{"id":48989,"date":"2023-02-24T05:44:56","date_gmt":"2023-02-24T00:44:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/?p=48989"},"modified":"2023-02-24T05:44:56","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T00:44:56","slug":"st-marys-poised-for-improved-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/","title":{"rendered":"St. Mary’s Poised for Improved Year"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>by Andy Smith<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>2022 was a transitional year for\u00a0<strong style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Mary\u2019s<\/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>\n<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).\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-48837 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resized-CSP-Now-Open-232x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"232\" height=\"300\" data-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\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 232px) 100vw, 232px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 232px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 232\/300;\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estrada reflected on this challenging 3-year journey at St. Mary\u2019s, and how he learned from it. \u201c<\/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\u2019s 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 &amp; sophomores.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estrada continued explaining the obstacles the young team faced.\u00a0 \u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Estrada added, \u201cThe class gap was a major obstacle. Everyone we play didn\u2019t 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 \u2018to 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-48780 aligncenter lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-more-rep-logo-300x179.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"179\" data-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\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/179;\" \/><\/p>\n<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\u2019s team has the added advantage of size and service time.\u00a0 \u201cNow this year we will have a varsity and a JV team\u201d, said Estrada.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Mary\u2019s 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>\n<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\u2019s 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.\u00a0 As a hitter, Diaz had a team high .324 AVG and recorded eleven hits.<\/span><\/p>\n<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.\u00a0 On the bump, Rodriguez had a 50% ground ball rate and only allowed one home run.\u00a0 As a batter, Rodriguez excelled with team highs in OBP and OPS with .469 and .869 respectively.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, southpaw <strong>Todd Feurtado II<\/strong> will be a featured player on the mound.\u00a0 The current junior made two starts last season and gave up seven hits.\u00a0 Feurtado II will also see time in the outfield. Other options on the bump include closer <strong>Kyle Pe\u00f1a<\/strong> (senior) and freshman <strong>Aidan Savinon<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<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>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the tough record, last season was a great learning experience, and now St. Mary\u2019s is in much better shape to begin to build their program. \u201cThis year we should be winning games this season as we didn\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">St. Mary\u2019s will be in the CHSAA LI which features; Chaminade, St. Anthony\u2019s, Kellenberg, Holy Trinity, St. John the Baptist, and St. Dominic\u2019s.\u00a0 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\u2019s will play Long Island schools on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and Saturdays they will play schools from Queens and Brooklyn.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Gaels take the diamond on March 28th against St. Dominic\u2019s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by Andy Smith 2022 was a transitional year for\u00a0St. Mary\u2019s. 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).\u00a0\u00a0 Estrada reflected on this challenging 3-year journey at St. Mary\u2019s, and how he learned from it. \u201cLast season was an introduction and learning experience for the players and staff, since it was the first time St Mary\u2019s 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 &amp; sophomores.\u201d Estrada continued explaining the obstacles the young team faced.\u00a0 \u201cIt 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.\u201d Estrada added, \u201cThe class gap was a major obstacle. Everyone we play didn\u2019t 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 \u2018to 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.\u201d 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\u2019s team has the added advantage of size and service time.\u00a0 \u201cNow this year we will have a varsity and a JV team\u201d, said Estrada. St. Mary\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 On the bump, Rodriguez had a 50% ground ball rate and only allowed one home run.\u00a0 As a batter, Rodriguez excelled with team highs in OBP and OPS with .469 and .869 respectively.\u00a0 In addition, southpaw Todd Feurtado II will be a featured player on the mound.\u00a0 The current junior made two starts last season and gave up seven hits.\u00a0 Feurtado II will also see time in the outfield. Other options on the bump include closer Kyle Pe\u00f1a (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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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\u2019s is in much better shape to begin to build their program. \u201cThis year we should be winning games this season as we didn\u2019t 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.\u201d St. Mary\u2019s will be in the CHSAA LI which features; Chaminade, St. Anthony\u2019s, Kellenberg, Holy Trinity, St. John the Baptist, and St. Dominic\u2019s.\u00a0 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\u2019s 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\u2019s.\u00a0 &nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":46462,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,461],"tags":[2939,2943,2986,2899,2157],"class_list":{"0":"post-48989","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-archive","8":"category-news","9":"tag-2023-season-previews","10":"tag-andy-smith","11":"tag-chris-estrada","12":"tag-miguel-sime-jr","13":"tag-st-marys"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>St. Mary&#039;s Poised for Improved Year - Axcess Baseball<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"St. Mary&#039;s Poised for Improved Year - Axcess Baseball\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"by Andy Smith 2022 was a transitional year for\u00a0St. Mary\u2019s. 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).\u00a0\u00a0 Estrada reflected on this challenging 3-year journey at St. Mary\u2019s, and how he learned from it. \u201cLast season was an introduction and learning experience for the players and staff, since it was the first time St Mary\u2019s 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 &amp; sophomores.