Finley Boys’ Baseball Rebuilds Ranks

The J. Taylor Finley Middle School boys’ baseball team successfully rebuilt its ranks and helped spur new interest in the sport around the building.

Science teacher Thomas Tantillo returned as the team’s coach, guiding a 22 player roster through practices and games.

Finley was led by Jesse Blohm (C, OF, 3B, 2B, P) and Nick Bartasi (C, OF, P). “Jesse was a leader all year,” Tantillo said. “He did whatever he could to help the team succeed. He played five different positions and never backed down from a challenge. Nick led by example and he always gave his best effort, whether it was a game or practice.”

A season highlight was when Blohm hurled a full seven inning game, striking out 12 and allowing no earned runs.

“This year was a pleasure,” Tantillo said. “This was an outstanding group to be around. They loved playing the game and I did not hear one negative comment uttered the entire year about anyone else on the team.

Blohm, Bartasi, Jory Morgan and Emmet Cocoman were this year’s team captains, providing both leadership and inspiration to their teammates.

The coach is already looking forward to next spring when 10 current seventh graders are eligible to return as experienced eighth graders, including Matthew Donovan, Tucker Fiore, Lucca Fiore, Oliver Frintzilas, Luca Garcia, John Gentile, Kevin Harris, Gabriel MacManus, Joseph Pagano and Jaden Scott.

The district is looking to upgrade the Finley baseball field, with new clay for the infield and a rebuilt pitcher’s mound among other improvements. Officials are also investigating the possibility of installing an outdoor batting cage.