2025 - MyCentralJersey.com - Baseball rankings: Greater Middlesex Conference preseason Top 10

 

Andy Mendlowitz
MyCentralJersey.com

With the baseball season opening in full force this week, here is our first Greater Middlesex Conference Top 10 of the season.

The ranking will be posted Monday morning all season, which promises to have plenty of twists and turns.

There is already a big change from last spring – the GMC moved from five divisions to four. That means beefed-up pennant races. Among the notable changes are Edison and Woodbridge moving into the Red Division from the White; North Brunswick moving to the White from the Red and St. Thomas Aquinas moving up to the White Division.
GMC Preseason Top 10

(last season’s records in parenthesis)

1. Old Bridge (20-9): The Knights start where they ended last season – as No. 1. The defending GMC Tournament champs do graduate All-Area players in Frank Papeo (RHP-1B) and JT Meyer (RHP-CF) and other pieces such as pitcher Luke Hagen. However, a pair of All-GMC players return in ace Justin Hascup and leadoff hitter John Smith. There’s experience sprinkled throughout the lineup with talented newcomers ready. Plus, the winning attitude remains.

2. South Plainfield (22-6-1): The Tigers could make a case for the preseason top spot. The reigning Red Division champions ooze talent on the mound with hot bats and should overcome the loss of a half dozen stalwarts. Where do those South Plainfield arms come from? Ryan Balent, Mike Castagna and Kevin Penny are on the ace-level, while Dominic Massaro, Dan Kapsch and Nick Irizarry are All-GMC candidates.

3. Colonia (19-7): The Patriots just might have the top pitching staff in the GMC. They feature two certified aces in Cory Pascarella (56 1/3 IP, 0.37 ERA, 86 Ks) and Colin Kroner (49 IP, 2.20 ERA, 78 Ks). It’s a show when they toe the mound and Colonia has an excellent chance to win every time they’re pitching. The Patriots also have other nice arms with seasoned bats back looking to boost the offensive production from last season.

4. Edison (16-12): Remember last season when the Eagles entered with some mystery, featuring superstar, two-way senior Jaxon Appelman and a ton of youngsters. Well, the kids were all right as Edison had its second straight 16-win season and reached the GMCT semifinals. Now, eight players return with big-game seasoning. All signs point to another strong spring as Edison moves into the Red Division from the White. All-GMC Robert Roma (LHP-OF) and All-Division Anthony Calantoni (SS) are the early names to watch.

5. Spotswood (19-4-2): The Chargers spent every day over the past two seasons with at least a share of first place in the Blue Division. Now, they move into the White Division with a mostly veteran lineup boosted by 13 seniors. All-Division players Carter Cumiskey (.446, six HRs, 30 RBIs and carried a 1.80 ERA with 78 Ks on the mound), William Buchan (.375, 27 RBIs) and Ryan Orth (.322 batting average and 2.47 ERA) lead the way.

6. Monroe (16-10): The Central Group 4 champions have questions after graduating their three top pitchers who combined for 233 strikeouts and a 2.37 ERA in Zack Wallace, Lucas White, and Harrison Lollin. The Falcons also lost their top hitter Owen Judge (.324 AVG), who will miss the season after suffering an ACL tear. However, they added Georgia commit Andre Love (19 IP, 28 Ks, 2.95 ERA), who had a strong sophomore season for East Brunswick. Other pieces like Jake Lobue (.304 AVG, 19 stolen bases) provide an offensive foundation. Plus, Monroe always has good players just biding their time awaiting an opportunity.

7. Woodbridge (17-10): The Barrons are coming off a three-year stretch that included 64 wins, a GMC White Division title and two sectional runs. Now, they move into the Red Division and must replace nine seniors including ace Eddy Nunez and the program’s all-time hits leader Drew Lukachyk. Don’t quite call it a rebuild. The Barrons have a handful of nice pieces like senior Ryan Leach, who missed all of last season with an injury after he had an ace-like sophomore season, as well as All-Division infielder Xavier Diaz.

8. St. Thomas Aquinas (19-9): The Trojans had a magical run to capturing the North Non-Public B title, their first sectional crown in 19 years. While they graduated star pitcher/hitter Gavin Sansone, other big-game tested players are back. Louis Rizzolo and Nikash Patel give St. Thomas Aquinas a strong one-two punch in the rotation and are quality hitters.

9. Sayreville (12-13): The Bombers made an upset-fueled run to the GMCT semifinals last season. They return seven starters, including All-Area catcher Michael Robinson and fearless pitcher Thomas Schlaline. Sayreville looks to contend in the White Division.

10. St. Joseph (7-20): The Falcons had an uncharacteristic down year with a mostly underclassmen team getting used to the varsity level in a brutal schedule. Now, most of the roster is back and that much more seasoned as St. Joseph looks to pivot back to its winning ways. All-Red Division Bobby Christensen leads the way as legendary former Cranford coach Dennis McCaffery takes over as the Falcons skipper.

Other teams considered

North Brunswick (13-13): The Raiders have a quality program with talented players always in the pipeline. However, they return just one pitcher with varsity experience so they enter outside the Top 10 with their mystery. Timmy DeGaetano returns after hitting .351.

Middlesex (10-17): The Blue Jays return all of their starters and have a nice one-two punch on the mound with Chris Kozak (56 IP, 66 Ks, 4.00 ERA) and Dominic Long (40 IP, 39 Ks, 3.32 ERA).

