Union/GMC Autism Awareness Challenge Highlights Weekend Schedule

By Josh Rosenfeld/For The Star-Ledger
Published: Friday, April 08, 2011, 1:42 PM     Updated: Friday, April 08, 2011, 1:50 PM

The wonderful deeds that the GMC baseball coaches and programs have done in recent years to promote awareness of autism spread to Union County this weekend as the Akadema Union/GMC Autism Awareness Challenge heads north up Route 1 to Elizabeth’s Williams Field.

This year’s event will consist of triple-headers on Saturday and Sunday pitting Union

North Brunswick's Anthony Muldowney, sporting his GMC Autism Awareness T-shirt, stealing second base in last year's GMC Autism Awareness Challenge. (Amanda Brown/The Star-Ledger)

 

County schools against Middlesex County opposition. Sunday’s schedule includes two of the better matchups in the state this weekend with Group 3 champion Cranford taking on Group 3 contender South Plainfield at 1, followed by a showdown between two of the state’s most explosive offenses when Westfield and Monroe meet at 4.

This is the fourth year that the GMC will hold events promoting autism awareness and the second year it will do so jointly with Union County schools.

“We said let’s spread out and get some competition from neighboring counties and (Elizabeth coach) Matt Belford jumped on board,” said Metuchen coach Leo Danik, the president of the GMC coaches association. “Elizabeth stepped up and decided to host a two-day event.

“It’s good competition between the two counties, we’re so close, and the best thing is we’re spreading the word about autism awareness.  April is Autism Awareness Month.”

One of the interesting aspects of the event is that players from all of the schools were to wear event-themed T-shirts to school Friday in an effort to publicize the cause among their fellow students. Players were given information on autism so they could respond to questions from classmates about the T-Shirts.

“As more and more kids become aware of what’s going on, hopefully, it will make us better people,” Danik said.

Akadema is providing the T-shirts and numerous American Legion and VFW posts and other groups have donated to help defray some of the expenses.

Danik credits his fellow coaches with their support and cooperation in staging the event.

“The coaches are fantastic, all of these guys have come on board,” Danik said. “Probably 99 percent of them are dads and you look around and see how fortunate you have it, every day occurrences that we take for granted. Hopefully we get the message out there a little bit.”

While Danik’s family has not been affected by autism a neighbor’s family has and Danik’s special relationship with their son inspired him to take a lead role in the event.

“You just appreciate the little things because my son’s about the same age,” Danik said.

In addition to this weekend’s event the fourth GMC Autism Awareness Day will be held at North Brunswick Community Park on Saturday, April 30. That showcase will feature eight games played on two fields starting at 10 in the morning and finishing around 10 at night.

Here are the schedules for both events:
AKADEMA UNION/GMC AUTISM AWARENESS CHALLENGE
At Williams Field, Elizabeth

Saturday, April 9
Union Catholic vs. Middlesex, 10
Elizabeth vs. North Brunswick, 1
Linden vs. Colonia, 4

Sunday, April 10
Roselle Park vs. Metuchen , 10
Cranford vs. South Plainfield, 1
Westfield vs. Monroe, 4

GMC AUTISM AWARENESS DAY
At Community Park, North Brunswick

Saturday, April 30
North Brunswick vs. Sayreville, 10………………..…South River vs. Dunellen, 10
South Plainfield vs. Iselin Kennedy, 1………………Perth Amboy vs. Carteret, 1
Bishop Ahr vs. Middlesex, 4……………………….......South Brunswick vs. Spotswood, 4
Metuchen vs. Wardlaw-Hartridge, 7……...........Monroe vs. Colonia, 7



SPECIAL NOTE TO GMC FANS: Williams Field is located just off of Route 1 north, less than a mile past the Bayway Circle. Turn right at the McDonald’s and the field will be on your right. The field is also very close to exit 13 on the NJ Turnpike, at the Goethals Bridge. Take Bayway Avenue west to South Broad Street and turn right. Route 1 will be a short distance up on the right and turn right, heading north. Turn right at the McDonald’s and the field will be on the right.

