JFK juniors showing potential this summer
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

ISELIN - The JFK Junior Legion team will look to improve upon its 6-9 record with a 5:45 p.m. match up today against visiting St. Joe's.

The team will wrap up this week's action with a 5:45 p.m. showdown with South Brunswick Friday before squaring off against Bishop Ahr at 11:00 a.m. Saturday.

Last week the team lost to Bishop Ahr, 13-3, before knocking off Edison, 10-6. A win over Bishop Ahr in this week's rematch would be a nice boost for the young team.

"It is all younger players on this team and they've been facing some good competition this summer," JFK head coach Jerry Smith said. "It is a nice way for the young players to get some good experience and get some looks from myself and the other coaches to see if they are ready for varsity baseball."

One player who may be on the fast track to varsity is sophomore Alex Weinstein. The ace of this summer's pitching staff, Weinstein has turned into a solid all-around player.

"He's been a nice surprise this summer," Smith said. "He's on both the junior and senior rosters and he could probably give us innings for our senior team right now. I'd rather get him a lot of experience this summer at the junior level than some work here and there on the senior team. He'll be in the mix along with the older guys next season."

When Weinstein is on the hill, Billy Grimes has taken over at first base to provide solid defense and a consistent bat.

Sophomore Jay Stolz is also having a solid summer behind the dish and could be another consideration for varsity action next spring.

"Jay's doing a nice job behind the plate," Smith said. "He's steadily improving both offensively and defensively."

Pitcher Mike Bergona has been eating up a lot of innings this summer alongside Weinstein.

"Those two have probably pitched over 75 percent of the team's innings this summer," Smith said. "Outfielder Nick Pedana has also given us some nice mound time."

Joining Pedana in the outfield this summer is Armand Pallino, Christian Kappolli, Kurt Baumgarten and Mike Hart.

The junior legion team's infield is rounded out with Dom Rella at third, Jack Frost at shortstop and Brian Wirt and Jeff Karabin splitting time at second.

"The record doesn't do justice to the play of the team," Smith said. "Against really good competition, everyone has played well and as a whole the team keeps improving."