Carteret (18-8): The Ramblers have momentum after winning last year’s GMC Invitational title and have three aces back in Nick Kee, Eric Thompson and Luis Hernandez.

NJ Baseball rankings: Greater Middlesex Conference preseason Top 10

2025 - South Plainfield Baseball

 

2025 - South Plainfield Baseball Preview

 TAPinto South Plainfield

By Guy Kipp

Published March 29, 2025 at 12:00 AM

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ -- Coming off a 22-win season, the South Plainfield baseball team will open its 2025 campaign at home against Edison on Tuesday, April 1.

And a lot of the same players who spearheaded the Tigers to the championship games of both the Greater Middlesex Conference and North 2, Group 3 tournaments are back this year.

Head coach Scott Gleichenhaus calls this "an experienced group of battle-tested ballplayers," and, while South Plainfield won the Red Division of the GMC, coming up short in both of the aforementioned title games will "serve as motivation to this team, who is determined to do whatever it takes for another opportunity to compete against conference and state powerhouses for another chance at gold."

The graduation of two all-conference players -- third baseman Jay Alvarez and Red Division Player of the Year shortstop Zach Robinson -- "leaves an offensive and defensive void that must be filled," the coach said.

Three seniors will head a deep pitching staff: Left-hander Kevin Penny and righties Mike Castagna and Ryan Balent. In 20 innings, Balent had the lowest earned-run average on the team. 0.70. Castagna posted a 1.60 ERA in 35 innings and struck out 27 batters. Penny was second on the staff in strikeouts with 36 in 39 2/3 innings.

Junior lefty Aiden McCarthy and junior righty Jayden Jimenez will swing between the starting rotation and relief.  The Tigers possess a collection of other arms who will be called upon to get some tough outs throughout the course of the season. "All of the guys worked tirelessly in the off-season to improve their craft, so we are excited to see how these guys will attack opposing hitters through the course of the season," Gleichenhaus said.
 
Team captain Dan Kapsch, a senior who batted .376 last year, will move from second base to shortstop this season. Nick Irizarry, who batted .378 and paced the Tigers with 35 stolen bases, will move from left field to second base. Penny and McCarthy will split time at first base, while Chris Loniewski and Lorenzo Fuscoletti compete for time across the diamond at third base.

Steven Studlack, after being pressed into a starting role at catcher as a sophomore last year, will be back behind the plate this spring.

Junior center fielder Dominic Massaro already has 61 career hits. He batted .310 last season and is a tremendous fielder who also stole 13 bases. Dom covers as much ground as anyone in the state. Balent will play right field when he's not pitching, and junior Joe Stanzione will play left.

At bat, Gleichenhaus said, "(We'll) rely on the bats of Massaro, Irizarry and Kapsch to punish opposing pitching staffs. Kevin Penny and Aiden McCarthy are also good hitters who have experience facing the top pitchers on opposing teams, will now find themselves having plenty of opportunities to drive in runs, hitting behind the trio of Massaro, Irizarry and Kapsch."

The coach added, "Veterans like Studlack and Balent should also thrive when given the chance to hit with runners in scoring position. Both have the ability to work the counts in their favor and to put the ball in play. There are several other players who will be given opportunities to swing their way into the lineup. It’s a long season. Players need to compete every time they step foot on the diamond, whether it's at practice or during games, and make the most of their opportunities when called upon."

SOUTH PLAINFIELD 2025 BASEBALL ROSTER

Dan Kapsch (Sr. ss)

Nick Irizarry (Sr. 2b)

Kevin Penny (Sr. LHP-1B-OF)

Ryan Balent (Sr., RF-RHP)

Mike Castagna (Sr. RHP)

Steve Studlack (Sr., C)

Jack Jones (Sr., RHP/OF/DH)

Lorenzo Fuscoletti (Sr., RHP-IF)

Anthony Tomei (Sr., DH/IF)

Dave Butrico (Sr., P/DH)

Matt Falcone (Sr., RHP)

Dominic Massaro (Jr.,Cf)

Aiden McCarthy (Jr.,LHP-1b)

Jayden Jimenez(Jr.,RHP)

Joe Stanzione (Jr.,LHP-Of)

Dylan Oller (Jr., U-DH)

Alex Pigna (Jr.,RHP-U)

Aidan Kaplan (Jr.,(RHP-OF)

Ed Budzinski (Jr., LHP-OF)

Chris Loniewski (So.,3B-C-Of)

Andrew Bena (Fr. LHP)

South Plainfield 2025 Baseball Preview | South Plainfield, NJ News TAPinto | TAPinto

2025 - GMC Baseball Preview: Talent throughout highlights deep conference

 

• Updated: Mar. 27, 2025, 12:26 p.m.
• |
  Published: Mar. 27, 2025, 12:00 p.m.
  By 
  • Luis Torres | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
  
  The 2025 high school baseball season is officially here.
  The NJ Advance Media baseball staff has started its preparations for the spring season. As part of our baseball preview package, scroll down and take a look at our preview for the Greater Middlesex Conference.
  
  Included are who we figure to be the top teams and even a sleeper that could turn some heads down the line. You’ll also find a handful of players to watch, some early picks in each division race, and a look at what the crystal ball suggests as postseason award winners.
  Greater Middlesex Conference Preview
  
  Top Teams
  Colonia: Colonia is going to be hard to beat this season, especially when ace Cory Pascarella is on the mound. Pascarella had a breakout junior season last season, throwing 56 1/3 innings with 86 strikeouts and a 0.37 ERA. He was downright unhittable at times last season and the Monmouth commit will look to replicate last spring’s performance this season.
  He’s joined by junior Colin Kroner, who is a Seton Hall commit and is coming off a solid sophomore season. He threw 49 innings last season, amassing a 2.00 ERA and 78 strikeouts. Those two will give Colonia a chance in every game they pitch.
  
