By Deven Del Priore

You may or may not know that I play for the STAC Baseball team, but I am the starting catcher and cleanup hitter for the team.

I  am proudly saying that because as of right now we are ranked 24th in the nation for DII Baseball and 3rd in the Northeast region. The Spartans have played 41 games this year with an overall record of 30-11 with an 11-6 Conference record. After todays loss to Bridgeport 6-2, the Spartans hope to bounce back with a double-header at Palisades Credit Union Park. Then back in the vans to play Bridgeport in the final game of the serious on Sunday for a night game at the Bridgeport Bluefish Stadium.

As the season is coming to a close, I would just like to recognize the Seniors who are enclosing on their last game in the maroon and gold. Nick Gargan, a four year player who has sustained an oblique injury and hasn’t been playing but played a key role as the teams captain, three hitter, and left fielder for most of the season. Richard Cesca Jr., who is the starting first basemen and middle of the lineup hitter who is leading the team in home runs, while hitting from both sides of the plate. John McGugan, who is my fellow catcher and designated hitter. He’s gonna be mad at me for saying this but you will never fully take my DH spot. John DeAngelis, a four year player who has taken over left field for Nick Gargan and has done an excellent job out there along with leading the team with one of the highest batting averages. Matt Kostalos, the ace of the pitching staff and my fellow roommate who has one of the lowest earned run averages in the conference and top of the list in wins for the conference. John Perri, another fellow catcher of mine who makes sure all of the guys in the bullpen are ready to compete at a high level in the game, and to be honest he doesn’t get enough credit for that. Lastly, Brandon Fischer, who was last years shortstop but has then moved to second base this year and is sitting in the three spot of the Spartans offense.

It has been an honor playing with all of you, and I consider each and every one of you my brothers. Everyone on this team is going to make sure you go out the right way, which is with a ring.