13 Red: Better than their Record Shows

The 13u Jersey State Bombers Red has played a difficult schedule thus far and are truly better than the record indicates. The product on the field has elevated by immense amounts since the beginning of the season and is/will continue to get better as the season progresses. The motto of the Bombers Red is, “It doesn’t take talent to hustle” and since this team has a lot of talent from top to bottom, this squad could be pretty good.

The team batting average is just over the .300 mark which is perfectly accepted when combined with the team .451 on base percentage.

Here is a breakdown player by player:

Joey Degenova has been a staple in the top of the lineup with a solid plate presence, good speed and the ability to get on base to start things up for the offense. Joey has the ability to hit line drives gap-to-gap and is a smart base runner which allows coach Sasso to utilize fake steals, hit and run’s etc. in order to facilitate things in the order. In the field he plays mostly 2nd base where he is improving everyday due to his willingness to learn and eagerness to get better with instruction and more reps.

Carl Phillips hits 2nd in the order and is a solid player wherever he hits and plays. He has an uncanny ability to hit the ball all over the field which is crucial out of your 2 hole hitter in moving runners and keeping the defense honest. In the field, Carl can play anywhere from catcher to pitcher to infield to outfield, he is a true student of the game and plays it the way it should be played. Phillips is hitting .396 with 13 walks and an on base percentage of .532.

Max Szamreta is in the 3-hole where he has a great approach at the plate, with ability to drive in runs and is a tough out. Once he gets on base he is one of the intelligent/solid base runners as there is for a 13 year old, having the ability to steal bases and reading balls to advance extra bases, In the field he can play every position on the field and is vital to the 13U-Red success on the mound. Szamreta has a solid .400 average on the season with 5 doubles and 12 walks. His .556 on base

Jake Fernandez is primarily our Center Fielder who is fearless in the field, on the bases and at bat. Defensively he is very good and at the plate is producing since he is aggressive early in counts and puts pressure on the defense when he gets behind. Jake is one of our on and off field leaders and does that by example and the heart he plays with day in and day out.

Max Gussen “Goose” has been getting better everyday by implementing instruction into his game and it has been showing. His ability to drive in runs and keep the opposition from scoring has helped our team tremendously. In the field he plays outfield, 3rd base and pitcher and excels at each of those positions. Gussen, is hitting .353 with a pair of doubles through 51 at bats

Travis Guaracino has raw talent and has shown the dedication and hustle needed for the talent to really be displayed. Travis is a pitcher, outfielder and 3rd basemen who has a very good approach at the plate and is getting better each practice and each repetition he gets. Guaracino posts a .326 average on the season.

Robby Koveleskie is an outfielder/pitcher who has a cannon for an arm and when he can harness those strengths is among the best at each position. At the plate Robby has good gap to gap power and is very versatile.

Tommy Robinson is our shortstop but also finds time in the outfield and on the hill. He is versatile in the field and at the plate. Tommy can hit very well, bunt or hit and run and does his job with a smile on his face. He is the type of young man who is always looking to get better and takes in information and instruction and implements that into his game. Robinson’s bat carries a .324 average on the season.

Matt Dziuba plays 1st base and would get coach Sasso’s award for Most Improved Player since he joined the bombers in the fall. He loves the game of baseball and wants to learn more and get better at every chance he gets. At the plate Matt has good power and very fast hands which have contributed to some of his success this year.

Timmy Pasquale can play multiple positions with efficiency (pitcher, outfield, 3rd/2nd). Timmy has some of the best hitting mechanics I have seen in a 13 year old player and if he gets a good swing on the ball it jumps off his bat. He has started to come around on the mound and will be vital to our success moving forward.

Mike Dziuba is a raw player and with that comes raw power. He has a solid arm and top of the line with speed. Each practice Mike is getting better fundamentally which helps him display his natural abilities as an athlete. Mike plays in the outfield for the Bombers and is learning the game more and more which in addition to his athleticism could make his 2nd half of the season a great one.

“All in all the u13 Jersey State Bombers Red has a great group of young men who have the ability to play with anyone as long as they trust their abilities and have confidence. We have played upper echelon teams from around the area and have been more than competitive. The last leg of the season will be a great test to see how far we have come and what areas need to be addressed going forward. Personally as the coach, I couldn’t ask for a better group of young men to share my knowledge and expertise in the game of baseball. Be ready when you play the Bombers Red because we will play the game the way it should be played.” Said Coach Sasso