  Monroe: Monroe head coach Sean Field said he feels good about his team entering this season, even though he will have to replace All-State pitcher Zack Wallace, who graduated. Monroe does bring back senior outfielder Jake Lobue, who has been a constant in the lineup the last few years.
  The Falcons did get a couple of transfers, including Andre Love, a junior pitcher who is committed to Georgia, who Field is high on. Love will likely be the ace of the staff. Benjamin Faigin, who played JV at Red Bank Catholic last season, will slot into the middle of the lineup.
  
  Old Bridge: You can always count on Old Bridge having a good team, and this year should be no different under the tutelage of head coach Matt Donaghue. We’re only two years removed from Old Bridge reaching the Group 4 championship game, and there are still some pieces leftover from that team, namely senior pitcher/infielder Justin Hascup.
  Hascup has been a reliable throughout his career and is in the conversation as the best pitcher in the GMC. He’ll be the workhorse this season as Old Bridge does have to replace Frank Papeo and JT Meyer, who graduated. The lineup brings back John Smith (.412, 35 hits) and Akhil Penkala (.443, 31 hits).
  
  Spotswood: Spotswood is back in the White Division after spending the last two years dominating the Blue Division and has a team that could compete in the White and beyond. Veteran head coach Glenn Fredricks is bullish on his team and what they have returning, which includes standout two-way player Carter Cumiskey.
  Cumiskey had a 1.80 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings pitched last season, while hitting .446 with six homers and 36 hits at the plate. Senior Will Buchan hit .375 last season and will be back on the mound this season after recovering from injury a year ago. Ryan Orth and Tyler Olesky help round out the pitching rotation, while freshman catcher Tyrus Lazar figures to have a big role this spring.
  
  St. Thomas Aquinas: St. Thomas Aquinas had a banner season last season, winning its first sectional championship since 2006 when it defeated Rutgers Prep in the North, Non-Public B final. Head coach Tom D’Agostino will look to build on that this season and does have pieces back from that team last spring.
  Sophomore infielder/pitcher Nikash Patel figures to be the ace of the staff this year after throwing 41 1/3 innings last season and amassing a 1.19 ERA and also hit .301 and played shortstop. Junior Louis Rizzolo was the winning pitcher in relief in the sectional final a year ago and had a 1.74 ERA in 48 1/3 innings with 68 strikeouts. Rizzolo hit .324 at the plate and power hitter Will Bethea returns after hitting four home runs a year ago.
  
  South Plainfield: South Plainfield is coming off a strong year last spring, making it to county tournament final and a sectional final. Head coach Scott Gleichenhaus is looking to build on that campaign this season and has key returners back in the fold.
  Senior pitcher Mike Castagna is coming off a good junior year where he had a 1.70 ERA in 35 innings. The lineup does have to replace the production of Zack Robinson, but Nick Irizarry, Dom Massaro and Dan Kapsch are back after productive seasons a year ago and will help fill the void left by Robinson.
  
  Sleeper Team
  St. Joseph (Met.): There might not be a more intriguing team in the GMC than St. Joseph (Met.), who hired one of the most successful coaches over the last two and a half decades in former Cranford skipper Dennis McCaffery.
  McCaffery ended a brief retirement by taking over at St. Joe’s and will look to get the program back on track after the team struggled last season. But there is still quality left from last year’s roster, including senior Bobby Christensen. Expect St. Joe’s to play well in every phase of the game under McCaffery.
  