Williams Field is located near the water front and tends to be a little cooler than elsewhere, so dress accordingly. Players planning on wearing their T-shirts may want to bring a long sleeve shirt to wear underneath just in case while spectators should bring one extra layer of clothing.

As for parking, I would avoid parking near the right field foul line. Especially the way Westfield lefty Daniel Kerr has been mashing the ball lately.

Enjoy the games!

http://www.nj.com/hssports/blog/baseball/index.ssf/2011/04/uniongmc_autism_awarness_challenge_highlights_weekened_schedule.html

Game 4: South Plainfield 7, North Brunswick 1

Written by
STAFF REPORT Apr 7, 2011

SOUTH PLAINFIELD 7, NORTH BRUNSWICK 1: Mark Tomei went 2-for-4 with an RBI, while teammate Steven Petriello went 2-for-4 with a double to help the Tigers (3-1) complete a regular-season sweep of the Raiders (3-2).
Winning pitcher Charlie Huber went the distance, fanning one, walking two and yielding four hits.
North Brunswick's lone run scored on a fielder's choice groundout in the seventh. Ryan Hutchinson belted a two-run single in the seventh to help the Tigers build upon their 4-0 lead.
Losing pitcher Mike Pfeiffer hurled six and two thirds innings. He fanned four and surrendered five earned runs.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110407/NJSPORTS0130/104070388/-1/NJSPORTS01/Voorhees-dominates-Franklin

Winning pitcher Charlie Huber delivers a pitch against North Brunswick

Nick Ross drops down a bunt against North Brunswick

South Plainfield (7) at North Brunswick (1)

The Star Ledger, April 07, 2011 10:25 p.m.

Ryan Hutchinson had a two-run single while Mark Tomei and Stephen Petriello each went 2-for-4 for South Plainfield (3-1) in North Brunswick. Charlie Huber (1-0) tossed a complete game, limiting North Brunswick (3-2) to four hits.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-2615107150437335007/south-plainfield-7-at-north-brunswick-1/

Game 3: South Plainfield 5, North Brunswick 3

North Brunswick (3) at South Plainfield (5)

The Star Ledger, April 07, 2011 2 a.m.

Dan Hansen (2-0) scattered five hits, struck out five and walked three and aided his cause by driving in three runs for South Plainfield (2-1) in South Plainfield. Hansen poked a two-run double and Quinn Cochrane singled home a run as South Plainfield took a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Hansen added an RBI single in the fourth as South Plainfield expanded its lead to 5-0. Steven Hock delivered all of the scoring for North Brunswick (3-1) with a towering three-run homer in the sixth.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-2615108150546335335/north-brunswick-3-at-south-plainfield-5/

Written by
STAFF REPORT 10:12 PM, Apr. 6, 2011

SOUTH PLAINFIELD 5, NORTH BRUNSWICK 3: Senior lefty Dan Hansen pitched a complete-game five-hitter. He fanned five and walked three.  Hansen had a single, double and three RBI. Sophomore designated hitter Quinn Cochrane had a double and an RBI for South Plainfield (2-1).
Cleanup hitter Steven Hock hit a three-run homer for North Brunswick (3-1) in the sixth to produce the final margin.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110406/NJSPORTS0130/104060362/-1/NJSPORTS01/HNT-Baseball-Roundup-Andrew-Neich-rallies-Colonia-over-Spotswood



GMC UPDATE: South Plainfield-St. Joe's Among Postponements

By Josh Rosenfeld/For The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger

Published: Tuesday, April 05, 2011, 5:08 PM    

 Updated: Tuesday, April 05, 2011, 5:32 PM

Six of seven games on today's schedule, including all six games to be played in Middlesex County, were postponed today due to the weather. Among the rain outs was the much-anticipated clash between St. Joseph and South Plainfield.

