On Monday, May 6, the Stallions of St. Aidan’s travelled to Seaman’s Neck Park to battle St. Christopher’s of Baldwin. St. Aidan’s faced a very tough and competitive pitcher and could not generate any offense. Mike D’Angelo provided the only hit with a sharp single to left field. The Stallions found themselves on the losing end of an 8-0 defeat.
On Thursday, May 9, St Aidan’s hosted St. Mary’s of Manhasset at their home field, Tully Park. Eager to end their three game slide, the Stallions sent their ace D’Angelo to the hill, and he turned in yet another outstanding pitching performance striking out eight and allowing no runs and no hits. In relief, Jake Grimm and Christian Murphy helped nailed down the 10-5 victory.
Grimm, Nikita Mullen, Joe Panero, D’Angelo, James Rolleson, Jack Willoughby, Sean Lanigan all had hits, with Grimm going 2-3. CJ Galanga walked and scored a run. On defense, Grimm, Matt Forte, Tom Nutley and Jon Anthony Panero all made nice plays, worthy of a “web-gem” status.
The fighting spirit of the Stallions was summed up by 6th grader Nutley: “We showed up to play and stayed strong the whole game.” Field Manager Kenny Solosky was very pleased how the team bounced back from their 8-0 defeat with a great game against St. Mary’s. “It is sometimes hard to bounce back after a tough defeat but the boys really broke out against St. Mary’s. We hit, pitched well and played great defense,” said Solosky. “It shows their grit and determination.”
At the midway point of their season, the 2-3 Stallions are coming together as a team. This year, the team was opened up to 6th grade players. “I was a little concerned that our 6th graders wouldn’t have the maturity and skill to play at this very intense level of baseball but they have really stepped up and are an important part of this team. More importantly, these young players will form the core of our team for the next two years,” said General Manager Kenneth Solosky.
The 6th graders on the team are Nutley, Forte, Mullen, Lucas Abrusci and Galanga. “The future for this middle school team is bright,” said 7th grader Mike D’Angelo on how he is enjoying the team. “It’s nice to get the chance to play baseball with all of my friends from St. Aidan’s School. Some of us have been playing baseball for years, and some haven’t. It’s nice we all get to play on one team.”
The Stallions continue their spring campaign against Our Lady of Peace and St. Rays. Then it is off to the post-season playoffs.
The St. Aidan’s Middle School baseball team known as “The Stallions” plays in the Catholic Spirit league. The league is school based, and only utilizes wood bats in order to prepare the players for the Catholic High School League.