  Players to Watch
  B
  Will Bethea, St. Thomas Aqunas, INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Noah Borreo, South River, C, Jr. - Player profile
  Will Buchan, Spotswood, INF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  C
  Nomar Carreras, East Brunswick Magnet, INF/P - Player profile
  Anthony Calantoni, Edison, INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Chase Cannan, Sayreville, INF, So. - Player profile
  Mike Castagna, South Plainfield, Sr., P - Player profile
  Dylan Chiera, Colonia, UTL/P, Jr. - Player profile
  Bobby Christensen, St. Jospeh (Met.), OF - Player profile
  Davyn Ciriaco, North Plainfield, UTL/P, Sr. - Player profile
  Jack Clements, East Brunswick Magnet, UTL/P - Player profile
  Diego Colon, South Amboy, INF, Jr. - Player profile
  Dorian Crocco, Highland Park, INF/P, So. - Player profile
  Carter Cumiskey, Spotswood, P/INF, Sr. - Player profile
  D
  Tim DeGaetano, North Brunswick, UTL, Sr. - Player profile
  Dev Desai, J.P. Stevens, INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Xavier Diaz, Woodbridge, INF, Jr. - Player profile
  Hayden Dziubeck, East Brunswick, Sr., P/OF - Player profile
  F
  Matthew Ferber, St. Joseph (Met.), INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Justin Foy, Perth Amboy, P, Sr. - Player profile
  G
  Connor Glynn, East Brunswick, INF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  H
  Justin Hascup, Old Bridge, P/INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Luis Hernandez, Carteret, P/OF, So. - Player profile
  Ryan Hutchins, Dunellen, UTL/P, Sr. - Player profile
  I
  Nick Irizarry, South Plainfield, OF, Sr. - Player profile
  K
  Dan Kapsch, South Plainfield, Sr. - Player profile
  Nick Kee, Carteret, P/INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Chris Kozak, Middlesex, Jr., OF/P - Player profile
  Colin Kroner, Colonia, P, Jr. - Player profile
  L
  Ryan Leach, Woodbridge, INF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  Zachary Lenardo, Perth Amboy Magnet, INF Sr. - Player profile
  Jake Lobue, Monroe, OF, Sr. - Player profile
  Grant Lorentzen, Iselin Kennedy, P/UTL, Jr. - Player profile
  Colton Lyerly, Piscataway Magnet, INF/P, So. - Player profile
  M
  Seamus MacKinnon, Highland Park, Sr., C/P - Player profile
  Kyle Malchiodi, Piscataway Magnet, So., P/INF - Player profile
  Billy Mansfield, Woodbridge, P, Jr. - Player profile
  Lucas Malmalug, Metuchen, P/UTL, Jr. - Player profile
  Dom Massaro, South Plainfield, OF, Jr. - Player profile
  Connor Murphy, Edison, INF/P, Jr. - Player profile
  N
  Micah Nemeth, South Amboy, P, So. - Player profile
  O
  Tyler Olesky, Spotswood, P, Sr. - Player profile
  Tommy O’Neill, East Brunswick Magnet, OF, Sr. - Player profile
  Ryan Orth, Spotswood, INF/P, Jr. - Player profile
  P
  Cory Pascarella, Colonia, P, Sr. - Player profile
  Nikash Patel, St. Thomas Aquinas, INF/P, So. - Player profile
  Carlos Paredes, New Brunswick, UTL/P - Player profile
  Dom Parenti, Middlesex, INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Wily Pena, North Brunswick, INF, So. - Player profile
  Akhil Penkala, Old Bridge, INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Collin Perna, South Brunswick, UTL/P, Jr. - Player profile
  R
  Owen Reynolds, Middlesex, INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Louis Rizzolo, St. Thomas Aquinas, OF/P - Player profile
  Michael Robinson, Sayreville, C, Sr. - Player profile
  Chris Rodriguez, Perth Amboy, UTL, Sr. - Player profile
  Robert Roma, Edison, P/INF, Jr. - Player profile
  Julius Rosado, South River, INF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  Cole Russomanno, Somerset Tech, P, Jr. - Player profile
  Logan Russomanno, Somerset Tech, UTL, Jr. - Player profile
  S
  Will Sassman, South Brunswick, UTL/P, Jr. - Player profile
  Thomas Schlaline, Sayreville, INF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  Gavin Slicner, Woodbridge, INF, Jr. - Player profile
  John Smith, Old Bridge, INF, Sr. - Player profile
  Joe Spinello, East Brunswick, OF, Jr. - Player profile
  Mark Stein, Dunellen, OF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  T
  Eric Thompson, Carteret, OF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  Zach Tyler, Iselin Kennedy, OF/P, Sr. - Player profile
  W
  Riley Wingate, Piscataway, UTL/P, Sr. - Player profile
  Z
  Richard Zangara, St. Joseph (Met.), P, Sr. - Player profile
  Tommy Zotollo, North Plainfield, P/UTL, Sr. - Player profile
  James Zsorey, South River, P/INF, Sr. - Player profile
  
  Division Breakdowns
  Blue Division: Carteret; Iselin Kennedy; J.P. Stevens; Metuchen; North Plainfield; Piscataway; South Amboy; South River
  Gold Division: Dunellen; East Brunswick Magnet; Highland Park; New Brunswick; Perth Amboy Magnet; Piscataway Magnet; Somerset Tech; Timothy Christian; Wardlaw-Hartridge
  Red Division: East Brunswick; Edison; Monroe; Old Bridge; South Brunswick; South Plainfield; St. Joseph (Met.); Woodbridge
  White Division: Colonia; Middlesex; North Brunswick; Perth Amboy; Sayreville; Spotswood; St. Thomas Aquinas
  
  Divisional Picks
  
  Blue: South River
  Gold: East Brunswick Magnet
  Red: Old Bridge
  White: Spotswood
  
  Postseason Award Predictions
  
  Player of the Year: Julius Rosado, South River
  Coach of the Year: Matt Donaghue, Old Bridge
  Team of the Year: Old Bridge
  
  GMC Baseball Preview, 2025: Talent throughout highlights deep conference - nj.com

2025 - South Plainfield has some questions, but Tigers are motivated to “finish business” in ’25

Baseball Notebook

March 25, 2025 by Mike Pavlichko

To anyone’s mind, the South Plainfield baseball team had a fine 2024 season. The Tigers finished 22-6-1, won the GMC Red Division, and made it to the GMC Tournament finals as well as the North 2, Group 3 title game in the state playoffs.

But those two finals left a bad taste in their mouths. As the top-seed in the GMCT, they got knocked off by third-seed Old Bridge, and they were down just 4-3 to Randolph heading into the top of the seventh in the sectional finals before the wheels uncharacteristically came off, and they lost 8-3.

This year’s Tigers, as a result, are hungry, and want to eat. But like every team this time of year, there will be a few question marks to answer.

South Plainfield loses some big hitters and their left side of the infield in shortstop Zach Robinson – with his .462 batting average, three home runs, and a team-best 30 RBI – and third baseman Jayden Alvarez, who hit .360 with two home runs and 27 RBI. Brandon Bickunas (18 RBI, 1 HR) also graduated. That’s a tough 1-2 punch to lose – on offense and defense.