Brandon Downes and South Plainfield were rained out of

their meeting with St. Joseph today. (Chris Faytok/The Star-Ledger)

Here is the list of today's postponements with make-up dates, where available:

South Plainfield at St. Joseph, NO DATE

South Amboy at Spotswood, SATURDAY, APRIL 9, TBA

New Brunswick at Dunellen, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 4 P.M.

Middlesex at Piscataway, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 4 P.M.

Colonia at South River, NO DATE

Sayreville at South Brunswick, SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 10 A.M.


Here is the Middlesex County schedule for Wednesday, April 6:

South Brunswick at Woodbridge, 3:45

Elizabeth at J.P. Stevens, 3:45

Manalapan at Old Bridge, 3:45

North Brunswick at South Plainfield, 3:45

Cardinal McCarrick at Perth Amboy Tech, 4

East Brunswick tech at Piscataway Tech, 4

Colonia at Spotswood, 4

Monroe at Carteret, 4

Middlesex at Piscataway, 4

New Brunswick at Dunellen, 4

Timothy Christian at Wardlaw-Hartridge, 4:15

The lone game being played is Highland Park at Rutgers Prep, with Rutgers Prep holding a 7-0 lead after the first inning.

http://www.nj.com/hssports/blog/baseball/index.ssf/2011/04/gmc_update_south_plainfield-st_joes_among_postponements.html

Game April 5th postponed - TBA

Today's game vs. St. Josephs Metuchen has been postponed until a later date due to weather.

The next TIGER game is scheduled for Wednesday, April 6th at 3:45, at home against North Brunswick.

Baseball: Around the State, for the week of April 4

BOB BEHRE, April 04, 2011 8:20 p.m.

RANKINGS: THE TOP 20 AND STATEWIDE TOP 10S

MIDDLESEX

1-St. Joseph (0-0)
2-Monroe (1-0)
3-South Plainfield (1-1)
4-Woodbridge (1-1)
5-North Brunswick (2-0)
6-Sayreville (1-0)
7-South Brunswick (0-1)
8-Piscataway (0-1)
9-East Brunswick (0-1)
10-Perth Amboy (2-0)

GAMES TO WATCH

The coaches from Union and Middlesex Counties are getting together to support a great cause and the result should be some great baseball at the Akadema Union/GMC Autism Awareness Challenge this weekend at Williams Field in Elizabeth. The event will pit teams from both counties squaring off in tripleheaders on Saturday and Sunday.

The feature matchup pits Cranford, the defending state Group 3 champion, against Group 3 contender South Plainfield on Sunday at 1 p.m. The contest features some big hitters in Cranford's Greg Matlosz, who earned All-Union County honors while hitting .397 with 36 RBI last year, against South Plainfield's Brandon Downes, an All-State selection and  the Middlesex County  Player of the Year last spring after hitting .484 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI.

That game will be followed by what could be a high-scoring affair between Westfield, led by Georgia Tech-bound catcher A.J. Murray, and Monroe with Nick Dini, who began the season needing 60 hits to break the state's all-time career mark of 181.

Here is the complete schedule for the event. Saturday: Union Catholic vs. Middlesex, 10 a.m.; Elizabeth vs. North Brunswick, 1 p.m.; Linden vs. Colonia, 4 p.m. Sunday: Roselle Park vs. Metuchen, 10 a.m.; Cranford vs. South Plainfield, 1 p.m.; Westfield vs. Monroe, 4 p.m.

Josh Rosenfeld and Chris Orlando contributed to this report.
http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/2260281276203701911/baseball-around-the-state-for-the-week-of-april-4/

TIGERS Split Double-Header With Woodbridge

PLAY OF THE DAY

A Woodbridge baserunner is tagged out at the plate by catcher Stephen Petriello on a perfect throw home by right fielder Ryan Hutchinson. (Photo courtesy of Don Hunsinger)

4-2-2011 Game Photo Gallery: 

http://elijahquest.smugmug.com/Baseball/Baseball-2011/SPHS-varsity-vs-WHS-April-2/16451700_cJ6EU#1237798756_UQkhA

Woodbridge (0) at South Plainfield (10)

The Star Ledger, April 02, 2011 9:45 p.m.

