Written by: Eric Kautz '27

Published- March 11th, 2026. 

In the first year under head Coach Dennis McCaffery, last year the Saint Joseph baseball team went from a 20-loss season to just seven. The former Cranford head coach completely turned around the Falcons baseball program. What made the turnaround so impressive was that the team's immense success from last season was with a lot of the same talent from the previous season. McCaffery transformed the team through instilling a gritty, hardworking, and determined mindset within each of his players. The process, although not easy, saw the Falcons capture the GMC title through a walk-off home run from JP Zayle ‘25 for the team's first Jim Muldowney Tournament Championship since 2023. 

The historic season that included walkoff victories in each round of the county tournament was heavily influenced by last year's senior class. The team graduated 12 players, five of whom are playing at the collegiate level. Zayle and fellow senior Bobby Christensen ‘25 led the squad in hits tied at 28, and were incredible leaders. On the mound, 135.7 of the team's 161.2 innings pitched were from seniors. The three leaders in innings pitched came from seniors Richie Zangara  ‘25, who is now playing at Ithaca, Domenic Erbafina ‘25, and Joseph Barca ‘25. The trio combined for 133.4 innings pitched, making up a massive portion of the pitching for the team, and were all crucial parts to the Falcons' success. 

This year, the Falcons will look to promising and experienced familiar faces to take their game to the next level. Saint Joe’s will look to players like Luke Palermo ‘27, Logan Ring ‘27, Owen Krulikowski ‘26, Kris Almanzar ‘26, Walter Christian ‘26, Connor Walker ‘26, and more. 

Palermo hit for a .403 average last year and has been heavily relied on his bat and arm since his freshman year. The junior is one of the top southpaws in NJ, but will be held back from pitching this year. Palermo understands that, despite his role being limited, he is essential to the team's success and will look to contribute as much as possible in the batter's box. With the change of scenery in the clubhouse, Palermo understands things will be different, but the roots will remain the same. 

“The loss of our ‘25 Seniors is definitely upsetting, but they have laid the foundation to build a strong culture for the program,” Palermo said. “The team’s identity is backed by humility and hard work. That will never, ever change,” he added. 

The pitching staff will be anchored by Connor Walker ‘26, a Saint Thomas Aquinas College Baseball commit. The pitching staff will also look for key contributions from Ring and Luke Baranauskas ‘27. The senior recorded 12 innings pitched with 20 strikeouts last season. Walker understands the weight on his shoulders. 

“I will have to become the guy that people can trust on the mound as we trusted the guys last year,” Walker said. “The bar is set at a GMC championship, but I think this year with this group, we can make a run for states and bring one home,” the pitcher added. 

The team tallied 58 stolen bases last year, making aggressive base running and bunting a huge part of their identity, focusing on the fundamentals and playing smart. “Stealing bases and doing the gritty stuff is important because it puts pressure on the opposing team's defense and helps create scoring chances. I take pride in doing the little things to help the team win,” Christian, who had five stolen bases last year, said. 

The ball club is now gearing up for March 31st, when they will open their season against South Plainfield with experienced and fresh talent looking to prove themselves all over again with the same mindset that empowered them last year. 

Written by: Eric Kautz '27

On Saturday, December 20th, the Saint Joe's 2025 baseball team was presented with their GMC championship rings from the most recent season.

The GMC championship came anything but easy for the Falcons. In the first year with new head coach Dennis McCaffery and coming off a down year, the Falcons were not projected to be in contention for the title. After four walkoffs in the tournament, including a walkoff grand slam in the title game, the GMC trophy made its way back to Plainfield Ave.

The Falcons in the tournament run capped four consecutive games in walkoff fashion with hits from Walter Christian ‘26, Luke Palermo ‘27, and two from JP Zayle ‘25.

“There were better teams than us last year. We were not the best team in the state, but nobody did what we did; we were not supposed to do anything close to that,” Zayle said in memory of the historic tournament run.  

Alongside the hitting in clutch spots, the Falcons also relied heavily on pitchers Joe Barca ‘25, Richie Zangara ‘25, and Dom Erbafina ‘25. “It was always the goal, and it was always the expectation, so just knowing we finally got the job done and in the way that we did it that was very special,” Zangara, who is now continuing his baseball career at Ithaca College, said. 

Alongside Coach McCaffery stood Coach Riporti, a very respected and loved coach throughout the program. Riporti said, “It was unbelievable, something I will never forget, and something that will never be duplicated.”

The Falcons finished the season with a 16-7 record and will look to defend their title this spring. 

To watch a recap of the outstanding tournament run, visit @saintjoesmetmedia on Instagram or click this link 

Written by: Eric Kautz '27

On December 3rd, Connor Walker signed his national letter of intent to continue his baseball career at Saint Thomas Aquinas College in New York. 

Walker, a pitcher, posted 20 strikeouts last season and has been a part of the varsity baseball team since his freshman year. Walker announced his commitment to the school earlier this year on September 15th. 

Saint Thomas Aquinas College is a part of the East Coast Conference in the NCAA Division II. 

Walker is now officially a Spartan, where he is bound to make an impact.