And on the mound, Aldo Pigna (5-1, 3.10 ERA in 38 1/3 innings pitched) and Chase Donovan (1-1, 3.40 ERA in 22 2/3 IP) will be big losses, too.

But there is also plenty returning. On the mound, Kevin Penny and Mike Castagna have been solid; they combined to go 8-2 last year, Castagna throwing to a team-best 1.60 ERA among regulars. Ryan Balent could step up a level after some solid non-conference performances last year.

At the plate, outfielder Nick Irizarry (22 RBI) is back – and should move into the infield to shore that area up – along with sophomore outfielder and pitcher Dom Massaro (.310, 14 RBI, 3 HR), plus a host of others who will look to take the Tigers one step further this year.

Massaro was named a team captain after rebounding last year following an injury that kept him out earlier in the season. Dan Kapsch will also play significant role in the infield, and catcher Stephen Tudlack returns, too, which will help as the pitching staff looks to figure itself out.

Click below to hear South Plainfield head coach Scott Gleichenhaus talk about the upcoming season for the Tigers:

https://cjsportsradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3-20-25-PREVIEW-SCOTT-GLEICHENHAUS-for-web.mp3

South Plainfield has some questions, but Tigers are motivated to “finish business” in ’25 – Central Jersey Sports Radio

2025 - GMC Conference goes back to four baseball divisions heading into 2025 season

Baseball Notebook
March 23, 2025 by Mike Pavlichko

There will be eleven baseball teams with new homes this year as the Greater Middlesex Conference realigns its division for the 2025 season, and goes back to a four-division model.

The league had used five divisions in the most recent scheduling cycle, with the addition of the GMC Silver. But that’s gone away this year, and the league is back to the Red, White, Blue and Gold Divisions.

The GMC Invitational Tournament also remains, a second conference tourney after the top 16 teams go to the main event.

With one less division, most will get a little bigger, including the Red Division, which sees Woodbridge and Edison join from the White. South Plainfield won the GMC Red last year, while Old Bridge won the GMC Tournament out of the Red Division. The Barrons were White Division champions last year at 11-1 in divisional play. Edison was tied for second with Colonia at 8-4 in the division.

North Brunswick – which finished 4-8 in the Red last year, fifth out of eight teams – moves down to the White Division, while Spotswood – GMC Blue Champs a season ago at 11-1 in the division – moves up from the Blue along with St. Thomas Aquinas, which finished last year tied for second in the division with Piscataway.

The Blue Division will add Carteret (7-3, second place) and South Amboy (9-0, division champs) from the Gold to the mix, while losing Spotswood. JP Stevens also moves down from the White, where the Hawks will get some relief after finishing last a year ago, 2-10 in the division.

The Gold Division will feature the largest contingent, with nine teams. While Carteret and South Amboy are out, they’ll get Dunellen, Highland Park, Perth Amboy Magnet, Piscataway Magnet and Wardlaw-Hartridge from the now-defunct Silver Division.

Here are the full divisional alignments for the GMC in 2025:

• Red Division: East Brunswick, Edison, Monroe, Old Bridge, South Brunswick, South Plainfield, St. Joseph-Metuchen, Woodbridge
• White Division: Colonia, Middlesex, North Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, Spotswood, St. Thomas Aquinas
• Blue Division: Carteret, JFK, JP Stevens, Metuchen, North Plainfield, Piscataway, South Amboy, South River
• Gold Division: Dunellen, East Brunswick Magnet, Highland Park, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy Magnet, Piscataway Magnet, Somerset Tech, Timothy Christian, Wardlaw-Hartridge

The first GMC teams to open their seasons will be JFK and Dunellen. The Mustangs visit Linden at 4 pm, while the Destroyers visit Bound Brook.

GMC Conference goes back to four baseball divisions heading into 2025 season – Central Jersey Sports Radio

2025 South Plainfield Tigers Baseball Schedule

 South Plainfield Baseball 2024-2025 - NJ.com

The 2024 Home News Tribune Greater Middlesex Conference All-Area teams

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

Here are the 2024 Home News Tribune Greater Middlesex Conference All-Area baseball teams.

FIRST TEAM

P: Eddy Nunez, Woodbridge, Sr.

Nunez has been a big-name and a big-game pitcher since a freshman, and he ended his outstanding career with his best season. The Felican University-bound Nunez had an 8-2 record with 98 strikeouts in 64 innings, allowing just 17 walks with a 1.20 ERA. He was a big reason the Barrons won the GMC White Division. The righty graduated second in program history in career wins (24) and strikeouts (257).

P: Frank Papeo, Old Bridge, Sr.

The four-year varsity player pitched and hit in a lot of big games for the Knights, and always seemed to come up clutch in key spots. The Rider-commit launched a two-run homer to help seal an 8-5 comeback in the GMCT quarterfinals and was the winning pitcher in the GMCT final. Papeo, who battled shoulder soreness at times, also played first base and the lefty had an 0.70 ERA in 40 IP with 45 strikeouts. He hit .301 with two home runs and 15 RBIs.  

P: Cory Pascarella, Colonia, Jr.

The right-hander had an outstanding freshman season (2.23 ERA, 36 Ks) in 2022 but missed all of last year on the mound because of an arm injury. He returned this spring and allowed two earned runs in his first outing. After that — near perfect. Pascarella amazingly gave up 1 ER the rest of the season for a sparkling 0.37 ERA in 56 1/3 innings. Check out his last four starts: 25 IP, 46 Ks, 0 ER, 9 Hs, 3 BBs. In all, he struck out 86 with 18 walks and 27 hits and was 8-2 with a save.

