Old Bridge High School’s entry in the Greater Middlesex Conference Coaches Baseball League is off to a 2-1 start under the guidance of former Knights player Joe D’Amico.
Old Bridge opened the campaign with a pair of victories, downing both Metuchen and Middlesex, before falling to North Brunswick, 5-4, on June 18. The Knights were slated to meet Monmouth Regional on the 19th and will visit Colonia June 21.
D’Amico’s team is led by several members of the Knights varsity squad, which was far more competitive than its 12-15 record might indicate. The coach said he is carrying a large roster to help as many younger players as possible develop the skills need to compete at the varsity level.
Among the varsity players competing are junior outfielder Brandon Abdul, who batted .375 with 16 RBIs; second baseman Nik Remshifski, a defensive stalwart who hit .265; Eugene Quirk, a junior catcher, who hit .256 with a homer and 14 RBIs; and fleet-footed center fielder Dean Roventini, who ended the spring at .238. Power hitting Frank Caruso, who plays first and third base, is another key player.
In addition, Jordan Fetterman, who turned in a 4-2 mark with a 3.77 ERAas a freshman pitching on the varsity team, will lead a deep mound staff. Joining Fetterman on the hill are seniors Ryan Morik and lefties Bobby Dunn and Fernando Zillafane; Abdul and fellow junior Chris Webber, and sophomore Tyler Hopman, who throws equally well with either arm.
“All of these guys have the potential to pitch on the varsity next season,” D’Amico said. “We generally play three games a week, so I’m going to try and get them as many opportunities as I can.”
The team features a large contingent of juniors as well. They include outfielders Brandon Kurtzman and Nick Lavecchia, infielders James Augliera, Jason Rodriguez and Andrew Tuper, and catcher Kevin Howard, who saw action in several varsity games. Augliera also pitches. Sophomores include outfielders Joe Aldarasi and Joe Terstenyak and infielder Rich Buffi.
While many players will use the summer season to work on different aspects of their games, D’Amico said his team will be playing to win.
“It’s all about learning, and we want to make sure they get used to playing with each other,” he added. “We’re taking it very seriously though. We also want them to get used to winning.”
D’Amico, a former Old Bridge player himself, is being assisted by Chris Bruno and Justin Morik, who both played for the Knights. The three all attend Monmouth University where they founded and still play for the school’s club baseball team.