Season in Review: Hen Hud Baseball

Hendrick Hudson didn’t have the record it thought it was going to have as it finished the season 10-12.

However, led by ace pitcher Dan Briggi, who was able to record a 2-0 complete-game win in the opening round of its Section 1 Class A tournament out-bracket contest against No. 13 Saunders, the No. 20 Sailors were able to salvage a huge postseason victory.

Briggi, who also was a designated hitter, was one of four Sailors that were named All-League. He gives credit for his success to the Sailors’ volunteer pitching coach and Hen Hud graduate Ed Lent, who is a member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame.

“He volunteered and really did a lot for us this year,” Briggi said. “He also got the school district's Extra-Mile Award, which is given to an individual who has gone above and beyond in serving the district.”

Senior center fielder Casey Peterson was also named all-league.

“Casey was a consistent hitter all year,” Briggi said. “He wound hitting about .360. He played a good center field. He was always positive, always focused on the game. He worked very hard.”

Also working hard for the Sailors was all-league senior catcher Greg Graziani.

“Greg is a character,” Briggi said. “He kept us loose in the dugout. He was also probably our best hitter, was able to drive in big runs, and also was a great catcher. He played almost every inning at catcher this year.”

Junior all-league shortstop/outfielder Kyle Altman played well defensively towards the end of the year at shortstop and like Graziani, was able to drive in runs, Briggi said.

Earning all-league honorable mention honors was junior third baseman Matt Solnick, who came up with big hits for the Sailors and did a good job fielding his position according to Briggi.