P: Zack Wallace, Monroe, Sr.

You spell Zack with a K and that seemed much appropriate. The right-hander struck out 102 hitters in 64 2/3 innings, emerging as a lights-out ace for the Falcons. In a league with several great throwers, Wallace was voted the GMC Pitcher of the Year by the coaches. He had four complete game shutouts and finished with a 1.19 ERA, allowing just 43 hits and 28 walks. The outgoing Wallace kept things light in the dugout and loved competing and team-bonding whether it was winning bunting competitions or playing fungo golf after practice.

C: Michael Robinson, Sayreville, Jr.

Robinson made an offensive leap this season going from hitting .240 as a sophomore to .333 (20-for-60) with 21 RBIs and a .456 OBP. However, catchers need to have stellar defensive skills and Robinson was a stalwart behind the dish in handling the Bombers staff. He allowed two passed balls in 142 innings caught and threw out 31 percent of base stealers.

1B: Carter Cumiskey, Spotswood, Jr.

Cumiskey was a big bopper at the plate and an ace on the mound. In all, he gave the Chargers a star presence, along with his defense at first. He helped Spotswood repeat as GMC Blue Division champions by batting .446 (37-for-83) with six home runs, 30 RBIs, 32 runs and 20 walks. As a pitcher, the left-hander struck out 78 hitters in 46 2/3 innings with an 1.80 ERA. He has committed to play at Seton Hall.

INF: Jayden Alvarez, South Plainfield, Sr.

The third baseman had a two-year run as one of the GMC’s most feared hitters and best defenders. He was a key piece as South Plainfield captured the GMC Red Division title and reached the GMCT and North 2 Group 3 finals. The Wagner-bound Alvarez batted .360 (31-of-86) with a .482 OBP and drove in 27 runs, scored 25 times and stole 23 bases. He has 63 hits and 51 RBIs the last two springs. 

INF: Yomar Carreras, North Brunswick, Sr.

Carreras was already one of the GMC’s most exciting and top players entering the season. This spring, he added speed to his game and stole 25 bases up from eight. The slick-fielding shortstop hit .464 (32-for-69) with 20 RBIs, 23 runs and three home runs, along with 21 walks. He is committed to play at Rutgers.

INF: Zach Robinson, South Plainfield, Sr.

Pick any game, and Robinson was right there in the middle of the action. The shortstop reached base in every single contest (with hits in all but two) and finished the season with a 22-game hit streak. Robinson, headed to Gardner-Webb University, laced 105 career hits and had astronomical numbers this spring, especially impressive given the tough pitching the Tigers faced. He hit .462 (43-for-93) and carried a .550 OBP with 30 RBIs, 36 runs, 16 walks and stole 28 bags. The GMC coaches voted him the Red Division Player of the Year.

OF: Jaxon Appelman, Edison, Sr.

It just seems like Appelman was around forever on the GMC varsity scene. He was a four-year impact pitcher and a three-year slugger for the Eagles. The Coastal Carolina-commit has 266 career strikeouts and a 1.95 ERA in 186 1/2 IP. This spring, the right-hander struck out 92 in 58 1/2 innings with a 1.68 ERA. At the plate, Appelman has 15 career home runs and launched six this year, including the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over Middlesex in the GMCT quarterfinals. He hit .329 (26-for-79) with 13 RBIs and 18 walks. The GMC coaches voted him the White Division Player of the Year.

OF: Nick Irizarry, South Plainfield, Jr.

This is how versatile Irizarry was — he started the season at catcher because the Tigers had a void. Once Steve Studlack emerged, Irizarry shifted to left field and made several outstanding catches and throws, including a game-saver in a win over North Brunswick. He also saw time at center field and second base. Offensively, Irizarry simply delivered. He hit .378 (34-for-90) with a .472 OBP, 22 RBIs, 31 runs and 35 SBs.  

OF: JT Meyer, Old Bridge, Sr.

Meyer gave the Knights a top defensive presence in center field and an ace on the hill. The right-hander proved you don’t need to be a high-K guy to have success. He threw in the upper 80s with a curveball and a splitter that produced soft contact and an 0.81 ERA in 43 1/2 innings (4 ER). He had 28 strikeouts and allowed just nine walks. The Kean-commit hit .295 with 14 RBIs.

UTL: Justin Hascup, Old Bridge, Jr.

Hascup was a two-way star for the Knights. On the mound, the right-hander commanded his pitches for strikes and kept the ball in the zone with few walks. He posted a 2.18 ERA in 57 2/3 innings with 66 strikeouts to 15 walks. He also played third base and hit .364 (28-for-77) and had nine RBIs and scored 12 times.

UTL: Drew Lukachyk, Woodbridge, Sr.

Lukachyk is the definition of a versatile utility player, or doing whatever is needed to help your team. He stepped up on the mound following an injury after throwing six innings in 2023. The righthander delivered with a 5-2 record (IP: 49 1/3, 1.70 ERA , 58 Ks). Oh, he was a pretty good batter, too. The Middlesex College-bound Lukachyk, who played shortstop, second base and third, hit .452 (38-of-84, 17 xbh) with a .555 OBP, 18 RBIs, 30 Rs, 17 SBs and 19 walks. He graduated as the program’s all-time hits leader with 109.

UTL: Julius Rosado, South River, Jr.         

