Seniors on the Diamond: Hroncic, Lopez Made Impact

Pedro Lopez played second base for the Fort Lee Bridgemen baseball team, and John Hroncic was a starting pitcher. Both players had successful careers for Fort Lee and will be missed by the team and Head Coach Mike Raftery when they graduate next week.

The team had a tough season but did qualify for the state tournament. It was a full team effort, but the play of Lopez and Hronic had a lot to do with qualifying for states.

During highly successful or disappointing seasons alike, athletes can learn a lot from their mistakes, which can only help them in future situations on the field.

"I learned to have more patience at bat and not let the pressure get to me," Lopez said.

While Hroncic was on the mound making life difficult for opposing batters, Lopez was at second base, ready to make plays for the Bridgemen. Lopez also played basketball, football and wrestled during his time at Fort Lee High School. He therefore got a chance to see many different coaching styles.

"Each coach I played for was a learning experience, some pushed me and others made me push myself," Lopez said.

Both players have plenty of memories of their high school athletic careers. For Lopez, many of those memories came this year.

"Ridgefield Park this year, I hit my first and only home run," Lopez said. "I waited my whole life for it, and I'm glad that it happened in my senior year. Against Queen of Peace, I went five-for-five and had the walk off hit. I never felt so confident up at bat that game. Right before I got the walk off, I told everyone, including myself at bat, 'I'm winning this game for us,' and I did exactly that.”

Moments like that for Lopez make the ups and downs of the past season seem worth it.

Both players had highlight moments playing baseball for Mike Raftery and the Fort Lee Bridgemen baseball team and will look to continue having baseball be a part of their futures.