Leadership Guides JV Rams Baseball to First Win

Perseverence and strong leadership. That's what powered the West Hempstead Junior Varsity Baseball team through a long, dry spell to earn their first victory of the season Tuesday.

Coach Anthony Zapelli said his team never gave up, working hard each time they ran onto the diamond this season, despite their losing streak.

"We're struggling a little bit this season in the win column," Zapelli told Patch earlier in the week before the big win. "We've played some close games and our team continues to work hard at practice. We know that victory is right around the corner."

Indeed it was. After a disappointing first half of the season, the  JV Rams defeated Great Neck North High School, 4-2 on April 26 and will look to build upon their success.

The boys have always been competitive, recently taking Baldwin into extra innings and batting well against a tough Lawrence squad but always fell just short of nabbing the "W."

"We've been this close to getting that win, " their coach added. "Some of our team leaders have really stepped us for us to keep us in the games."

Those leaders include sophomores Vinny Greco, Joey Bitetto and freshman James Valerio.

Greco, who plays third base and sometimes catcher, has been an asset on both the defensive and offensive side of the field.

Bitetto, who was called up to varsity at one point earlier in the season, has been a strong hitter for the Rams.

"[Bitetto] has been a positive bat for us," said Zapelli. "He's a strong hitter who gives us a lot of offensive production."

Valerio, the younger brother of varsity player Tom Valerio, rotates between pitching and playing right field.

"He has helped us in our pitching rotation, and has steadily gotten better as a hitter throughout the season."

The Rams are halfway through their season schedule and still have some games to makeup after several rainouts. 

Zapelli said his team will keep doing what they have done all season, stepping up to the plate and bringing their best.

He added, "We will continue to compete," in their quest for another streak - a winning one.