Baseball: Team-by-team previews for the 2024 season in North Jersey

Here is a team-by-team look at the baseball squads from the Big North Conference and North Jersey Interscholastic Conference.

BIG NORTH CONFERENCE

American Division

CLIFFSIDE PARK

Players to watch – Senior: P/IF Marcos Garciga; junior: OF Abraham Tabar; sophomores: UTIL Freddy Fland, OF/DH Victor Freytas, C/P Breidy Marine, SS/2B Kayden Moeller, P/1B Nick Ortiz, P/OF John Raftopolous.

Outlook – The Red Raiders (5-18-1 last season) remain one of the Big North’s youngest teams and will be improved. They return all their pitchers and almost every position player. More youth arrives with two freshmen, OF/P Samil Rodriguez and OF Aidan Acquaviva.

DUMONT

Players to watch – Seniors: SS/P Ethan Chiaramonte, UT Josiah Guzman (4 triples), OF/P Frankie Martinez; juniors: UTIL Alexander Martin, UTIL Matthew Mertz, IF/OF/P Joseph Sutera; sophomores: IF Jarett Carramusa, C Ryan McKenna.

Outlook – The Huskies (10-13-2) enjoyed their first 10-win season in several years and look to build on it. They have experience, depth and a bunch of multi-position players and could contend for the American title.

DWIGHT MORROW

Players to watch – Seniors: P/SS Luis DeLeon, OF/P Manuel Merchan; juniors: C/P/OF Adrian Gonzalez, UT/P Raylin Uceta.

Outlook – The Maroon Raiders (9-15) have a new coach, AJ Torre. They will rely on their speed and versatility to make a run at double-digit wins and a state playoff bid. New faces include sophomores Angel Garcia and Jaden Done and freshman Cooper Won.

FORT LEE

Players to watch – Senior: OF Ray Nakajima; juniors: P/IF Gabe Garcia, IF Max Greenberg, OF Jake Lee, IF/OF Marcus Lee; sophomores: 3B/P Jack Dorkhom, OF/P Jacob Greenberg, C Luke Senatore.

Outlook – The Bridgemen (6-17) could be among the Big North’s most improved teams. They are young, but experienced, and can make a run at double-digit wins. New faces include sophomore Niko Sango and freshmen Stephan Kim and Christian Senatore.

RIDGEFIELD PARK/BOGOTA

Players to watch – Seniors: C Nick Buda, UT Josh Friedman, 2B Shea Losino (.378, 5 triples, 29 runs), OF Victor Rodriguez.

Outlook – This is the first year the defending American champ Scarlets (16-9-1) co-op with Bogota, which last year partnered with Saddle Brook in the NJIC. A rebuilt pitching staff includes senior Hector Zarzuela, junior Julian Panchame and sophomore Jason Alvarado.

Freedom Division

HACKENSACK

Players to watch – Seniors: P/1B Alex Bulger, P Martin Calderon, IF Joe Farrington, OF/P Thomas Ghostlaw, OF David Nunez, C Leo Spitalerri; junior: SS Christian Pelaez.

Outlook – The Comets (14-13) are a veteran group coming off their first Bergen County tournament appearance in more than a decade and look to build on it. Joining the pitching staff are junior Cermelo Williams and sophomore Holden Cohen.

NORTHERN HIGHLANDS

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Chris Birch, P Connor Darling (2.33 ERA, 71 Ks), C Andrew Devitt, P Paden Mather (3 saves), P/1B Marc Putrino, P/1B Gavin Soares (.397, 5 HRs, 2.01 ERA).

Outlook – The Highlanders (8-16) feature a talented and experienced pitching staff and should climb above .500. They need to replace some key bats. They add a pair of promising sophomores in SS Jake Wagner and OF/P Jayden Luftman.

PARAMUS

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Adrian Caba, SS Jack Cutrona, 3B Elias Rodriguez, C Nick Rozon; junior: P Chris Matesic (5-4, 2.45 ERA).