\u201d Estrada continued explaining the obstacles the young team faced.\u00a0 \u201cIt 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.\u201d Estrada added, \u201cThe class gap was a major obstacle. Everyone we play didn\u2019t 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 \u2018to 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.\u201d 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\u2019s team has the added advantage of size and service time.\u00a0 \u201cNow this year we will have a varsity and a JV team\u201d, said Estrada. St. Mary\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 On the bump, Rodriguez had a 50% ground ball rate and only allowed one home run.\u00a0 As a batter, Rodriguez excelled with team highs in OBP and OPS with .469 and .869 respectively.\u00a0 In addition, southpaw Todd Feurtado II will be a featured player on the mound.\u00a0 The current junior made two starts last season and gave up seven hits.\u00a0 Feurtado II will also see time in the outfield. Other options on the bump include closer Kyle Pe\u00f1a (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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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\u2019s is in much better shape to begin to build their program. \u201cThis year we should be winning games this season as we didn\u2019t 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.\u201d St. Mary\u2019s will be in the CHSAA LI which features; Chaminade, St. Anthony\u2019s, Kellenberg, Holy Trinity, St. John the Baptist, and St. Dominic\u2019s.\u00a0 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\u2019s 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\u2019s.\u00a0 &nbsp;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Axcess Baseball\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/axcessbaseball\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-02-24T00:44:56+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/396130C8-3838-47B1-AB8A-A32EBFBC8E8E.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1152\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Vinny Messana\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@axcessbaseball\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@axcessbaseball\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Vinny Messana\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Vinny Messana\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/#\/schema\/person\/f547cb10f01b2dcfa9613585604f881f\"},\"headline\":\"St. Mary’s Poised for Improved Year\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-02-24T00:44:56+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/\"},\"wordCount\":810,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/396130C8-3838-47B1-AB8A-A32EBFBC8E8E.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"2023 Season Previews\",\"Andy Smith\",\"Chris Estrada\",\"Miguel Sime Jr\",\"St. Mary's\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Archive\",\"NEWS\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/\",\"name\":\"St. Mary's Poised for Improved Year - 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He is a 2013 graduate of Adelphi University and he is currently the Long Island area scout for the San Diego Padres\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/author\/vmessana\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"St. Mary's Poised for Improved Year - Axcess Baseball","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"St. Mary's Poised for Improved Year - Axcess Baseball","og_description":"by Andy Smith 2022 was a transitional year for\u00a0St. Mary\u2019s. 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).\u00a0\u00a0 Estrada reflected on this challenging 3-year journey at St. Mary\u2019s, and how he learned from it. \u201cLast season was an introduction and learning experience for the players and staff, since it was the first time St Mary\u2019s 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 &amp; sophomores.\u201d Estrada continued explaining the obstacles the young team faced.\u00a0 \u201cIt 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.\u201d Estrada added, \u201cThe class gap was a major obstacle. Everyone we play didn\u2019t 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 \u2018to 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.\u201d 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\u2019s team has the added advantage of size and service time.\u00a0 \u201cNow this year we will have a varsity and a JV team\u201d, said Estrada. St. Mary\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 On the bump, Rodriguez had a 50% ground ball rate and only allowed one home run.\u00a0 As a batter, Rodriguez excelled with team highs in OBP and OPS with .469 and .869 respectively.\u00a0 In addition, southpaw Todd Feurtado II will be a featured player on the mound.\u00a0 The current junior made two starts last season and gave up seven hits.\u00a0 Feurtado II will also see time in the outfield. Other options on the bump include closer Kyle Pe\u00f1a (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.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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\u2019s is in much better shape to begin to build their program. \u201cThis year we should be winning games this season as we didn\u2019t 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.\u201d St. Mary\u2019s will be in the CHSAA LI which features; Chaminade, St. Anthony\u2019s, Kellenberg, Holy Trinity, St. John the Baptist, and St. Dominic\u2019s.\u00a0 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\u2019s 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\u2019s.\u00a0 &nbsp;","og_url":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/","og_site_name":"Axcess Baseball","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/axcessbaseball","article_published_time":"2023-02-24T00:44:56+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2048,"height":1152,"url":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/396130C8-3838-47B1-AB8A-A32EBFBC8E8E.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Vinny Messana","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@axcessbaseball","twitter_site":"@axcessbaseball","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Vinny Messana","Est. reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/"},"author":{"name":"Vinny Messana","@id":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/#\/schema\/person\/f547cb10f01b2dcfa9613585604f881f"},"headline":"St. Mary’s Poised for Improved Year","datePublished":"2023-02-24T00:44:56+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/"},"wordCount":810,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/396130C8-3838-47B1-AB8A-A32EBFBC8E8E.jpg","keywords":["2023 Season Previews","Andy Smith","Chris Estrada","Miguel Sime Jr","St. Mary's"],"articleSection":["Archive","NEWS"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/","url":"https:\/\/www.axcessbaseball.com\/2023\/02\/24\/st-marys-poised-for-improved-year\/","name":"St. Mary's Poised for Improved Year - 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