Stephen Petriello and A.J. Celentano drove in two runs apiece and Mark Tomei added a solo home run for South Plainfield in the five-inning victory in the opening game of a doubleheader in Woodbridge. Dan Hansen struck out nine and walked two in hurling the abbreviated five-hit shutout. Kyle Anderson had three singles for Woodbridge.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-3615116150562335325/woodbridge-0-at-south-plainfield-10/

South Plainfield (5) at Woodbridge (6)

The Star Ledger, April 02, 2011 9:44 p.m.

James Lyczkowski doubled twice and drove in three runs while Dan Kacsmar added a solo home run as Woodbridge earned a split in Woodbridge. Nick Stallone went the distance to claim the victory. Brandon Downes had a two-run single for South Plainfield, which rallied for five runs in the bottom of the seventh and had the tying run on third when the game ended.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-3615116150562335326/south-plainfield-5-at-woodbridge-6/

SOUTH PLAINFIELD 10-5, WOODBRIDGE 0-6: Nick Stallone went the distance with eight strikeouts and forced the Tigers to leave the bases loaded in the seventh, ending a five-run rally and preserving a 6-5 Woodbridge win in the nightcap of a GMC White Division twinbill. The Barrons scored three times in the sixth for a 6-0 lead. Dan Kacsmar had a solo homer for Woodbridge, while teammate Mike Clarke doubled and triple. James Lyczkowski went 3-for-4 with three RBI for the Barrons.
South Plainfield won the opener 10-0 in five innings. Winning pitcher Dan Hansen fanned nine and scattered five hits including three to leadoff batter Kyle Anderson. Mark Tomei homered and scored three runs, A.J. Celentano went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBI. Nick Ross singled and doubled.


http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110402/NJSPORTS0130/104020353/-1/NJSPORTS01/HNT-Baseball-Roundup-South-Amboy-rallies-beat-Spotswood

Newspaper Clippings April 1, 2011

Home News Tribune Team Preview

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: Anthony Guida, 3rd season (38-17).

Last year: 25-3 (17-1 GMC White).

Top returning players:   Brandon Downes (Sr., OF-C); Daniel Hansen (Sr., P-1B);  Stephen Petriello (Jr., C);  Mark Tomei (Jr., OF);  Ryan Hutchison (Sr., P-OF);  Charlie Huber (Sr., P).

Top newcomers:  Nick DeMarco (Jr., P-­INF);  Tommy Bowden (Jr., P);  Ryan Hughes (Jr., P-INF);  Eric Niemeyer (Sr., P);  Nick Ross (Sr., INF);  Shane O'Connor (Sr., P-INF);  Alex Liszewski (Sr., OF);  Ryan Marcoux (Jr., INF);  Nick Kukuch (Jr., OF);  Chris Kukuch (Jr., INF);  Quinn Cochrane (So., P-OF);  A.J. Celentano (So., P-INF).

Outlook: The Tigers, who ended the. 2010 campaign ranked No.1 in the Home News Tribune Top 10, graduated their entire starting infield. Mark Benak, Kyle Hughes, Rob Pasternak and Matt Cesare combined for 144 hits, 105 runs and 74 RBI. Pasternak was regarded as the GMC's best defensive second baseman. The veteran outfield is anchored by Downes, the GMC's 2010 Player of the Year. His 15 homers were two shy of the state's single-season record. Downes led the club with a .484 batting average and 49 RBI. He has signed with the University of Virginia. Downes moved from behind the plate to the outfield with the emergence last spring of Petriello (.465, 5 HR, 33 RBI), a first·team All-Area catcher. Tomei (.342, 4 HR, 17 RBI) and Hutchison will flank Downes in the outfield. Hansen (9-1, 1.80) will be the staff ace. He fanned 20 Woodbridge batters in a GMC Summer Baseball League playoff game. The workhorse of South Plainfield's staff a year ago, he walked just 20 batters over 54-plus innings. Hutchison and Huber, who combined to throw seven Innings, are the only other pitchers with varsity experience. Huber keeps the ball down in the strike zone and will record plenty of groundball outs. Expect Bowden, a right-hander, to make an immediate impact on the mound. South Plainfield has plenty of arms to battle for the No.3 starter role.
http://blogs.mycentraljersey.com/baseball/

