, Estrada touted his team’s pitching and defense as their biggest strength. Estrada cited players such as Rico Mercades, Derek Mateo and Samuel Hernandez as players he expects to be big difference-makers on the field. Estrada also has high hopes for the Gaels offense this year. “If our offense can move runners over, play small ball and steal bases, that will give us a lot of help.” Estrada said. “Winning close games, winning 5-3 games, 2-3 games, 1-0 games depending on our pitching and our defense. We definitely want to grow on the hitting side, but we are definitely excited to see how our pitching and our defense keep us in games.” St Mary’s will open their season against Cathedral Prep in March. 14.  </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2024/01/28/st-marys-poised-to-take-step-forward-in-year-3/">St. Mary’s Poised to Take Step Forward in Year 3</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>by Max Edelman</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just three seasons after restarting their baseball program, the <strong>St. Mary’s</strong> Gaels look to finally establish themselves in the Catholic League. After restarting their baseball program in 2022, the Gaels, led by head coach <strong>Chris Estrada</strong>, who is entering his third year with the team, were forced to rebuild from the ground up. Despite finishing 2023 with a 2-14 record in the CHSAA, and a 9-14 record overall, Estrada was able to find the progress his team and players made. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Last season, I think the kids got a better sense of being in the catholic league.” Estrada said. “How strong it is, how competitive it is, how many top prospects there are whether they are going DI or possibly getting looked at to get drafted. The kids had a second year to get adjusted to it, and the record isn’t an indication of the progress.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When St Mary’s restarted their baseball team again, they were consisted of underclassmen. Two years later, St. Mary’s is finally reaping the rewards for what Estrada calls their first real “senior class.”</span><img decoding="async" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-50054" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/StormLightningLogo.jpg" alt="" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is our first year having a senior class.” Estrada said. “So that’s going to make a big difference overall. The past few years, we’ve had mostly freshman, sophomores and juniors. This is the first year we’re going to have six seniors on the field.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Estrada pointed out the pitching staff as an area that has the potential to be a major part of the team. One of those seniors who is likely to make a big impact for the Gaels this year is pitcher <strong>Kyle Pena</strong>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Kyle will probably be leading the staff.” Estrada said. “He will make a big difference and has grown a lot.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>Arelius Vandrell,</strong> while a senior, is new to the Gaels. After sitting out last season following his transfer to St. Mary’s, Vandrell is finally able to make an impact on the mound. Rounding out the key pitchers for the Gaels is junior Missouri-commit <strong>Todd Feurtado</strong>. Feurtado, along with Vandrell and Pena, solidified what should be an experienced and effective pitching staff for the Gaels.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">LHP Todd Feurtado (St. Mary’s 2025) commits to the University of Missouri <a href="https://t.co/a7OZi9nXRH">pic.twitter.com/a7OZi9nXRH</a></p> <p>— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) <a href="https://twitter.com/axcessbaseball/status/1734720309486305332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">St. Mary’s has also developed a very strong bullpen. Estrada pointed out several players who should feature for the Gaels out of the pen this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We’ll have good strength on the pitching side with our back of the bullpen.” Estrada said. “With guys like <strong>Edwin Diaz, Aaron Diaz</strong> and <strong>Jorge Rodriguez</strong>. Those guys have been pitching in the league for a while are definitely going to be able to understand and compete with the batters. The pitching is definitely going to make a big difference for us this year.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While St. Mary’s is benefiting from experience for the first time since rejoining the Catholic League, they are not taking any focus away from developing underclassmen. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I think we are still so youthful.” Estrada said. “I think guys like <strong>Thomas Galan</strong>, who is a sophomore. Guys like <strong>Ryder Dougherty,</strong> who’s also a sophomore, should make a difference. <strong>Fabian Diaz</strong>, who’s a sophomore now, played as a freshman. All three of them got some playing time on varsity last year, so this year they should definitely make that stride to make a big impact on the varsity team.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When discussing what coach Estrada believes will be the biggest strengths of his team this season, Estrada touted his team’s pitching and defense as their biggest strength. Estrada cited players such as <strong>Rico Mercades, Derek Mateo</strong> and <strong>Samuel Hernandez</strong> as players he expects to be big difference-makers on the field. Estrada also has high hopes for the Gaels offense this year.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“If our offense can move runners over, play small ball and steal bases, that will give us a lot of help.” Estrada said. “Winning close games, winning 5-3 games, 2-3 games, 1-0 games depending on our pitching and our defense. We definitely want to grow on the hitting side, but we are definitely excited to see how our pitching and our defense keep us in games.” </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">St Mary’s will open their season against Cathedral Prep in March. 