Spring is upon us, and as Major League Baseball gets set to celebrate its opening day, baseball and softball season in Brooklyn is about kick into high gear. Can’t make it to Citi Field or Yankee Stadium for a game? Here is your guide to the top high-school players to come out and watch right here in Kings County this spring:
Nick Storz,
Poly Prep
There may not be a better baseball prospect in all of New York City this season than the Louisiana State University-bound junior. Storz is the total package. He is a fireballer on the mound and an extra base hit threat each time he steps to the plate. The Courier’s reigning All-Brooklyn Player of the Year posted a 3–1 record with 52 strikeouts in 33 innings and hit the low 90s on the radar gun. He also hit .389 with 26 runs batted in — and a .907 slugging percentage.
Marcus Chavez, Grand Street
The Michigan-bound senior is arguably the best defensive catcher in the five boroughs. His experience behind the plate will be even more paramount with a young and inexperienced Grand Street pitching staff. Chavez, a Courier All-Brooklyn First Team selection last season, is also an extremely tough out with a bat in his hands. He hit .489 with 19 runs batted in, 18 runs scored, and 10 extra base hits. The Wolves will go as far as he takes them.
Isabella Gerone, James Madison
The Hartford-bound senior has pitched Madison to back-to-back Public School Athletic League Class AA semifinals and will try to get a deep and talented team over the hump this season. Gerone, the Courier’s reigning All-Brooklyn Softball Player of the Year, pitched a 14–2 record with a 1.35 earned run average as a junior in the regular season. She fanned 161 batters in 110 innings. At the plate, Gerone hit .568 with 29 runs batted in, 30 runs scored and 11 extra base hits.
Bianca Marletta, Fontbonne Hall
Marletta stepped right in for the graduated Nicolette Trapani in the circle — and the Bonnies didn’t miss a beat. She is big reason why they will again be a threat to challenge for a diocesan title. The All-Brooklyn First Team selection went 11–4 with a 1.78 earned run average. She struck out 110 while walking just 10. At the plate, Marletta hit .397 with 28 runs batted in and five homers.
Shawn James, James Madison
Graduated Christopher Karnbach was the story of the postseason, but James was Madison’s best overall player throughout the year. He went 4–0 and had two saves while posting a 0.21 earned run average. James is now the team’s clear ace as the Golden Knights look to compete for a city title. The All-Brooklyn First Team selection also posted a .458 average with 13 runs batted in during the regular season.
Those are the fab five for the spring season, but try not to miss out on Xaverian baseball’s Phoenix Hernandez. Telecommunication softball’s Thalia Santiago, Poly Prep windmiller Eva O’Mara, and Abraham baseball slugger Travis Buckmon.
Enjoy the games — and the stars. I know I will.