PRE SEASON TOP 10

1. St. Joseph

2. South Plainfield

3. Old Bridge

4. Monroe

5. South Brunswick

6. North Brunswick

7. East Brunswick

8. Woodbridge

9. Middlesex

10T. South River

10T. Edison

PRESEASON

ALL·AREA

P - Brandon Dolan, St. Joseph

P - Jon Young, Old Bridge

P - Charles Thielmann, Piscataway

P - Dan Hansen, South Plainfield

C - Stephen Petriello, South Plainfield

1B - Steven Hock, North Brunswick

2B - Blake Cuomo, Sayreville

SS - Christian Campbell, Sayreville

3B - Myles Diggins, Rutgers Prep

OF - Carl Thomore, East Brunswick

OF - Brandon Downes, South Plainfield

OF - Tommy Marcinczyk, Middlesex

DH - Nick Dini, Monroe

UP - Anderson Rosa, Perth Amboy

UP - Dave Rondesko, South River

PRESEASON

ALL - GMC WHITE DIVISION 

P - Dan Hansen, South Plainfield

P - Nick Stallone, Woodbridge

P - Emilio Calderon, Perth Amboy

P - Matt Wagner, Colonia

C - Stephen Petriello, South Plainfield

1B - Stephen Hock, North Brunswick

2B - Corey Liebross, Monroe

SS - Alex Vizcaino, Monroe

3B - Emil Kranz, J.F. Kennedy

OF - Brandon Downes, South Plainfield

OF - Jimmy Small, Monroe

OF - Jake Rosenberg, North Brunswick

DH - Nick Dini, Monroe .

UP - Anderson Rosa, Perth Amboy

UP - Frank D’Agostino, Monroe

Baseball season preview, 2011

BOB BEHRE, April 01, 2011 1:06 a.m.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brandon Downes, South Plainfield, Sr.: The  center fielder had a breakout campaign for a 25-3 squad last year, earning All-Sate and All-Middlesex County Player of the Year honors. He batted .484 with 15 HRs, had 49 runs-scored, 47 RBI and a 1.063 slugging percentage. He'll attend the University of Virginia next year.

Carl Thomore, East Brunswick, Sr.: His stats may not wow but the scouts love the multi-tool outfielder. He batted .328 last year with 19 RBI, a .469 on-base percentage and was 20-of-20 in stole- base attempts, including several steals of home.

Nick Dini, Monroe, Sr.: Versatile veteran is expected to return behind the plate this year. He batted .551 and slugged 1.133 last year with 30 extra base hits, including 10 HRs. He enters the year with 122 career hits, 80 RBI, 96 runs scored, 32 doubles, nine triples and 15 HRs.

Contenders: Cranford, South Plainfield, Seneca, Monmouth Regional, Ramapo, Ocean Township.

BY THE NUMBERS    April 1, 2011

3

 Number of head coaches South Amboy has had in the past four years now that Bob Dougherty has taken over the program.

4

 Number of GMC schools at which Leo Danik, who begins his first season at Metuchen, has served as head coach. Danik previously coached at J,P. Stevens, South Brunswick and Dunellen, He also was an assistant at Edison.

6

 Number of sophomores starting for defending GMC Blue Division champion Middlesex, which hopes lefty slugging sophomore outfielder Tommy Marcinczyk (7 HR in 2010) benefits from a new rightfield fence at the Blue Jays home field.