Outlook – The Spartans (15-11) have experience and can stay above .500 if they fill vacancies in the pitching staff. Sophomore Evan Gonzalez is among the new faces on the mound.

RAMAPO

Players to watch – Seniors: P Kenton Grosfelt, OF Brendan McHugh, P Brandon Kirchner, P Kyle Purvin (3.17 ERA), IF/C Payne Teel, IF Owen Wilson; junior: P Charlie Wingfield (2.16 ERA, 61 Ks); sophomore: C Alex Bellovich.

Outlook – The Raiders (16-12) have the pitching to impact the Freedom race and win multiple games in the Bergen County and Group 3 tournaments. They have a trio of promising sophomores in P/IF Stephen Whooley and transfers Ty and Brody Barber.

RIDGEWOOD

Players to watch – Seniors: 1B Bob Kuenzler (.425, 37 runs), P Vincent Luther (9-2, 1.49 ERA, 79 Ks), C Jack Nesland (26 runs); sophomore: DH Alex D’Angelo (10 doubles, 28 RBI).

Outlook – The Maroons (24-7) are defending Freedom and Group 4 sectional and state champions and should again vie for multiple titles. The pitching might be improved and the staff includes seniors Matt Bond, Jack Power and Diego Reilly-Bell and junior Luke Norman.

Independence Division

FAIR LAWN

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Travis Colaianni, OF Matt Dunn, P Josh Feuerstein, P Alex Khodik, OF Tyler Martin, 1B Dan Pascual, OF Ryan Perry, P Zach Taylor (6-6, 1.48 ERA, 86 Ks), IF Tyler Tsai, C Liam Wozniak; juniors: SS/P Alex Cruz (1.62 ERA, 3 saves), P Miguel Monegro.

Outlook – The Cutters (12-13) return almost every starter and will be among the Big North’s most improved teams. They will be led by an experienced pitching staff. Adding depth are senior utility Ben MacClements and sophomore 3B Matthew Kong.

LAKELAND

Players to watch – Seniors: 2B Rowan Conway, 3B Anthony DeGiglio, RF Xavier Diaz (4 triples), CF/P Brian Hoffman, SS Tyler Lynn, P/1B Ken Manning, P/SS Matt Nicholson (5-1, 1.51 ERA); juniors: 1B Pete Hammerle (.493, 9 doubles), LF Anthony Nyhuis; sophomore: C Mickey Gilligan (8 doubles).

Outlook – The Lancers (18-8) have a new coach, longtime assistant Ron Etzkorn, and the talent to challenge for Independence and Passaic County titles. They add up-and-coming sophomores Tyler Harris and Anthony Iasiello (3 saves).

PASSAIC VALLEY

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Eric Allmendinger (9 doubles), SS/P CJ Georgiou (1.60 ERA), P Mateo Moreno, IF/P Mike Romano (5-2, 3.20 ERA); juniors: P/1B Jake Delaney, 2B Jacob Giarusso, C Kenny Van Winkle (26 RBI).

Outlook – The Hornets (12-16-1) have enough returning talent and experience to reverse last season’s record and more. The cast of new faces includes senior IF Nick Fiorita, junior IF/P Dante Palazzo and sophomore outfielders Dante Benvenuti and Vin Berardi.

WAYNE HILLS

Players to watch – Seniors: P/OF Dean Qira, P/UT Corey Mulholland; junior: Casey Baratta.

Outlook – The Patriots (13-9) can remain above .500, after last year rallying late in the season to share the Independence title with Lakeland. The pitching staff is solid and inserts sophomore Chris Cundari, and the team also adds two transfers, senior SS/2B Sal Cifalino and junior Max de Lagarde.

WAYNE VALLEY

Players to watch – Seniors: IF/P Brandon Van Peenan, 3B/OF Brayden Peoples, 1B/DH Cam Vicari; juniors: SS/2B Joey Capizzano, IF/P Joey Napoli.

Outlook – The Indians (14-10) lack experience, but they have talent and should be markedly better the second half the season. The cast of new faces includes two seniors: IF Jacob Gonzalez and C/DH Aidan McKay.