Maybe the question is, what didn’t Rosado do? The shortstop is the Home News Tribune GMC Player of the Year and set South River career modern day records in home runs (25), doubles (28) and strikeouts as a pitcher (243). He hit .594 (38-for-64) with 14 home runs, 34 RBIs, 44 runs, seven doubles, 32 walks and 20 stolen bases. Rosado carried a .732 OBP, a 1.421 slugging percentage and an OPS of 2.153. As a pitcher, the right-hander was 5-2 with a 1.56 ERA (IP: 49 1/3, 80 Ks).

UTL: John Smith, Old Bridge, Jr.

Smith sparked the Knights’ offense as the leadoff hitter, rarely striking out and putting the ball in play. He hit .412 (35-for-85) with 12 walks, 18 runs scored and 17 RBIs. He moved from third base to shortstop this season, giving Old Bridge an athletic presence in the middle of the infield.

SECOND TEAM:

P: Bobby Bressler, Piscataway, Sr.

P: Colin Kroner, Colonia, So.

P: Harrison Lollin, Monroe, Sr.

P: Robert Roma, Edison, So.

C: Tyler Weber, Woodbridge, Sr.

1B: Ethan Fantel, South Brunswick, Sr.

INF: Anthony Calantoni, Edison, Jr.

INF: Bobby Christensen, St. Joseph, Jr.

INF: Joseph Zammitti, St. Joseph, Sr.

OF: Akhil Penkala, Old Bridge, Jr.

OF: Jake Romanello, Sayreville, Sr.

OF: Gavin Sansone, St. Thomas Aquinas, Sr.

UTL: Will Buchan, Spotswood, Jr.

UTL: Daniel Kapsch, South Plainfield, Jr.

UTL: Shawn Kish, Woodbridge, Sr.

UTL: Colin Perna, South Brunswick, So.

THIRD TEAM:

P: Luc Acquaviva, Spotswood, Sr.

P: RJ Coleman, J.F. Kennedy, Sr.

P: Nick Kee, Carteret, Jr.

P: Louis Rizzolo, St. Thomas Aquinas, So.

C: Noah Borrero, South River, So.

1B: Thomas Schlaline, Sayreville, Jr.

INF: Xavier Diaz, Woodbridge, So.

INF: John Papaianni, J.P. Stevens, Sr.

INF: Owen Reynolds, Middlesex, Jr.

OF: Breckyn DeAngelis, Spotswood, Sr.

OF: Mark Stein, Dunellen, Jr.

OF: Jeremy Vasquez, South Amboy, Jr.

UTL: Mike Castagna, South Plainfield, Jr.

UTL: Dom Massaro, South Plainfield, So.

UTL: Anthony Ortega, Perth Amboy, Sr.

UTL: Lucas White, Monroe, Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION:

NOTE: Players that were not on the first three teams earned Honorable Mention based on two criteria: 1, They were selected All-Division by the coaches. 2, They were selected to play in either the 2024 Frank Gavigan Senior All Star Game or the 2024 GMCBCA Underclassmen Showcase.

Carteret: Justin Santana (Sr.), James Rodriguez (Sr.), Luis Hernandez (Fr.), Lucas Rivera (Fr.); Colonia: Casey Chiola (Sr.); Dunellen: Jacob Manna (Sr.), Ryan Hutchins (Jr.), Danny Watts (Jr.); East Brunswick: Lukas Meyer (Sr.), Dustin McGuinness (Sr.), Hayden Dziubeck (Jr.); East Brunswick Magnet: Nomar Carreras (Jr.), Michael Zappola (Sr.); Edison: Dom Innocenti (So.), Connor Murphy (So.); Highland Park: Seamus Mackinnon (Jr.), Luca Sheldon (Sr.), Aidan O'Connell (Sr.), Dorian Crocco (Fr.), Oscar Caraballo-Duran (Sr.), Connor Roth-Zappo (Jr.); J.F. Kennedy: Grant Lorentzen (So.); J.P. Stevens: Soham Prajapati (So.); Metuchen: Lucas Weiss (Sr.); Middlesex: Frank Berta (Sr.), Dom Parenti (Jr.); Monroe: Owen Judge (Jr.); New Brunswick: Carlos Paredes (Jr.); North Brunswick: Tim DeGaetano (Jr.); North Plainfield: Davyn Ciriaco (Jr.); Old Bridge: Luke Hagen (Sr.); Perth Amboy: Sebastian Aponte (Sr.), Justin Foy (Jr.); Perth Amboy Magnet: Nelson Concepcion (Sr.), Zachary Lenardo (Jr.), Johnkelly Jimenez (Sr.); Piscataway: Riley Wingate (Jr.); Piscataway Magnet: Jacob Lyerly (Sr.), Kyle Malchiodi (Fr.), Colton Lyerly (Fr.); St. Thomas Aquinas: Zach Diaz (Sr.), Nikash Patel (Fr.); Somerset Tech: Steven Larosa (Sr.); South Amboy: Micah Nemeth (Fr.), Diego Colon (So.), Ben Hernandez (Sr.), Ben Smith (Jr.); South Brunswick: Will Haman (Sr.), Aaron Perna (Sr.); South Plainfield: Kevin Penny (Jr.), Aldo Pigna (Sr.); South River: James Zsorey (Jr.), Sebastian Susinno (Sr.); Spotswood: Ryan Orth (So.), Mason Bitalla (Sr.); Timothy Christian: Josh Thiero (Sr.), Dylan Spivey (Sr.), Ben Wang (Sr.); Wardlaw-Hartridge: Mackias Ysaac (So.); Woodbridge: Gavin Slicner (So.)

