
Coming out of the Covid-19 related cancellation of the 2020 baseball season and winter workout, many did not know what to expect. The 2021 summer season turned out to be one of the most memorable, and rewarding, in New York Nine history. The decision was made to assist those who had played for the Nine in previous seasons and lost a full calendar year or more in either high school or college.
The Scout team went 19-3 in the Blue Chips Collegiate league regular season, easily securing the #1 seed, defeated the Tidewater Drillers of the Valley League and played the two-time Coastal Plains League defending champion Morehead City Marlins at Big Rock Stadium in North Carolina. Every rostered player is currently playing in college, many JUCO graduates or transfers that the Nine assisted in opening doors at their next stop. Below is a fun recap of the 2021 season in numbers and non-DFA’d player movement.
2021 New York Nine Transaction Highlights:
⁃Catcher John Garcia played the second half of the summer with the Bourne Braves of the Cape Cod League. He also accepted a scholarship to play at D1 Grambling University
⁃First Baseman Anthony Fontana accepted an offer to play at local D1 Hofstra University, over additional higher level offers
⁃Infielder Jared Palladino accepted an offer to play at D1 Eastern Tennessee State University (ETSU) over other additional opportunities
⁃Infielder Michael Edwards accepted an offer to play at D1 Coppin State University
⁃Right handed pitcher Albert Cuello Batista accepted a scholarship to D2 powerhouse Southern New Hampshire University
⁃High School Senior Outfielder Henry Garcia accepted a scholarship offer to Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana over other offers
⁃6’6” Right handed pitcher Colm O’Shea accepted a scholarship offer to attend D2 Newberry College in South Carolina
⁃Third baseman Christopher Martinez accepted a scholarship to NAIA powerhouse University of Science and Arts in Chicasha, Oklahoma
⁃6’9” Right handed pitcher Austin Cole transferred to D2 Queens College, accepting their offer over additional opportunities
⁃Right handed knuckleballer Brayden Martino accepted a scholarship to D1 Hofstra University in Uniondale, NY
⁃Middle Infielder Joan Sosa accepted a scholarship to d1 Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey
⁃Class of 2024 High school outfielder Isaiah Shivers accepted a scholarship from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
⁃Right handed pitcher Joseilyn Gonzalez signed as a free agent with the Los Angeles Dodgers
2021 New York Nine Statistical Highlights:
–Joan Sosa led the team in OBP (.555)
–Dante Paolucci was 2nd on the team in Slugging % (.651) and also 2nd on the team in OBP (.500) and 3rd on the team in hits (17)
–Christopher Martinez led the team in home runs with 4 and tied for first in RBI with Jared Paladino (17)
–Justin Henry was top 3 in a broad range of categories (HR, RBI, Runs, SBs, HBP, batting average, OBP) and placed 4th in Slugging. Henry was particularly strong with stolen bases, finishing 1st with 12.
-Before signing with the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League, John Garcia led the team in slugging with a .680 mark
–Colin Diez placed 1st on the team in pitches seen per plate appearance with a preposterous 4.6 and finished 4th on the team in OBP.
–Colm O’Shea struck out 38 batters in 23.1 IP to lead the team
–Bryce Martino did not give up an earned run in 11.1 innings while striking out 13 and walking 2
–Mikey Garcia threw 11 innings with 15 strikeouts and 3 walks