JV Baseball Has Successful Season
Teams Earns 13-3 Record
The junior varsity baseball team is pictured above with head coach Vin Macone.
– Allison Goldsberry
“There’s definitely a bright future for Mustang baseball.”
Junior Varsity Head Coach Vin Macone and Varsity Head Coach Nick Tucci both agree that the future indeed looks very good. The junior varsity team wrapped up the season with a 13-3 overall record and was 10-1 in the Greater Boston League.
Coach Macone attributes the team’s success to the athletes’ disciplined and focused approach to the game.
“These younger players really bought into Coach Tucci’s philosophy on how to play the game,” said Macone.
And what is Coach Tucci’s philosophy? Coach Macone called it “old school baseball”- the idea of not rushing things too much, making the opposing side throw more pitches by not swinging at every pitch, and really paying attention to every pitch, every at bat, every play.
“We let the game come to us,” said Macone.
Macone also praised the team for its “mental awareness” on base. He said the Mustangs were hardly ever picked off or caught stealing. The team scored a combined 163 runs for the season, while their opponents only scored fifty-nine runs against the Mustangs.
The Mustangs’ top hitters include CJ Bourque (.615), Bob Milner (.522), Dan Moran (.500), Anthony Laiosa (.486), Mark Ponte (.466), and Kyle Malin (.423). The top pitchers are Bourque (ERA 1.20), Laiosa (1.50), Andrew Ferrazzani (2.00), and Joe Pappalardo (4.34).
Macone said Milner is a good example of the team’s patient, focused approach to the game. Milner was offered a uniform with no guarantee of play time, and through hard work and discipline, he ended up leading the team in hits.
The JV team has been a strong supporting cast to its varsity counterpart, and several players have been called up to play varsity throughout the season.
Coach Tucci said giving the players “a taste of varsity” could set them up for a more solid spot in the upcoming season. Junior Kyle Heath had that opportunity last year, and this year was a key player for varsity that ended up being named a Greater Boston League All-Star.
“They’ve done a real nice job in giving us the appropriate feeder system,” said Tucci.
Coach Tucci said the season was a “major success” and called the JV team the “cornerstone” of the baseball program.
“I want to applaud Coach Macone for his work this year. They did a terrific job,” said Tucci.
Coach Macone also recognized the following Mustangs for their accomplishments during the season:
Comeback of the Year – Mark Ponte (2010)
Mark suffered a broken hand about halfway through the season. He worked diligently to get back to our team and returned with a pitching performance followed by getting hits in all the games he played in after returning, including two multi hits games.
Most Improved Player – Bob Milner (2011)
Bob led the team in hits this season. He started the season as a part time player but his hitting earned him a spot in the starting lineup. He played in every game and his defense was exceptional, playing multiple positions. Bob had many multiple hit games this year including a season best 4 for 5 performance against Somerville.
Most Consistent Pitcher – Andrew Ferrazzani (2011)
Andrew was tied for the team lead in wins with an undefeated 4-0 record. He finished with a 2.00 ERA. His ability to throw strikes consistently and limiting other teams to only 12 hits for the season while striking out 28 led to his success.
Most Versatile Player – Kyle Malin (2011)
Kyle played everywhere he was needed and played every position well. He was asked to play positions that were probably not very comfortable for him but he did it without ever questioning why. His versatility allowed the strengths of other teammates to contribute to the success of the team. Kyle worked very hard at practice and games and was a pleasure to have on the team.
Teammate of the Year – Mike Brancato (2011)
Mike continuously helps out his teammates in practice and in games. As our shortstop, he constantly kept his teammates focused. His worked hard to improve his defensive skills and his teammates followed his example as they watched him work every day. He treats everyone with respect, including teammates; opponents; official; coaches; and fans. His leadership skills are a prime reason that the Team was successful. Mike is an all around fun guy to have on a baseball team and the consummate teammate.
Player of the Year – CJ Bourque (2011)
CJ led the team with .615 batting average and a 3-1 pitching record. He led the team in innings pitched, allowing only 15 hits for the season while leading the team with 37 strikeouts and finishing with a 1.20 ERA. His accomplishments earned him an opportunity to finishing the season on the Varsity. He earned his first Varsity GBL save in his first appearance on the mound and has started Varsity games at third base. Before being called up, his work ethic and accomplishments set the pace for other JV players to follow.