NJ Baseball: The 2024 Home News Tribune All-Area teams (mycentraljersey.com)

2024 - HNT Coach of the Year is South Plainfield's Scott Gleichenhaus

Andy Mendlowitz

MyCentralJersey.com

You can just hear the pride and enthusiasm burst out of every sentence when Scott Gleichenhaus talks about the South Plainfield baseball team.

“It’s personal for me,” the Tigers coach said. “I grew up in town. A lot of the kids that are coming through, I grew up with their parents. Played ball with their parents. We went through the school system together. We went through the high school program together, so to me it’s personal.”

While Gleichenhaus could coach anywhere, putting on those green and white colors makes it extra special and the team’s success this spring makes it that more meaningful to him.

It’s personal.

Gleichenhaus is the Home News Tribune Greater Middlesex Conference Coach of the Year. The fourth-year skipper guided the Tigers to the tough Red Division pennant in a 22-6-1 season that saw South Plainfield reach the GMC Tournament and the North 2 Group 3 finals.

The team culture reflects their coach’s personality as the players had a loose atmosphere from smiles in the dugout to fun social media posts.

South Plainfield baseball coach Scott Gleichenhaus talks with senior Zach Robinson during the GMCT Final on May 18, 2024 / Alexander Lewis MyCentralJersey

Senior captain Jayden Alvarez noted earlier in the year, “I think we all love each other and work hard for each other. So I knew we were going to come together. We all really pretty much grew up with each other, so it makes it easy.”

“We have a great time,” Gleichenhaus said. “We enjoy each other. I don’t yell at kids. If kids make a mistake, I know they feel worse than anybody. There’s never, in my opinion, a need to ever have to yell. I have quiet conversations with them.

“Some people may think that I’m not hard enough on these guys but when all’s said and done, I think they appreciate the style or my brand if you want to call it that. 'Hey, you make mistakes, forget about it. We make mistakes let’s just keep plugging ahead. Keep moving forward, you’ll get another opportunity.'”

When Gleichenhaus took over in 2021, he identified several freshmen as potential varsity players. The same thing a year later. Those guys developed as impact players with talented underclassmen filling in roles. They put pressure on opponents and set a program record with 123 stolen bases.

Gleichenhaus noted the one through five hitters were the best stretch he’s had in a lineup. Dom Massaro (.310, 24 runs 14 SBs), Dan Kapsch (.376, 38 hits, 31 runs), Zach Robinson (.462, 43 hits, 30 RBIs), Alvarez (.360, 31 hits, 27 RBIs) and Nick Irizarry (.378, 34 hits, 22 RBIs) provided a fearsome presence.   

The balance got extended to Aiden McCarthy (.284, 11 RBIs), Brandon Bickunas (.277, 18 RBIs), Ryan Balent (10 RBIs) with Steve Studlack emerging at catcher. Kevin Penny (.290, 10 RBIs) also contributed offensively and was a key member of the pitching staff along with McCarthy and Mike Castagna, Andrew Csordos, Chase Donovan, Balent and Aldo Pigna.

“There wasn’t an easy out in our lineup,” Gleichenhaus said. “As a coach it just makes you proud knowing that all right, number one we got the right guys. Number two, all the work that these guys put in in the offseason has paid off and I tip my cap to those guys. I tip my cap to those parents, whoever they work with in that offseason, that motivation, that work ethic – it pays off.”  

All the summer ball and fall seasons and winter workouts went into the success.

“It all calculates,” he continued. “It’s all part of the formula that you get what you put in and these guys work all year round across the board. These guys were hungry and as a coach that’s all you could ask for. It’s par for the course for this program.”

That's something he knows about quite well. Gleichenhaus was a star shortstop for the Tigers and graduated in 1994. He went on to play at Long Island University and Widener University. The coaching bug came early.

The summer before entering college, Gleichenhaus and a friend coached a middle school all-star team.

“The next thing I know, I’m doing it every summer for the next couple years,” he said. “It gave you a different appreciation seeing the game from a different perspective and I think it made me a better ball player. As a player, you see things one way. As a coach, you see things another. You have the opportunity to do both, I think that just opens you up to a whole different outlook, a different approach. It just makes you smarter and makes you a better person and makes you a better player across the board. So I recommend it to any young players.”

Gleichenhaus, who teaches history at South Plainfield Middle School, heeded his own advice. He had stints as the head coach at Piscataway for four years and at Plainfield for eight seasons, as well as an assistant at Metuchen.

He returned to South Plainfield as an assistant for the 2019 season and thought about stepping away from coaching to spend time with his family and toddler. However, he decided to take over as the head coach for Anthony Guida, who resigned in early 2021.

He now has two former South Plainfield stars on his staff in Sal Esposito and Mark Rennie, who played on that 1994 all-star team in Gleichenhaus’ first coaching gig. Things sometimes tend to go full circle.

“That’s part of the allure of what I want to bring to the table,” Gleichenhaus said. “Bring in all South Plainfield guys because in my mind, at least for what it’s worth, I feel like when you’re from a community you’re just willing to do whatever it takes, bring that energy, just that extra whatever.

‘Anything. Bring it to the table and help these guys achieve that ultimate success. It’s tradition. It’s just keeping it in the family and keeping it in the community, which is a proud community when it comes to baseball.”

It’s personal.

NJ Baseball: HNT Coach of Year South Plainfield's Scott Gleichenhaus (mycentraljersey.com)