John Jay's Swertfager Back at Empire State Games

Considering how selective some of the Empire State Games' Hudson Valley teams can be, it can an honor just to be chosen to compete in one sport.

That's what makes John Jay senior-to-be Mark Swertfager so impressive — after going to the Games as a wrestler for two years, he was one of only two catchers to be selected for the baseball team this summer. The Empire Games begin today.

"I was actually really surprised," Swertfager said. "When I went to the tryouts there were 50-60 kids, and I started getting really nervous. (Graduating) seniors can try out this year too, so I didn't know what my chances were."

Swertfager thought that hard work, dedication and hustle may have been deciding factors. The only other catcher selected from the Hudson Valley — which encompasses Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan and Ulster Counties — was Alex McKeon of John Jay-East Fishkill.

Swertfager hit .406 this past season with two home runs and 21 RBIs in 64 at-bats. His on-base percentage was .518 and he hit .417 with runners in scoring position.

Swertfager also plays football and wrestles for John Jay, where his father Bill is the wrestling coach. He wrestled for Hudson Valley in '07 and '08.

"What really sticks out is the opening and closing ceremonies, those are really fun," Swertfager said. "And just hanging out with the guys in the bunks, having a good time."

The Games were cancelled last year because of budget cuts, but they were added back to the schedule this summer

"I thought they would probably be cancelled this year too, but when my mom said they were on I got really excited and couldn't wait to try out," Swertfager said.

Except this time he chose to play baseball, which he feels is his best sport and the one that will give him more options at better colleges. He is currently looking at Division I and Division II schools in the Northeast as a catcher or outfielder.