By Warren Rappleyea
Red Bank Catholic (RBC) High School’s entry in the Greater Middlesex Coaches Summer Baseball League is off to a 3-2 start this season.
The varsity team comes off a 22-8 campaign that saw the team reach the semifinals of the Shore Conference Tournament before falling to Christian Brothers Academy, 5-3, June 1. The Caseys also made their way to the semifinals of the NJSIAA South Jersey, Non-Public A tournament, where they lost a 2-0 decision to Camden Catholic High School June 3.
With most of RBC’s 11 returning seniors playing travel ball, the Caseys’ summer program provides an opportunity for younger players to show varsity coach Buddy Hausmann and his staff what they can do. Hausmann is doing double duty as coach of the summer squad.
“It’s tough to get the older guys because they have so much going on,” the RBC coach said. “But it’s also a chance for the younger guys. They get to play against some good competition, and they can also work at different positions. It’s a chance for them to further develop their skills and maybe try a new position.”
Over its three wins, the Caseys’ pitching has allowed just three hits. RBC held Middletown High School South to just one hit, Neptune High School produced just two hits and four RBC hurlers held Monmouth Regional High School hitless.
“I’ve been using a lot of pitchers, usually for about two innings each unless the pitch count is low,” Hausmann said. “I want to get as many looks as I can at them, but I also don’t want them throwing too much.”
The Caseys’ pitching staff includes junior Jake Biernbaum, who saw some varsity action as a sophomore and went 1-0. Juniors Jack Bertaldo, Joe Ianelli, Nick Merlo and Blaise Panzini are among the team’s top hurlers as well.
Offensively, versatile senior infielder Aidan Supp has been swinging a hot bat after turning in a .375 average in limited varsity duty. Catchers Eddie Barnwell, a senior, and Mike Faletti, junior, are both hitting the ball hard while splitting time behind the dish.
Junior first baseman Dan Ianelli and two sophomores, infielder Vince Bianchi and David Glancy, have also impressed at the plate.
“We have some very talented players here,” said Hausmann, who is carrying 25 players over the summer. “On days when we have home games, we come out early to practice. That’s given me the chance to work with them and get to know them better.”