NEW PALTZ, NY — The SUNY New Paltz baseball team enters the 2008 season coming off a 16-22 campaign in 2007 under second year head coach Matt Griffiths. New Paltz returns seven from the 2007 starting lineup, but will need to replace the production provided by graduates John DeKams at first base and outfielders Justin Buonamano and George Perry.
New Paltz benefits from three starting infield returnees from a year ago in short stop Jesse Marsh (Marlboro), second baseman Tyler Terlecky (Binghamton) and third baseman Javier Lopez (Selden/Newfield). Marsh hit .324, stole eight bases, batted in 19 runs and compiled a .871 fielding percentage. Terlecky batted a .327 average, scored 15 runs and a .950 fielding percentage, while Lopez hit .243 with 13 RBI at the plate and a .874 fielding percentage. Junior transfer Joel Judson (Whipdale/Dover HS) will assume duties at first base, in addition to making appearances on the mound. Dylan Franco (Croton on Hudson/Croton Hudson) adds solid defensive depth to the middle infield in addition to Michael Fasolo (Marcy/Whitesboro) and Bryan Shultis (Bearsville/Onteora). Michael Marash (Cortlandt Manor/Hendrick Hudson) will compete for time at third.
Senior Kevin Paino (Poughkeepsie/Roy C. Ketcham) earned a first team All-SUNYAC selection in 2007 and returns to centerfield for the Hawks with a .328 average, scored 39 runs and compiled a .989 fielding percentage. Neal Rosengren (White Plains/ Hastings) will assume the left field and lead off the Hawks with his speed and explosive bat, while Division II transfer Devin Scalabrini (Peekskill/Mahopac) will start in right field and provide a strong bat in the middle of the lineup. Senior Doug Chaputian (Sea Cliff/North Shore), who saw action in 25 games and drove in 11 runs, will see time in the outfield, at designated hitter and provide relief for Marsh at shortstop. Sophomore Bobby Moorhead (Pine Bush) will compete for playing time in the outfield.
Alex Cadmus (Hopewell Jct./John Jay) and Robert Helf (Peconic/Southold) return to the backstop position. Cadmus was a first team All-SUNYAC selection and batted a .328 with 26 RBIs. Helf started 22 games last season with a .257 average and a fielding percentage of .991. First year Mike Rich (Elmira/Southside) will provide relief for Cadmus and Helf.
Zachary Potter (Pine Plains), Jonathan Shanks (Millbrook) and Jimmy Donohue (Deer Park) return to lead the pitching staff. Potter posted a 6-3 record and a 3.32 ERA on the mound last season, striking out 59 batters and leading the SUNYAC conference with 29. Shanks registered a 3-3 mark and a 4.39 ERA on the mound in 41 innings. Donohue pitched 55 innings and struck out 45 batters. Senior Jeff Stith (Seldon/Newfield) returns to the roster from the 2006 season when he led the Hawks with a 6-2 record on the mound with 41 strikeouts. Greg Fudacz (Moses Lake, WA/Cle Elum-Roslyn), Justin Duchin (Marlboro) and Eric Holzapple (Hicksville) are solid lefties that will be instrumental in key situations.
Tristan Greene (East Hampton), John Giuliano (Pine Bush), and Sean O’Boyle (Ozone Park, NY/St. Francis Prep) will be looked to as role players and for their closing ability. Chris Spizuco (Northport), Brett Harrison (Merrick, NY/Bellmore JFK), Ted DeKams (Kings Park), Michael Virga (Farmingville/Sachem), Ben Quick (Marcellus), and Bart Venza (East Rockaway) all provide added depth to the bullpen.
The Hawks open their season March 1st and 2nd against Randolph Macon and Mary Washington before traveling to Fort Pierce for spring break. The home opener is slated for Wednesday, March 26 at 3:00 p.m. against Ithaca.
