Ferrainolo never rebuilds, just reloads
News flash: Memorial’s baseball team plans on contending for county and state honors this season.
Yeah, some news. It happens every spring. Like paying taxes and the arrival of the Easter bunny, the Tigers have annually been competitive and strong for more than two full decades. Twenty-three straight years, to be more precise.
"It’s something we look forward to do every year," said head coach Tony Ferrainolo, who won his 500th game as a head coach last year. "There’s no reason why we can’t do what we normally do. I think they’re ready to do so."
Leading the returnees from last year’s 23-5 team that spent most of the season ranked among the state’s Top 20 is senior pitcher Steve Wohltman, whose assortment of four pitches, including a knuckleball, enabled him to post a 7-3 record and earn All-Area honors a year ago.
"He’s bigger and stronger and throwing all of his pitches for strikes," Ferrainolo said of Wohltman, who has already committed to Long Island University on a scholarship. "From the middle of the season last year, he was our best pitcher. I expect he’ll have a very good year for us."
Ferrainolo is also bolstered by the return of senior infielder/pitcher Jayson Rodriguez, who missed all of last season due to a broken back. Rodriguez, who had a brilliant sophomore season two years ago, will play shortstop when he’s not pitching.
The Tigers’ No. 3 pitcher will be junior right-hander Adel Acosta, who will also be the team’s designated hitter. Greg Terrero, a junior righty, will round out the pitching staff.
Around the infield, the Tigers have some talent returning in sophomore second baseman Luis Fernandez, who batted .260 as a freshman last year, and senior third baseman Manny Feito, who hit .320. Both players should see their numbers improve this season.
Centerfielder Jose "Hutch" dela Rosa also returns for his final season. The talented dela Rosa batted .305 last season.
There are some newcomers. Sophomore Steve Schlitzer will be the Tigers’ first baseman. Ferrainolo likes his size and his bat speed. Schlitzer will also pitch when called upon.
Wilson Giraldo is a sophomore catcher who will also pitch from time to time. Ferrainolo likes his potential.
Two football standouts have joined the varsity. Junior outfielder Newbery Rosario saw limited time as a freshman and junior Rudy Delgado, the Tigers’ quarterback in the fall, inherits the right field slot vacated by last year’s quarterback/rightfielder, 1999-2000 Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Year Jonathan Robinson.
"Right field has become my quarterback position," Ferrainolo said. "Rudy is a great athlete who keeps getting better and better each day. They’re both going to be fine players for us."
Freshman Rich Demby will also get some quality at-bats as a designated hitter. Youhan Pichardo is a reserve infielder.
"I think we have a team that keeps getting better each day," Ferrainolo said. "We’re developing into a nice team. We have good pitching and defense, and the hitting will get better. I think the kids have responded to me and I’m doing more coaching now. But we’re going to be a good team."