14.</span></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2024/01/28/st-marys-poised-to-take-step-forward-in-year-3/">St. Mary’s Poised to Take Step Forward in Year 3</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>St. Mary’s Poised for Improved Year</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2023/02/24/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=st-marys-poised-for-improved-year</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vinny Messana]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:44:56 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2023 Season Previews]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Andy Smith]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Chris Estrada]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Miguel Sime Jr]]></category> <category><![CDATA[St. Mary's]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.axcessbaseball.com/?p=48989</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>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.  </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2023/02/24/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year/">St. Mary’s Poised for Improved Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>by Andy Smith</strong></p> <p>2022 was a transitional year for <strong style="font-weight: 400;">St. Mary’s</strong>. Head Coach<strong style="font-weight: 400;"> Christopher Estrada</strong> 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.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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). </span></p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-48837 aligncenter" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Resized-CSP-Now-Open-232x300.jpg" alt="" width="232" height="300" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Resized-CSP-Now-Open-232x300.jpg 232w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Resized-CSP-Now-Open-791x1024.jpg 791w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Resized-CSP-Now-Open-768x994.jpg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Resized-CSP-Now-Open.jpg 927w" sizes="(max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Estrada reflected on this challenging 3-year journey at St. Mary’s, and how he learned from it. “</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.”</span></p> <p><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-48780 aligncenter" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-more-rep-logo-300x179.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="179" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-more-rep-logo-300x179.jpg 300w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-more-rep-logo-1024x610.jpg 1024w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-more-rep-logo-768x458.jpg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1-more-rep-logo.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">St. Mary’s did not graduate anyone in 2022, but did lose <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2022/10/20/up-next-powered-by-eye-q-investigations-miguel-sime-jr/"><strong>Miguel Sime Jr</strong></a>. as a transfer. The LSU-commit is now playing at Poly Prep.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Estrada mentioned three impact players who will all serve a role in the starting rotation and in the batter’s box. <strong>Edwin Diaz</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joining him will be fellow senior <strong>Jorge Rodriguez</strong> 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. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition, southpaw <strong>Todd Feurtado II</strong> 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 <strong>Kyle Peña</strong> (senior) and freshman <strong>Aidan Savinon</strong>.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Estrada highlighted that the second base and shortstop spots are currently position battles with a number of players wanting to show their skills. Sophomore<strong> Jacob Severino</strong> and freshman <strong>Ryder Dougherty</strong> will be vying for time at second base. Severino tallied four hits in his freshman season, one being for extra bases. At shortstop, <strong>Rigo Mercedes</strong> (sophomore) and<strong> Thomas Galan</strong> (freshman) will be in the spotlight for the starting role. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Estrada also shined some spotlight on some freshman and first-year varsity players who could potentially leave their mark on the team in 2023.<strong> Ryder Dougherty</strong> (2B/SS) , <strong>Thomas Galan</strong> (INF/RHP), <strong>Anthony De Leon</strong> (C), <strong>Jadiel Rivera</strong> (C), <strong>Fabian Diaz</strong> (OF) and<strong> Aidan Savinon</strong> (1B/OF/RHP) could certainly make an impact. Sophomores <strong>Derek Mateo</strong> (3B/1B/RHP) and<strong> Ryan Ortega</strong> (C) are also part of this contributing group.