Gershkoff ready for another strong summer

It is that time of year again to gear up for another summer of American Legion baseball. When you look at legion baseball from a Major League perspective, former Legion Baseball players dominated the 2016 MLB awards. Kris Bryant (National League MVP), Rick Porcello (American League Cy Young), Max Scherzer (National League Cy Young) and Corey Seager (National League Rookie of the Year) all earned awards from MLB and the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.  

The trickle down effect at the local level continues to truly emanate what legion baseball is all about. Last summer, Gershkoff Auto Body American Legion Baseball began a new and improved chapter in David Schiappa’s 23 years coaching the team. Gershkoff embraced the continued tradition of community baseball where players learn to continue to participate with their friends they grew up with playing for the right to represent their hometowns as state champions in the American Legion Northeast Regionals. In addition, they continue to learn how to become good citizens, and together foster a bond that will reach them into adulthood and beyond. Players in our program know we are coaches for life. Dr. Michael Dicenso writes, “I had the privilege of playing three years with the senior program. Playing for Gershkoff took me all over the country, it gave me lifelong friends and it taught me life lessons that I still live by today. I grew up a lot during those summers, and I’m not sure I would be where I am at today without the growth I had as a member of Gershkoff. I still regularly talk to Coach Schiappa, and there is a reason Mr. Gershkoff has supported him and his vision for so long. He is one of the most caring people I know who will never hesitate to pick up his phone for you. If you are lucky enough to be able to put on the Gershkoff uniform, cherish the memories and realize the impact it had on the many men who wore it before you.”

In addition, the program did more than the one traditional trip. Gershkoff played in several tournaments – both American Legion facing 19U competition and prestigious tournaments in the Northeast. This, in turn, got more exposure for the players who played 46 games in what is considered an extremely economical program. Schiappa felt that, overall, his team was extremely successful even though there were multiple players who played in other various organizations. Gershkoff was 33-13 and won four of five tournaments it entered. 

The newly-formed zones in legion created more competition day in and day out, Gershkoff was successful in helping players reach their goals. In fact, Upper Deck, which was the Rhode Island state champion, represented the state at the American Legion World Series. It says something about players from a few community towns together making it to such a prestigious event.  

Travis Collins had played American Legion baseball from age 14 to 19, and in the team’s eyes it paid off. Following Gershkoff’s Saratoga tournament, Travis was able to sign with Division I University of Albany. Travis is one of the few from the area to sign and play Division I baseball on scholarship and play right away. In his first three games, Travis had four hits and hit the team’s lone home run of the series. He writes, “Legion baseball was a great experience for me. I recommend everyone should play Legion baseball if they have the opportunity. We played a lot of games and got a lot of exposure to many different schools. Thank you, coach. I wish you nothing but the best. I was seen in the Saratoga Legion Tournament by the University of Albany and was signed shortly thereafter.”

Jake Coro is playing for Southern New Hampshire University, one of the top Division II programs in the country for baseball. Coro, through his efforts, enhanced his skills playing American Legion baseball. Jake expressed in his own words that legion was great baseball and that he would recommend it to anyone that asks him where they should play. 

John Beneduce, who will be returning this summer, spent the fall pitching for Wheaton College. 

Gershkoff Assistant Coach Andy McKeon took the reigns as the Fitchburg State college pitching coach, and has since moved on to coach for the Futures Collegiate Baseball League’s Martha’s Vineyard Sharks. 

Returner Austin Alzate is pitching for Fitchburg State and will look to contribute to a solid rotation this summer, along with Beneduce, Chris Manfredo, Connor Kiernan, Gian Valentini (who will attend Trinity next spring) and Chrisdione Mendez. Another returner, Mitch Carvalho, went on to play at Curry College this past spring. Returning position players include: Emilio Rodriquez, Jake Frost and Nick Poulos. Gershkoff is proud to be adding Cam Harris, Edwin Colon, Mike Cronin, Max Pierce, Ben Russo, Ty Parrillo, Sean Hart and Zach Cole as new additions.    

Gershkoff’s Junior American Legion baseball team, headed by Rathbun, will kick up a notch in competition. It is hosting Excelsior, Minnesota, at Cranston Stadium and will travel to Waterbury, Connecticut, to play a perennial powerhouse team at its newly-renovated, $4 million facility. Gershkoff will also participate in the Perfect Game 17U Showcase tournament, exposing its younger players to multiple college coaches. Gershkoff is excited for Dave to lead an exceptional group of young talent, and it looks forward to this group moving up to the senior team. Players include Matt Carvalho, Anthony Cardi, L.J. Felicio, Matt Poulos, Evan Degaitas, Massimo Feroce, Nick Santurri, Evan Smith, Caleb Harris, Kyle McCutcheon, Quinn Lannigan, Bob Civetti, Dante Defalco, Dante Parisi, Cooper Cruz, Sean Olsen, Nick Mason and Garrett Jackman.