Sayreville War Memorial High School’s baseball team looks to build on its successful 17-11 season and trip to the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament finals when it resumes play next spring.
The Bombers field a team in the Greater Middlesex Coaches Summer Baseball League. Thus far, Sayreville is 2-4. Although his team plays to win, co-coach Brian Truchan said the main goal is to develop players who can eventually join the varsity team. Truchan served as an assistant varsity coach during the spring.
With several returning players committed to travel teams, Sayreville’s summer roster is young. It includes 10 players who will enter their sophomore years in September.
“This is a good opportunity for these guys to breathe and grow as players,” said Truchan, a 2010 Sayreville graduate who also played for the Bombers. “Without as many varsity players in the lineup, it enables the coaches to get an even better look to see what our upcoming players can do.”
Chris Hauber and Sean McDonnell, two returning varsity players who are entering their senior years, are the leaders for the summer squad. Hauber, a pitcher/infielder, is batting .500 thus far, after a solid varsity campaign that saw him bat .379 with 15 RBIs. McDonnell, who is coming off a .333 varsity season, has become a vocal presence, Truchan said.
Other seniors include first baseman Mike Herrick and pitchers Joe Browning and Tyler Dusko, who has been swinging a hot bat as well. All three saw some varsity action in the spring.
Three junior outfielders are on the team as well: Zach Corbey and Dave Stolte, both of whom also pitch, and speedy Marc Pearson, who saw time in left field for the varsity Bombers. Ten sophomores are on the team and will get plenty of playing time. Pitcher/center fielder Kyle Lewis has been impressive in the early going. Lewis tossed a no-hitter against New Brunswick High School, throwing just 76 pitches, and has been a factor at the plate. Middle infielder Bryan Fernandez is also off to a good start.
Other sophomores include outfielders Tyler Barriero and Anthony Gambardella; catcher Kyle Richards; designated hitter Nick Miliano; and infielders Cameron Carey, Brian Marra, Anthony Schiena and Drew Zimmerman. Miliano and Carey double as pitchers.
Truchan, who will graduate from William Paterson University following a semester of student-teaching, coaches the team along with Bobby Rinaldi, another former Sayreville player.