The J. Taylor Finley Middle School baseball team has won six of seven games this spring and as the Falcons enter the season’s home stretch, confidence is running high for a strong finish.
Finley has outscored its seven opponents by 48-14. With a 4-3 win over nearby rival Stimson last week, the Falcons improved to 6-1 and assured themselves of a winning record this spring.
“The Finley roster is loaded with talent,” said Paul Caleca, the team’s head coach. “We have four starting pitchers, any of which can be No. 1 starters. We have six batters hitting.375 or better.”
The Falcons’ top hitters carry batting averages of .375, .381, .429, .476, .478 and .636. “I’m very proud of this team,” Caleca said. “They’re not only outstanding ball players, but more importantly, they are outstanding young men. We would not have the record we have without the contributions from all 24 players and our team manager. We play as a team. It’s the combination of talent, teamwork and Huntington pride that has made us successful. Our goal is to finish the season 9-1. If any team can do it, this one can.”
The Falcons’ 24 player roster features captains Alexander Bellissino (SS), Christopher Segreti, (P, IF, OF), Kyle Colleluori (P, CF) and Robert Harrington (C).
Finley’s lineup also includes players Aidan Bender (3B), Harrison Zas (LF), Palmer O’Beirne (P, 1B), Jaden Italiano (2B), Joseph Nicotra (2B), Alex Gonzalez (2B), Frank Chirico (1B), Zachary Gordon (P, SS), Justin D’Ambrisi (2B), Kyle Green (1B), William Brandine (RF), Mile Tierney (3B), Dylan Schnitzer (OF), John Chirico (OF), TJ Gress (OF), Kevin Drake (SS), Robert Brown (P), Emanuel Mejia (IF, OF), Adrian Angueira (IF, OF) and Michael Heinish (IF, OF). Matthew Colavecchio is the team manager.
Finley’s lone loss came against Hauppauge on May 19. Trailing 6-1, the Falcons rallied for a pair of runs, but fell, 6-3.
“I’ve coached a lot of teams in my career and every once in a while you get a special group,” Caleca said. “Although many of them are eighth graders and will be moving on to the high school and beyond, this team will always be with me. We also have a great group of baseball parents that go along with their outstanding sons!”
