St. Peter’s Prep: Ready to reload
Despite changes, including coach’s sons, Urbanovich shoots for "three-peat"
There’s a different feeling in Joe Urbanovich’s car when he drives home after a St. Peter’s Prep baseball practice or game these days. Actually, the journey home is much more quiet. That’s because, for the first time in three years, he’s not going home after the day is done with his twin sons, Nick and Mike.
Nick, the two-time All-Area shortstop, is playing college baseball at Rowan. Mike, the All-Area outfielder, is at the University of Scranton.
"It’s been a big adjustment for me, not having them around," Urbanovich said. "I catch myself wondering how they’re doing in school and then I have to realize that I have to get back to the job at hand."
Which is coaching the Marauders, something he’s done quite well for the last 27 years. Last year, it was the best season in Urbanovich’s quarter-century at Grand and Warren, winning 26 games and losing just four, spending most of the year ranked among the best in New Jersey and capturing the school’s second consecutive HCIAA championship and third in five years.
Although the coach’s sons have gone on to college, don’t dare shed a tear for Urbanovich, because the Marauders are once again loaded and have to be considered the clear-cut favorite to make it a "three-peat" of county titles.
Probably the biggest reason why the Marauders have to be considered the frontrunner is the incredible depth of pitching, including perhaps one of the finest hurlers in New Jersey.
Senior Pete Duda, who posted a fine 8-1 record a year ago, heads a staff of at least eight capable arms, maybe more.
"There was a time when I used to worry who my second pitcher would be," Urbanovich said. "Now, I have eight who can throw. Without a doubt, Pete has to be considered among the best in the state. He’s throwing harder and his second and third pitches are much more consistent. Every big-time college program in the state is looking at him."
The Marauders’ pitching depth doesn’t stop at Duda. Senior Dan Sweeney and junior John Zaszewski each won three games last year and would be solid No. 1 starters on practically every other team in the county. Juniors Anthony Pastore, Jim Comprelli (a lefty) and Mike Lyons will all get a chance to pitch in key spots this season.
"It’s a very good pitching staff," Urbanovich said.
Basketball standout Jimmy Supple returns at first base. The senior hit over .400 last year and will also do some pitching when called upon.
Senior Billy Rabbitt and junior Anthony Wolleon will juggle the second base duties. Zaszewski will play shortstop for the majority of the time that he’s not pitching. When he is on the mound, sophomore Jose Suncar steps in at short.
Third base should feature a platoon of juniors Jorge Fujita and Brian Guarini. The Marauders also have depth at catcher, with football standouts John Talty and Pat Farrell holding fort there.
Leading the outfield will be returning All-Area performer Fran Rotella, who batted .450 with five homers and 40 RBI last year. Rotella may be Hudson County’s premier slugger.
Senior Brian Kaczka and junior Rony Sanchez will rotate playing time in centerfield, while Augie Gonzalez, a senior, and a pair of sophomores, Glen Regan and Pat Murphy, will battle for playing time in right field.
Needless to say, the Marauders are downright loaded.
"I’ve been fighting the comparison between this year’s team and the ones that graduated," Urbanovich said. "Those kids were basically on autopilot for two years, because they were with me so much. They understood what had to be done. This team is still molding into shape."
Added Urbanovich, "When Pete goes out there, we expect to win. But he can’t pitch every game. We have to see how things work out down the stretch. We have some outstanding pitchers, so we have a lot of options."
Not to mention, a lot of chances for wins this spring.