20

 Number of Woodbridge batters South Plainfield ace Dan Hansen fanned in a seven-inning GMC Summer Baseball League playoff game last July.  The work­horse of the Tigers' staff, Hansen fanned just 35 batters in 54-plus innings last season.

30

 Number of professional scouts from major league teams who have visited East Brunswick senior center fielder Carl Thomore at his house or have come to watch him play during the preseason.

44

 Number of home runs from 2010 Carteret lost to graduation.  The Ramblers do not return a single player who belted a round-tripper.

59

 Number of hits senior catcher Nick Dini of Monroe needs to break the state's career record of 188, set by Old Tappan's Rob Segedin in 2007. Dini clubbed 54 hits last season.­

78

 Height in inches of promising 6-foot-6 sophomore Brennan Price who is expected to bat in the heart of Middlesex's order and serve as the team's closer. He homered earlier this week in a scrimmage against South Plainfield.

79

 Height in inches of 6-foot-7 sophomore left-hander James Ziemba, who is expected to make a big impact (pun intended) as a pitcher at St. Joseph.

362

 Number of career victories for Bishop Ahr head coach Scott Runkel, the GMC's winningest active coach, who begins his 28th season.

835

 Number of 2010 plate appearances St. Joseph lost to graduation.

Baseball Preseason Rankings: NJ

By Lou Brogno and Brian Fitzsimmons | Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Here's a look at the top 10 baseball teams in the Garden State entering the 2011 season:

1. West Essex 28-3

2. Randolph 28-3

3. South Plainfield 25-3

4. Delbarton 25-6

5. Manalapan 22-8

6. Immaculata 22-5

7. St. Joe's (Montvale) 21-5

8. Westwood 21-11

9. Seton Hall Prep 24-7

10. Cranford 26-5

http://www.msgvarsity.com/new-jersey/baseball-preseason-rankings-nj-1.435423?p=

The Countdown Begins !!!

OPENING DAY RAINED OUT!At least it wasn't SNOW!
Countdowns

4th Day Of Spring - Tigers Playing Baseball In The Snow

A ground ball to the TIGER shortstop!



The Newest Tiger Fan - Anthony Guida Jr.

7 month old Anthony Guida Jr. attended his first South Plainfield Tiger baseball game on Saturday March 19th in Bridgewater.  He showed up with a "Game Face" the Tiger players could only envy.  But after the game, he showed everyone his big smile thanks to Mrs. Tomei. (Aunt Wendy)

Game photos from March 19th - LINK:
http://s710.photobucket.com/albums/ww110/driftwood22/2011%20SP%20Baseball%20Pre-Season/



Downes, Hansen & Petriello Named To Louisville Slugger – TPX Pre-Season Honors by Collegiate Baseball

Brandon Downes, Dan Hansen, & Stephen Petriello

Three South Plainfield players were named in the Louisville Slugger – TPX pre-season All-American selections. Brandon Downes was named to the Pre-Season High School All-American First Team, while Dan Hansen and Stephen Petriello were named to the national “Players to Watch List.”

According to Collegiate Baseball, the players on these lists represent not only amazing athletic ability and talent in their respective positions, but are also among the most sought after players by pro scouts and college recruiters.

This is the 15th year that that Louisville Slugger has sponsored the High School All-Americans teams. The staff of Collegiate Baseball Newspaper selected the teams. The Louisville Slugger – TPX pre-season All-American selections and the state by state “Players To Watch List” takes approximately three months to compile. Nominations must be submitted by the high school baseball coach and must include statistics for that player from the previous spring season. All players must have played on a varsity team to be eligible.

The complete lists are compiled in the January 28th issue of the Collegiate Baseball newspaper.