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Gaels take the diamond on March 28th against St. Dominic’s. </span></p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2023/02/24/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year/">St. Mary’s Poised for Improved Year</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Up Next Powered By Eye Q Investigations: Miguel Sime Jr</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2022/10/20/up-next-powered-by-eye-q-investigations-miguel-sime-jr/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=up-next-powered-by-eye-q-investigations-miguel-sime-jr</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vinny Messana]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2022 16:52:01 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Miguel Sime]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Miguel Sime Jr]]></category> <category><![CDATA[St. Mary's]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Up Next 2022]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.axcessbaseball.com/?p=48445</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>(This is the first installment of the 2022 Up Next Series Powered by Eye Q Investigations, where we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. This is a 10-part series. All of these uncommitted players should have a huge impact on their high school teams this season and eventually will be Division-I players). 2025 RHP Miguel Sime (NY) brought the heat today out of the bullpen, grabbing several 92s with the fastball while spinning a quality slider too. Ball was jumping out of his hand! #14uWS pic.twitter.com/rh2kXKyJrC — Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) June 28, 2022 Once the hype gets going, it has a snowball effect and just keeps growing. St. Mary’s sophomore flame thrower Miguel Sime is in the early stages of that hype machine going into effect. The 6’2 210 lb RHP put himself on the map last month at the Metro Scout Day in which he topped all pitchers by touching 94 MPH in front of dozens of MLB scouts and college coaches. Sime has always been ahead of the curve for his age and you can see that simply by searching his name on Twitter and seeing all the tournaments that he’s dominated at. The next challenge for him will be doing it in the competitive CHSAA where the upstart St. Mary’s Gaels will look to force their way into the conversation of best teams in the ultra-competitive league. When asking around, you can see they are being taken more seriously now. The prevailing thought it that while the record doesn’t show it from last year, they are on the come up. They fielded a team entirely of freshman and sophomores and they held their own. Whether it be this year or next, they are coming. And a major reason for that is their dynamic 1-2 punch atop the rotation of Miguel Sime Jr and Todd Feurtado. Both are sophomores, one throws from the left the other from the right. Hitters will be very familiar with them soon enough. I had a chance to speak with Sime and here’s what he had to say… Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career? Some people that have had a positive impact on my career are God, Francisco Gracesqui (my pitching trainer), my family, and all my teammates, coaches and supporters. Do you work with any private instructors? Yes, I work with 360eliteperformance with my pitching instructor/trainer Francisco Gracesqui. Why did you decide to transfer to St. Mary’s? Do you feel that they are about to turn the corner as a program? I transferred to St. Mary’s to have a positive impact on the future of that school and to get to a more educational and disciplinary environment. Yes I know for a fact that this program will turn it around because all the pieces are here and all that is needed now is to put them all together – which is what the great coaching staff is currently doing and will be doing for a long time. What has been the biggest thrill in your career? The biggest thrill that I have experienced on a baseball field was when I topped my new personal record in July with Wow Factor National. Who are some teammates that you have grown close with? Despite growing really close with all of my teammates I play with, one of them has become a brother and that’s Todd Feurtado. We’ve helped each other grow in all ways and it’s always fun being on the field with him. All of my team has become brothers to me and we all have one goal in mind that brings us together – Prove them wrong! Who are some of your favorite players in Major League Baseball? My favorite players in the MLB are Aaron Jude and Gerrit Cole. They are just monsters at what they do and watching them play is just amazing. Favorite musical artist? My favorite musical artist is Lil Baby, his songs get me in the zone and helps me lock in for whatever I am doing. Favorite meal? My favorite meal is lasagna. Best baseball trip you’ve been on? The best baseball trip I’ve been on is the USA Baseball Trials 15u in Phoenix. It was an unimaginable experience – got to live the life of a pro player and I got to compete with some of the top players in my class. Which colleges are you interested in? The colleges that I am interested in are LSU, Texas, Vanderbilt and Miami. Dream car? My dream car is a Lamborghini Aventador. Did any of your family members play college ball? Yes, my dad played some low college baseball and was also a pitcher. Goals for 2023? Some goals for 2023 are to improve as a person all around, become a better student of the game and in school, be a great inspiration and influencer to others and to keep getting better every single day.        </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2022/10/20/up-next-powered-by-eye-q-investigations-miguel-sime-jr/">Up Next Powered By Eye Q Investigations: Miguel Sime Jr</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>(This is the first installment of the 2022 Up Next Series Powered by Eye Q Investigations, where we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. This is a 10-part series. All of these uncommitted players should have a huge impact on their high school teams this season and eventually will be Division-I players).</em></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">2025 RHP Miguel Sime (NY) brought the heat today out of the bullpen, grabbing several 92s with the fastball while spinning a quality slider too. Ball was jumping out of his hand! