Snyders coaching Post 12 again this summer
By: Rudy Brandl
Gregg Snyder is happy he returned to manage the Somerville American Legion baseball team.
The Manville resident wasn’t sure he’d come back to lead the Legion troops after Post 12 had to forfeit the second half of the 2005 season. The mixed bag of players from Somerville, Manville and Rutgers Prep wasn’t putting enough players on the field and Snyder became increasingly frustrated at the lack of commitment.
After discussing the future of the team with his son, Robert, a former four-year varsity player at Manville High who served as the assistant Legion coach last summer, Snyder decided to give it another shot.
"I always had the bug," Snyder said. "I enjoy doing it. I’ve also been motivated by Robert because he’d like to take it over eventually."
It’s always more fun when your team is winning, which has made the early going more enjoyable for the Snyders. In fact, Robert Snyder won four straight games as the team’s manager and third base coach last week. Gregg Snyder had a conflict with the Manville Youth Athletic League carnival but the team got hot under Robert’s reign.
"He’s going to fire me," Gregg Snyder joked. "He’s really been riding me since I lost the first game and we won four games when he took over."
Post 12’s secret might have more to do with pitching than coaching. Brett Conner fired a two-hit shutout in a 4-0 victory over Bridgewater and Kyle Lefkus blanked Hillsborough on three hits in another 4-0 triumph. Ryan Zamorsky was working on a no-hitter in the fifth inning when Montgomery finally scored but Somerville rolled to an 8-2 victory. Tim Nevolo (1-1) evened his record Friday night with six strong innings in a 5-3 win vs. Warren Hills.
"We’re looking pretty good," Gregg Snyder said. "As long as I can get my top pitchers to show up, we’ll be OK."
Somerville High players make up most of this summer’s roster, which also includes two Manville High graduates and a current Mustang. Steve Anderson and Ernie Lukacs, the leaders of the 2005 Manville baseball team, are back for their final summer of eligibility. MHS junior-to-be Chris Weber is the only local high school player on the Legion squad.
Anderson has made his presence felt with two monster home runs in the young season. He drove one onto the MHS football field vs. Hillsborough and belted a solo shot to lead off the fifth inning of Friday night’s home game vs. Warren Hills. Anderson has been splitting time at first base and DH but could log some innings on the mound during busy weeks.
Lukacs could also pitch but is limited due to conflicts with a Sunday league in which he’s always on the mound. Lukacs is playing right field and Weber is seeing action in left.
Post 12 flexed its muscle in last week’s victories over Montgomery and Warren Hills. Matt DeMarco ripped a two-run double, Mike Kaminski smacked a solo homer, Anthony Acosta roped a double and Nevolo blasted a two-run homer at Montgomery. Anderson and Lenny Rutledge rocked solo home runs against Warren Hills.
"They have good attitudes and they want to play," Gregg Snyder said. "It’s a good mix of kids. They get along really well. I’m looking forward to the season."
Post 12 was scheduled to begin a busy week by hosting Alpha in a Tuesday night makeup game. The rest of the week includes games vs. Immaculata and Clinton and a Saturday doubleheader against Bernards.