Brandon Downes Named to Rawlings® and Perfect Game USA Pre-Season All-Region Team

Annual awards recognize the top senior athletes at the high school level 

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (March 3, 2011) - Rawlings Sporting Goods® announced today its annual Rawlings Preseason All-American and All-Region Teams to recognize the top 400 high school baseball athletes in the U.S., while also showcasing their abilities to collegiate and professional scouts. In partnership with Perfect Game USA, the world’s largest scouting report service, Rawlings is devoted to distinguishing “THE FINEST IN THE FIELD” with these two prestigious awards.

Mike Thompson, Rawlings Vice-President, said, “These selected athletes are being recognized for their skill, athleticism, and dedication to their game which allows them to perform to the highest level of game play. With more than 240,000 high school athletes in the nation, these players represent the very best in their class.”

The Rawlings Preseason All-Region 1st Team recognizes 400 players from eight regions around the U.S. Each of the regions will form a 50-man roster, complete with catchers, pitchers, infielders and outfielders.

In addition, the top 150 of the 400 athletes will be named to the Rawlings Preseason All-American Team. All 150 award recipients will be named to one of three teams, each including a 50-man roster.

“Rawlings and Perfect Game USA are synonymous with the game of baseball and these preseason awards allow us to reward these elite athletes for their hard work and contribution to the game,” said Thompson.

http://www.perfectgame.org/all_americans/2011/northeast.aspx

Pasternak & Benak Expected to Compete for Starting Spots at WPU & Rowan

2010 South Plainfield Alumni Mark Benak and Rob Pasternak are competing for starting spots on their respective college teams.  Last year's deadly double play combination went to opposite ends of the state to pursue their college baseball careers. 

http://wpupioneers.com/news/2011/2/24/BB_0224111426.aspx?path=baseball

William Patterson University Coach Mike Lauterhahn was quoted on their web page about Rob:

Following the graduation of Miguel Lugo (.386 batting average, 10 doubles, 39 runs scored), two freshmen will be competing for the starting job at second base. Scott Ptaszynski (Wharton, N.J./Morris Hills) showed a great ability to turn double plays while hitting .400 this fall. Rob Pasternak (South Plainfield, N.J./South Plainfield) displayed tremendous range and a strong offensive presence during the fall season. Pasternak comes to the Pioneers from a highly-successful high school program, a fact that has helped him develop an unparalleled competitive drive.

http://www.rowanathletics.com/news/2011/2/15/BB_0215113553bb.aspx?path=baseball

Rowan University Coach Juan Ranero was quoted on their web page about Mark:

The second base job is still up for grabs. Veteran Brandon Winkler (jr. Glendora, NJ/Paul VI) is joined by transfer Rob Wilgus (jr. Woolwich, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) and rookie Mark Benak (fr. South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield).

Winkler played in 24 games with 17 starts. He hit .257 with 13 RBIs, 12 runs scored and five doubles. He recorded a .939 fielding percentage. Wilgus appeared in 40 games at Camden County College. He posted a .438 batting average with 39 runs scored, 38 RBIs, 17 doubles, 12 stolen bases and a .522 on-base percentage. Wilgus was an All-Region 19 second team selection.
“Winkler will see a lot of action,” continued Ranero. “He will platoon with Wilgus at the beginning of the season until someone gets hot. Wilgus had a great fall offensively and defensively. He knows how to hit and gained a lot of experience in junior college. Benak will see time at second base and shortstop. He will be a big time player. He is excellent defensively and had a nice fall with the bat.”

South Plainfield Pitcher/1st Baseman Dan Hansen Selected 2011 Under Armour Pre-Season All-American

South Plainfield's Dan Hansen competed in the Under Armour Pre-Season All-America Tournament in Tucson Arizona January 14-16.

South Plainfield High School senior pitcher/first baseman Dan Hansen was selected as a 2011 Under Armour Pre-Season All-American. Under Armour recognizes the best players in the nation to participate in its annual 2 day wood bat tournament that took place in Tucson Arizona January 14-16. Only Division I players are considered for selection to this event. Players are divided into regional teams that compete in a two day tournament at the Kino Sports Complex, the former spring training home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, in Tucson Arizona.