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/14uWS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#14uWS</a> <a href="https://t.co/rh2kXKyJrC">pic.twitter.com/rh2kXKyJrC</a></p> <p>— Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGYouthBB/status/1541931845998333960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p> <p>Once the hype gets going, it has a snowball effect and just keeps growing.</p> <p><strong>St. Mary’s</strong> sophomore flame thrower <strong>Miguel Sime</strong> is in the early stages of that hype machine going into effect. The 6’2 210 lb RHP put himself on the map last month at the Metro Scout Day in which he topped all pitchers by touching 94 MPH in front of dozens of MLB scouts and college coaches.</p> <p>Sime has always been ahead of the curve for his age and you can see that simply by searching his name on Twitter and seeing all the tournaments that he’s dominated at.</p> <div id="attachment_48413" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-48413" class="wp-image-48413 size-medium" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-300x148.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="148" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001-300x148.jpg 300w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/image001.jpg 308w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><p id="caption-attachment-48413" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="color: #000000;">Specializing in Infidelity, Child Custody, Due Diligence, Asset, Missing Persons and All other Investigations. NYS Licensed, Bonded, Insured Private Eye. Mention “Axcess” for 10% off your fee</span></p></div> <p>The next challenge for him will be doing it in the competitive CHSAA where the upstart St. Mary’s Gaels will look to force their way into the conversation of best teams in the ultra-competitive league. When asking around, you can see they are being taken more seriously now. The prevailing thought it that while the record doesn’t show it from last year, they are on the come up. They fielded a team entirely of freshman and sophomores and they held their own. Whether it be this year or next, they are coming. And a major reason for that is their dynamic 1-2 punch atop the rotation of Miguel Sime Jr and Todd Feurtado.</p> <p>Both are sophomores, one throws from the left the other from the right. Hitters will be very familiar with them soon enough.</p> <p>I had a chance to speak with Sime and here’s what he had to say…</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-48373 aligncenter" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-3088-1-244x300.jpeg" alt="" width="244" height="300" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-3088-1-244x300.jpeg 244w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-3088-1-831x1024.jpeg 831w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-3088-1-768x946.jpeg 768w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/IMG-3088-1.jpeg 1242w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 244px) 100vw, 244px" /></p> <p><em><strong>Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?</strong></em></p> <p>Some people that have had a positive impact on my career are God, Francisco Gracesqui (my pitching trainer), my family, and all my teammates, coaches and supporters.</p> <p><em><strong>Do you work with any private instructors?</strong></em></p> <p>Yes, I work with 360eliteperformance with my pitching instructor/trainer Francisco Gracesqui.</p> <p><em><strong>Why did you decide to transfer to St. Mary’s? Do you feel that they are about to turn the corner as a program?</strong></em></p> <p>I transferred to St. Mary’s to have a positive impact on the future of that school and to get to a more educational and disciplinary environment. Yes I know for a fact that this program will turn it around because all the pieces are here and all that is needed now is to put them all together – which is what the great coaching staff is currently doing and will be doing for a long time.</p> <p><em><strong>What has been the biggest thrill in your career?</strong></em></p> <p>The biggest thrill that I have experienced on a baseball field was when I topped my new personal record in July with Wow Factor National.</p> <p><em><strong>Who are some teammates that you have grown close with?</strong></em></p> <p>Despite growing really close with all of my teammates I play with, one of them has become a brother and that’s Todd Feurtado. We’ve helped each other grow in all ways and it’s always fun being on the field with him. All of my team has become brothers to me and we all have one goal in mind that brings us together – Prove them wrong!</p> <p><em><strong>Who are some of your favorite players in Major League Baseball?</strong></em></p> <p>My favorite players in the MLB are Aaron Jude and Gerrit Cole. They are just monsters at what they do and watching them play is just amazing.</p> <p><em><strong>Favorite musical artist?</strong></em></p> <p>My favorite musical artist is Lil Baby, his songs get me in the zone and helps me lock in for whatever I am doing.</p> <p><em><strong>Favorite meal?</strong></em></p> <p>My favorite meal is lasagna.</p> <p><strong>Best baseball trip you’ve been on?</strong></p> <p>The best baseball trip I’ve been on is the USA Baseball Trials 15u in Phoenix. It was an unimaginable experience – got to live the life of a pro player and I got to compete with some of the top players in my class.</p> <p><strong>Which colleges are you interested in?</strong></p> <p>The colleges that I am interested in are LSU, Texas, Vanderbilt and Miami.</p> <p><strong>Dream car?</strong></p> <p>My dream car is a Lamborghini Aventador.</p> <p><em><strong>Did any of your family members play college ball?</strong></em></p> <p>Yes, my dad played some low college baseball and was also a pitcher.</p> <p><em><strong>Goals for 2023?</strong></em></p> <p>Some goals for 2023 are to improve as a person all around, become a better student of the game and in school, be a great inspiration and influencer to others and to keep getting better every single day.