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Sparklers on diamond in Warren
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Published in Echoes-Sentinel - April 1, 2004
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Mario Diez has taken the helm of the Watchung Hills varsity baseball program
that produced an 11-12 record in 2003. With a roster of 21 players fortified by 15 members of the Class of 2004,
look for Diaz to turn the Warriors into a major contender for conference, county and state titles.
"Our basic objective is to become a better team at the end than we were at the start," said Diez. "We
have several talented players and if they can appreciate the team concept, their overall contributions will make
us a good team."
Diez will look to the leadership of the four seniors who were voted quad-captains by their teammates to implement
his "good teammates" concept. Spenser Brenn will bring the leadership qualities he displayed on the gridiron
under head coach Jim Benedict to the hot corner before continuing his academic/athletic career at Rowan University.
Kyle Higgins, who was a major factor in the success of head coach Gene McAteer's basketball team, will patrol shortstop
for a final season before heading to Monmouth University on a baseball scholarship.
Anchoring the outer pastures from his center field slot will be Mike Gatti who became only the second-ever Warrior
to win a state title in wrestling. Outstanding in the academic classroom, Gatti has been recruited to play baseball
on the Ivy League campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
Carl Riccio was voted the other quad-captain and his presence at the pre-season practices has been inspiration
to his diamond teammates, just as it was to his fellow grapplers. Riccio played on the left side of the infield
as a sophomore before suffering a career-ending injury in wrestling as a junior.
"All of our quad-captains are quality young men who lead by example," commented Diez. "Their leadership
abilities will make us into a very good team."
Four other seniors return to the Warriors' starting lineup. Rich Bauer provides solid defense in the outfield while
the other three will see time on the mound as well as at various positions. Matt Eckhardt will start the season-opener
against Hunterdon Central and will see action in the outfield when he is not on the mound. Rich Spurr will handle
the keystone assignment and is also projected to be the Warriors' closer. Dan Pepe has been injured but when healthy
will be a starter on the mound and see action in the outfield.
Phil Provenzano and Gregg Wanler are right-handers who serve as the middle men on the Warrior's pitching staff.
Chris Norris will see time at third base, James Petzoski is competing for innings at first place and as the DH
as is Chade Seeling with Andrew Tafaro is an outfielder. Rob Bizzarro is hampered by a sore shoulder but is in
the battle to put on the catcher's equipment.
Five juniors, four of whom are up from last year's junior varsity program under coach Joe Tremarco, have made the
varsity roster. The jewel of the group is returning starter Matt Giannini who is already drawing interest from
major league scouts. Giannini has an outstanding arm that utilizes on the mound for the Warriors and will start
the seconds game of the season. When he is not toeing the rubber, he will be at first base.
The others are catcher Bryan Ross, outfielder Chris Costa, second sacker Frank Peterpaul and utility infielder
Mike Porrisi.
Two sophomores have made the jump to the varsity from last year's freshmen program that is under the direction
of coach Jeff Delimon. Adam Rivera is a righty who could break into the starting rotation while Chris DiCosimo
remains in contention for the starting nod at catcher.
Diez and his senior quad-captains will make the 2004 Warriors operate as a team and the result will have a positive
impact on the team standings. |
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