Dan competed on the Northeast Team that went 3-0 in the tournament. The Northeast team defeated the USA Select team along with Team Florida and Team South. Dan pitched four shutout innings against Team South. He struck out 9 while giving up 2 hits. He walked 1 and picked off 2 base runners. As a hitter, Dan went 2 for 5 with 1 RBI.

The event also included an award presentation to all the players and a keynote speech by former major-leaguer Brian McRae. College coaches, recruiters and major league scouts were also in attendance for the event.

On the lighter side, all of the Northeast players were enjoying the warm weather of southern Arizona, many complaining of the 30 inches of snow they left at home. Upon hearing this, one of the coaches replied to them, “that’s too bad, we have 3 inches of sand in Miami.”

2011 Baseball Season Is Right Around The Corner!

The South Plainfield Tigers Are Done With The Snow.  Its Time To Play BASEBALL!

Upcoming Events:

Meet The Coaches Night
Monday Evening February 28th 7:00 p.m. Cafeteria C & D
All Baseball Candidate's Parents Can Come And Meet The 2011 South Plainfield Baseball Coaches And Get An Overview Of The High School Baseball Program.

Clothing Drive
Saturday, March 12th, A Fundraiser For The Baseball Program.  Make A Note Of The Date.  More Details Will Be Announced At "Meet The Coaches Night" February 28th.

First Pre-Season Scrimmage
Friday March 11th, 4:00 p.m. at Spotswood High School

Opening Day
Friday April 1st, 4:00 p.m. at Home vs. Woodbridge High School

Zoned Training Program for South Plainfield Baseball

2011 South Plainfield HS Baseball Team Training at Zoned!

Dates: Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21

Time: Mondays 8:30 - 9:30 pm

Please fill out the player profile form at the link below and be sure to include your primary and secondary positions in the Notes field.

https://tms.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistrations/Register.aspx?CompanyID=526&GroupID=49762

Zoned Sports Academy Inc

24 E. Kearney Street

Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Phone: 732.537.1770
Fax: 732. 537.1780

Email: contact@zonedinc.com

NJ Baseball:

Brandon Downes of South Plainfield Signs With Virginia

(High school Baseball news)

THE STAR-LEDGER, November 14, 2010 6:19 p.m.

Brandon Downes of South Plainfield, one of two juniors selected All-State by The Star-Ledger in June, has signed a letter of intent to attend Virginia.The outfielder had 15 home runs and batted .484 with 49 RBI for South Plainfield, which finished the season ranked No. 8 in Tbe Star-Ledger Top 20 with a 25-3 record.

http://highschoolsports.nj.com/news/article/-2872793621720970774/nj-baseball-brandon-downes-of-south-plainfield-signs-with-virginia-high-school-baseball-news/

South Plainfield's Brandon Downes selects Virginia to continue baseball career

By MATT HLADIK • STAFF WRITER • November 12, 2010

Another Middlesex County high school product signed to continue his baseball career at a Division I institution Friday when South Plainfield centerfielder Brandon Downes inked a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Virginia.Downes, a Home News Tribune All-Area First-Team selection in 2010, batted .484 and slugged 1.063 as a junior, driving in 49 runs and belting 15 home runs, both school records. He was the Greater Middlesex Conference coaches' selection for Player of the Year."Brandon is one of the best natural hitters I have ever been around, in both my years as a coach and a player," South Plainfield coach Anthony Guida said. "He is very physically fit and has one of the best work ethics I've been around. He is a five-tool player. I think he will flourish and grow (as a ballplayer) at Virginia."Downes also hit for the cycle against New Brunswick and recorded an 18-game hitting streak last season. He helped lead the Tigers to a 25-3 record and the GMC White division title. His performance in the classroom is equally impressive, as he possesses a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society.

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20101112/SPORTS0103/11120351/1109

Looking Forward

Anthony Guida Jr.

Anthony Guida Jr.

7 lbs. 11 ozs.