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2022/10/20/up-next-powered-by-eye-q-investigations-miguel-sime-jr/">Up Next Powered By Eye Q Investigations: Miguel Sime Jr</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>OTD: Jason Diaz Sharp In Kellenberg’s Win Over St. Mary’s</title> <link>https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2020/04/07/otd-jason-diaz-sharp-in-kellenbergs-win-over-st-marys/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=otd-jason-diaz-sharp-in-kellenbergs-win-over-st-marys</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Vinny Messana]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2020 13:20:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Archive]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Game Recaps]]></category> <category><![CDATA[NEWS]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kellenberg]]></category> <category><![CDATA[OTD]]></category> <category><![CDATA[St. Mary's]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.axcessbaseball.com/?p=44228</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Not a bad start to the varsity career for University of Miami-commit Jason Diaz. The sophomore fired three perfect innings with seven strikeouts during an overpowering outing this afternoon against St. Mary’s in a mercy win for Kellenberg. The reigning CHSAA champs wasted no time getting the offense going with a huge first inning. After back-to-back walks to Terrance Murray and Andrew Steidle, third-place hitter Justin Renner brought them both in with a long HR to left to make it 3-0. After Nick Quatromani reached on an error and James May walked, Diaz reached on an error to load up the bases. Robert Chesney drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 4-0 and Brett Carpentieri increased the lead to 6-0 with a two-run double. Renner recorded his fourth RBI of the inning when he drew a bases loaded walk to make it 8-0. Diaz struck out the side in the second inning, needing only 12 pitches to do so. The Firebirds added five more in the second inning on consecutive RBI doubles by Carpentieri and James Dieguiez. Quatromani broke it open with a bases-clearing single over the center fielder’s head. Diaz went back out for the third inning. He induced a weak ground ball to second base before fanning the next two batters.That was it for him, as Head Coach Chris Alfalla wanted to keep him for their upcoming series. They tacked on a bevy of runs after that to end the game in a five-inning mercy. With the victory, they improve to 4-1 on the season and Diaz is now 2-0.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2020/04/07/otd-jason-diaz-sharp-in-kellenbergs-win-over-st-marys/">OTD: Jason Diaz Sharp In Kellenberg’s Win Over St. Mary’s</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Not a bad start to the varsity career for <strong>University of Miami</strong>-commit <strong>Jason Diaz</strong>. The sophomore fired three perfect innings with seven strikeouts during an overpowering outing this afternoon against<strong> St. Mary’s</strong> in a mercy win for <strong>Kellenberg</strong>.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-37076 aligncenter" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/longislandthunder-300x47.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="47" /><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-21952 aligncenter" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Unlimited-Sports-Action-Advertisement-300x131.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="131" /></p> <p>The reigning CHSAA champs wasted no time getting the offense going with a huge first inning. After back-to-back walks to <strong>Terrance Murray</strong> and <strong>Andrew Steidle</strong>, third-place hitter <strong>Justin Renner</strong> brought them both in with a long HR to left to make it 3-0.</p> <p>After <strong>Nick Quatromani</strong> reached on an error and <strong>James May</strong> walked, Diaz reached on an error to load up the bases. <strong>Robert Chesney</strong> drew a bases-loaded walk to make it 4-0 and <strong>Brett Carpentieri</strong> increased the lead to 6-0 with a two-run double. Renner recorded his fourth RBI of the inning when he drew a bases loaded walk to make it 8-0.</p> <p>Diaz struck out the side in the second inning, needing only 12 pitches to do so.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-30903 aligncenter" src="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/max-effort-baseball.jpg" alt="Max Effort Training" width="200" height="200" srcset="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/max-effort-baseball.jpg 200w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/max-effort-baseball-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.axcessbaseball.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/max-effort-baseball-100x100.jpg 100w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /></p> <p>The Firebirds added five more in the second inning on consecutive RBI doubles by Carpentieri and <strong>James Dieguiez</strong>. Quatromani broke it open with a bases-clearing single over the center fielder’s head.</p> <p>Diaz went back out for the third inning. He induced a weak ground ball to second base before fanning the next two batters.That was it for him, as Head Coach <strong>Chris Alfalla</strong> wanted to keep him for their upcoming series.</p> <p>They tacked on a bevy of runs after that to end the game in a five-inning mercy.</p> <p>With the victory, they improve to 4-1 on the season and Diaz is now 2-0.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com/2020/04/07/otd-jason-diaz-sharp-in-kellenbergs-win-over-st-marys/">OTD: Jason Diaz Sharp In Kellenberg’s Win Over St. Mary’s</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.axcessbaseball.com">Axcess Baseball</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>