Thomas Jefferson baseball sets sights on playoff berth

By: HSSN Staff
Friday, April 13, 2018 | 11:00 PM

With Mother Nature's cooperation, the Thomas Jefferson baseball team is gearing for a return trip to the WPIAL playoffs this season.

After advancing to the playoffs for five consecutive years — with two section titles and two runner-up finishes — the Jaguars sat out the postseason in 2015 and '16.

After being delayed by inclement weather conditions, TJ is looking to continue last year's success with a playoff run this spring.

“Our goal is to win the division,” said senior outfielder Garret Fairman, one of five returning starters. “I believe this year we have a better chance than ever at achieving that goal.”

Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Regional tied for second place in Section 3-5A a year ago.

But the section was dominated by defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Latrobe, which finished 14-0 in league play and 24-2 overall.

TJ overcame a slow 2-5 start last spring thanks to a five-game winning streak at midseason. The Jaguars also won four of their final five section games before dropping a 5-4 decision to Montour in the first round of the playoffs.

Along with Fairman, the returning starters from last year's team consist of seniors David Lee (OF), Kevin Rehak (2B) and Luke Warhola (DH), and junior Josh Reynolds (3B).

“I expect the same thing from our team every year,” Lee said. “We have always had what it takes to win ballgames when we come together as a unit. As long as we can play good defense, throw strikes, and have timely hits, we can beat anyone out there. I am expecting to have a good run in our section, and to clinch a playoff spot.”

Four senior starters who graduated last year were Bobby Kelley (catcher), Luke Galioto (shortstop), Ian Logue (first base/third base) and Zane Zandier (center field).

This season, Fairman, Lee and Warhola are manning the outfield positions, Rehak is back at second base and Reynolds has moved to catcher.

“My personal goal is to be a leader on this team,” Fairman said. “We have a young but very talented team, and if we have leadership we could be pretty good.”

There are four seniors, four sophomores and one junior in the Jaguars' early-season lineup.

“All of the hard work starts in the winter, and it can determine how each player's season goes,” Lee said. “I'm expecting to have a good senior season with my team. I'll be doing everything I can on my part to help the team win games.”

Top sophomore prospects on this year's club include Cam Dimidjian at first base, Dylan Mallozzi at shortstop, Ethan Daerr at third base, and Mike Huber at designated hitter.

Other players hoping to make an impact include juniors Justin Covelli (OF) and Andy Kalup (IF/OF), and sophomore Noah Pierce (OF).

The Jaguars' pitching staff is deep and includes Lee, Warhola, Fairman, Dimidjian, Mallozzi and Huber; juniors Thomas D'Ascenzo and Anthony Lekse; and sophomores Dom Pearson and Drake Sypolt.

Thomas Jefferson opened the season at the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The Jaguars defeated St. Joseph-by-the-Sea (N.Y.), 9-6; and lost to Winfield (Mo.), 3-2, and Whitehall (Pa.), 7-2.

TJ has traveled to Myrtle Beach for “spring training” for five years, facing opponents from New York, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.

“Playing in Myrtle Beach is a great way to start the season,” Lee said. “It is without a doubt something that everyone looks forward to. The trip also provides a great opportunity to establish a bond with your teammates since you're constantly with them.

“Playing at Ripken is an experience I have made the most of and will remember for a long time.”

The Jaguars returned home to sock South Hills rival Baldwin, 10-7, in a nonsection contest, and kicked off section play with a 5-2 win against Latrobe.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.