December 9, 1998
FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Going into last season, head coach John Slosar knew he would be fielding a young, but talented team. With only four seniors contributing, the Stags went through some growing pains early, but narrowly missed a playoff berth. 1999 is a new year with a new outlook. Slosar, now in his 15th year at the helm of the Stags, sees a bright future with 20 letterwinners returning. Included in that total are seven starters from a lineup that batted a league-leading .308 and eight pitchers from a staff that finished in the top half of the MAAC in ERA.
The Stags once again have only five seniors returning, but all will be major factors. All-MAAC secondbaseman Cristian Jung returns after hitting a league-leading .418 and a team-leading 18 doubles. Senior Kevin Toohill's defensive skills have solidified the Stag infield. Three of those seniors are pitchers Jim Gale, Pat Kelly and Mickey Feeley. Gale blossomed into one of the league's most stubborn short relievers and will look to shut down opponents as he did in 98 with a 1.62 ERA. Kelly was at the top of his game in middle relief last year and could make a bid for the starting rotation in 99. Feeley won only one game in 98, but with more run support in 99 could earn several victories.
The rest of the Stag returners are are a group of underclassmen that now have veteran's experience under their belt. The Stag outfield remains the same with juniors Tom and Jim Lopusznick in right and center field, respectively. Sophomore Matt Fratturelli, one of the leagues top freshmen in 98, returns in the left field spot. Rounding out the infield returners are Paul Macchio who will again compete for time at third base with Toohill, and sophomore Ed McCrann, a slick-fielding shortstop who opened some eyes with his glove in 98.
On the hill Stag ace Joe Bruderek is still only a junior, but has won five of seven decisions in his first two seasons. Also making bids for starting spots will be junior Hercules Jones and sophomores Ryan Holsten and Steve Colcord.
With the loss of catcher Andy Larned, who was drafted by the Boston Red Sox, and first basemen Joe Hooks and Joe Fitzgerald, Slosar didn't waste any time reloading his guns. Sean Easton, a high-school All-American will look to fill Larneds shoes behind the dish, while Ryan Bittner, an All-State first baseman from Bergen Catholic (NJ) should make an immediate impact as well.
With those prospects in mind, Slosar and the Stags are sure to make a run
at a MAAC South title and compete for a MAAC Tournament Championship.
