Huntington Softball Looks to Future with Young Players

A very young team took the field for the Huntington varsity softball team this spring. The Blue Devil squad had just two seniors on the roster and started as many as four eighth graders.

Coached by John Walsh and Eric Mininni, the team was captained by senior Gabriel Miller. Pitcher Ruby Meidenman garnered All-Conference honors. The junior fanned 172 batters and turned in several impressive dominating performances.

“Ruby dominated some of our game, pitching the bulk of our innings,” Walsh said. Junior Kate Barba batted .402 to lead the Blue Devil hitters. “Kate had a strong season offensively and defensively,” the coach added.

The varsity eighth grade contingent included Gemma Bedell, Amanda Ganley, Isabella Holland, Logan Miller and Jocelyn Thorbourne. The roster also included freshmen Emily Barba and Keysy Diaz Campos; sophomore Mia Molina-Baptista; juniors Adriana Abbatiello and Jessica Maixner; and senior Charlotte Wesnofske.

“We were a very young team, starting four eighth graders,” Walsh said. “We should grow together as a team and compete. There is talent.”

Walsh intends to hold a series of winter workouts to develop player skills and prepare the team for 2024.

Walsh has been active with the junior varsity team and the program at Finley Middle School. He is determined to build competitive teams at all three levels.