March 15, 2019

By  Vinny Messana Axcess Baseball

It’s been 19 years since St. Anthony‘s has captured the CHSAA championship. Over that time, they’ve had plenty of talented teams that have fallen just shy of the ultimate goal. With Paul Parsolano at the helm, coming off helping St. Joseph’s to two Skyline Conference title in three years, and a loaded team with three Division-I players and plenty of up-and-coming talent, they are primed to make a run at it.

“I’ve been coaching since 1993 with plenty of stops along the way–and I’ve always said this is the one job that if it became available and I had the opportunity, I would do it,” said Parsolano. “I got my dream high school job. So far, it’s been everything I thought it would be. Everyone has welcomed me with open arms into the St. Anthony’s family,” he added.

Parsolano, who has a reputation for getting the most of his pitching staffs will go to battle with two high-end Division-I pitchers atop his staff. It’s impossible to ignore the potential and size of Arkansas-commit Louis Stallone. Standing at 6’9″, he is tough to miss. With his pitchability and command, he is tough to hit.

Joining him atop the rotation is Fairfield-commit Billy Fitzgerald. The 6’5″ southpaw pitches in the 85-86 MPH range and will form a dynamic duo with Stallone. They will be tough to beat in any three-game series with two bonafide aces.

The third spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Parsolano said he is looking at six players to fill that role. 

The offense is led by Boston College-commit Cameron Leary, Franklin & Marshall-commit Steven Rizzo and Oneonta-commit Jake Barrett. The former two were named to our Preseason All-Long Island list. Leary is a smooth-swinging left-handed batter with a swing reminiscent of big leaguer Michael Brantley, according to Parsolano. He was tied for the CHSAA lead in HR (6) with Logan O’Hoppe despite playing only half the games. He hit a moonshot HR off the scoreboard at St. Joseph’s College in the postseason last year and will undoubtedly be a force in their lineup. Rizzo won our 2018 Axcess Home Run Derby, showcasing his mammoth power. Barrett, an unheralded third baseman, probably would’ve won the CHSAA MVP if not for the presence of O’Hoppe.

“Coming from college baseball, I wasn’t aware of the talent here, but I can say I have 25 ballplayers,” he added.

Rounding out the infield will be 3B Jake Barrett,  Cameron Dunn at second and Marco Ali at SS, to go along with Stallone/Fitzegerald at first base. The catcher spot is up for grabs as well as left field.

They have a number of scrimmages set up against great talent, beginning Friday with Eastport-South Manor, then West Islip, Connetquot, Plainview-JFK and Archbishop Molloy.

Without a doubt, the Friars appear ready to compete for a championship. It never comes easy with steep competition from the reigning champion St. John the Baptist Cougars, the runner-ups from last year St. Dominic Bay Hawks, 2016-’17 champion Kellenberg Firebirds and the very dangerous Chaminade Flyers. It will make for a compelling season in the CHSAA once again.