High School Baseball Preview: Coach Minichiello Has Confidence in This Young Team

The Aviators’ baseball squad have started spring training, and coach Rocco Minichiello is confident that this year’s returning players will be able to lead the team to more wins.

“We’re a young squad,” said Minichiello, now in his 19th season as the coach. “The energy that our guys have, and their dedication will hopefully be able to take us to the state tournaments.”

Though the Aviators will have to get accustomed to playing without the services of their star catcher, Zach Anderson (graduated last year), returning to the diamond are sophomores Mike Pasqualone and pitcher Ray Espinosa, both of whom Minichiello is expecting breakout seasons.

“Ray and Mike have a good rapport with everybody and can help us with their work ethic and ability. We finished 11-10 last season, but we know we can do better.”

 The team takes on Garfield in a scrimmage game Wednesday and the season officially kicks off Friday against Weehawken.