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South Jersey Baseball History:
20th Century All-Star Teams: Bishop Eustace Prep
Sunday, August 29, 1999
By Charlie Schick
South Jersey Baseball Historical Society
The 42-year history of Bishop Eustace Prep's baseball program has produced 625 victories and a outstanding .667 winning percentage. Over that period of time, the Crusaders have experienced 20 championship seasons that have captured 10 conference crowns, 13 South Jersey Parochial titles, 6 New Jersey State Parochial championships, and 3 Diamond Classic crowns.
Our 20th century all-star team features many of the outstanding players that have helped make the Crusaders' baseball history one of winning and championship results. They and many others have certainly made the Prep's baseball tradition one of a winner.
Bishop Eustace Prep
20th Century All-Star Team
| POSITION | PLAYER | YEAR | BEST RECORD |
|---|
| Right-hand Pitcher | Marc Sauer | 1998 | 12-1 |
| Right-hand Pitcher | Andy Kavalich | 1985 | 10-1 |
| Relief Pitcher | Jack Neylan | 1968 | 8-2 |
| Catcher | Steve Barr | 1963 | .346 |
| First Baseman | Blaine Neal | 1996 | .536 |
| Second Baseman | Nick Italiano | 1999 | .621 |
| Shortstop | Mike Moriarty | 1992 | .490 |
| Third Baseman | Tom Heinkel | 1985 | .493 |
| Utility Player | Steve Budd | 1987 | .400 |
| Outfielder | John Rivers | 1989 | .440 |
| Outfielder | Sal Racobaldo | 1990 | .434 |
| Outfielder | Mike Riley | 1966 | .404 |
| Designated Hitter | Mike Appalucci | 1999 | .571 |
| Head Coach | Sam Tropiano | 1997 | 30-3 |
Right-hand Pitcher: MARC SAUER - 1998
The Crusaders' top hurler for 3 years. A true pitching craftsman that mixed his blazing fastball with a slider and outstanding change-up. Over his career of almost 200 innings, he struck out 231 and posted a 27-8 record - all school records. 3-time All South Jersey Parochial pitcher, twice selected All South Jersey, All State Parochial and All State honors.
Right-hand Pitcher: ANDY KAVALICH - 1985
Big game hurler with excellent control and outstanding curveball. Set single season school records for wins and strikeouts. Also established career marks for innings pitched and strikeouts. Twice honored to the South Jersey Parochial and All South Jersey teams. 1985 10-1 record with 114 strikeouts earned him State Parochial and All State selections.
Relief Pitcher: JACK NEYLAN - 1968
Outstanding right-hander was Crusaders' ace for 2 seasons winning 75% of their games. Set career record with 5 shutouts. Fantastic senior year with a 8-2 record and unbelievable 0.23 ERA. Lost State Parochial game 1-0 allowing no earned runs over 14 innings. Honors included All South Jersey, and All Parochial South Jersey and State.
Catcher: STEVE BARR - 1964
First Bishop Eustace player to gain back-to-back All State Parochial honors. A true team leader with a great arm and excellent defensive abilities. Great handler of pitchers. Consistent near.400 hitter that produced key RBIs. Was twice selected All State Parochial honors and was rated top Parochial catcher in the state for 1964 season.
First Baseman: BLAINE NEAL - 1996
Big 6'5" player with a power hitter's swing. Also a pro prospect hard throwing pitcher. Was twice honored as All South Jersey Parochial first baseman. Senior year produced a .536 average, 9 home runs plus single season school records of 53 RBIs and 7 triples. An All South Jersey, All State and All American first baseman in 1996.
Second Baseman: NICK ITALIANO - 1999
A human hitting machine that excelled in the leadoff spot. Unbelievable on base percentage and ability to score runs. Defensive catalyst. Set many school and South Jersey offensive records. 1999 South Jersey MVP with a .621 average, 59 hits, 11 home runs and 50 runs scored. Twice picked All South Jersey, All State Parochial and All State. Finished career with .522 mark, 163 hits, 162 runs scored and 105 RBIs.
Shortstop: MIKE MORIARTY - 1992
He was as smooth as silk at fielding his position and had a rifle arm. One of the finest infielders in area history. Twice honored with local All Parochial, All South Jersey and All State Parochial first team selections. Senior year produced a .446 average with 45 runs scored. 3-year starter with 106 hits and a career .429 batting average.
Third Baseman: TOM HEINKEL - 1985
Outstanding power-hitting third sacker with a rifle arm. Set all-time South Jersey Parochial single season home run record with 13. Also established school record 50 RBIs in 1985. Twice selected to area All Parochial squad. Super senior year with a .493 average and 23 extra base hits resulted in All South Jersey and All State first team honors.
Utility Player: STEVE BUDD - 1987
Extremely versatile player that could handle all infield positions with skill. Also a quality relief pitcher that set school record for saves in a season. Selected South Jersey All Parochial and All South Jersey infielder in both 1986 and 1987. In his final season he hit .390, scored 31 runs and earned All South Jersey and All State honors as a shortstop.
Outfielder: JOHN RIVERS - 1989
Excellent outfielder with speed to burn. Left-handed leadoff hitter that excelled in getting on base and stealing bases. He established new school records for runs scored and stolen bases. In 1989 was voted one of the top outfielders in the state, as he hit .429 with 48 runs scored to gain first team All South Jersey and All State all-star honors.
Outfielder: SAL RACOBALDO - 1990
Power hitter that delivered in the clutch. Clean-up hitter on the Crusaders Parochial B state championship team. As a outfielder he featured a very good arm and had fine range. His outstanding senior year saw him set a school record for slugging percentage with a .789 mark, hit .430 and gain All South Jersey and All State honors.
Outfielder: MIKE RILEY - 1966
Quickness and great range were his defensive trademarks. Offensively he was a high average hitter with an excellent on-base percentage and a suburb base stealer. A team leader that helped the Crusaders win a South Jersey championship and set a single season wins record. First player in school history to be selected to the All State Team.
Designated Hitter: MIKE APPALUCCI - 1999
Power-hitting outfielder with strong arm and range. Excellent clutch hitter and RBI man. His Crusader career numbers show 118 RBI's and a school record 21 home runs. A 3-time South Jersey Parochial player, and All State Parochial selection. Senior year.571 mark with 9 homers, and 33 RBI's earned him All South Jersey plus All State honors.
Head Coach: SAM TROPIANO - 1997
His 10-year career as the Bishop Eustace head coach has produced 226 victories and a exceptional .774 winning percentage. In addition, he has led teams to 7 conference titles, 3 South Jersey Parochial crowns, 2 Diamond Classic titles and 2 New Jersey State Parochial championships. His teams have made the state tournament every season.
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