WEST MILFORD

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Charles Cimmino, OF/DH Jake Schwarzlow; juniors: 1B Sean Conklin, SS/P Chris Timmins, P Thomas Trapasso.

Outlook – The Highlanders (4-21) continue to rebuild and will move closer to 10 wins. Expected to step up are junior C Christian Martinez, sophomore 1B/3B Kyle Schwarzlow and sophomore OF/P Chase Tyburczy.

Liberty Division

BERGEN TECH

Players to watch – Seniors: P/IF Brandon Alban, IF Jacob Arroyo, UT Stephano Cutillo, OF Matt Wong; junior: P/IF Harssh Ramayanam Venkkat (2.04 ERA).

Outlook – The Knights (18-10) have the pitching and speed to remain a winner despite losing 11 seniors. The pitching staff also will rely on seniors Jon Prowitz and Jake Huber and sophomores Joe D’Amico and Alvin Li.

CLIFTON

Players to watch – Seniors: C Miguel Checo, SS Najib Duversaint; junior: P/OF Andrew Gibney.

Outlook – The Mustangs (6-16) look to bounce back from a rare down year and climb toward .500. They have solid defense and need to develop some pitching to compete in the league and Passaic County Tournament.

EASTSIDE

Outlook – The Ghosts (12-11) will have a new-look team this year after graduating three All-Passaic County selections, among others. A sizeable group of sophomores did contribute to last year's North 1, Group 4 quarterfinal appearance, and coach Jose Rojas will be relying on them to take on leadership roles.

KENNEDY

Players to watch – Seniors: 2B Brian Santos, CF/P Wilmy Veras; junior: 1B/P Jayonel Rivera; sophomore: Charles Aoues-Mata.

Outlook – The Knights (1-19) continue to build the program and have enough talent to win multiple games. Newcomers include senior OF/DH Pablo Pena, senior P/OF Christopher Doble, and sophomore 3B Wisin Reinoso.

PASSAIC

Players to watch – Seniors: C Jesus Bandala, P/1B James Delaluz, OF Edward Jose Siri; juniors: 2B Wilbert Polanco, OF/P Andy Rodriguez, CF Alex Siri.

Outlook – The Indians (10-12) again are capable of reaching double-digit wins and finishing in the top half of the division despite having less experience this season. They need to develop their pitching and make plays in the field.

PASSAIC TECH

Players to watch – Seniors: P Josue Cueto, 1B Riquelby Madera; juniors: SS Freddy Stansfield (.438, 26 runs), P Matt Caruso (1.36 ERA).

Outlook – The Bulldogs (23-4) can repeat as Liberty champion and expect to challenge for a third consecutive Passaic County title despite major graduation losses. They still have pitching and defense and need a cast of newcomers to step up and fill roles.

National Division

BERGENFIELD

Players to watch – Senior: OF Jael Martinez (.451, 9 doubles, 3 triples); sophomore: SS/P David Almonte (5 saves).

Outlook – The Bears (16-9-1) can make noise in North Jersey’s most balanced division. They have speed and defense and need to develop their pitching. The staff will include Shephard Placentia, Fernando Rodriguez and Andrew Suero.

DEMAREST

Players to watch – Senior: SS Aaron Dworkin; juniors: P Ben Kronfeld, OF Zach Kochnover.

Outlook – The Norsemen (10-16-1) are an unknown commodity in this division. They have an ample, but largely untested, pitching staff that must develop and includes sophomore Drew Greenberg. Up-and-comers include freshman SS Jaxon Austria.

OLD TAPPAN

Players to watch – Juniors: CF Rocco Pierorazio, P/OF Kai Ross; sophomores: P/1B Seldon Kolkebeck, C Anthony Onnembo.

Outlook – The Golden Knights (17-10) are young and must reload after winning last year’s National title. Players stepping up include junior 2B Alex Orecchio, freshman P David Brennan and three sophomores: 3B AJ Aiello, IF Max Garcia, P Mateo Skific.

PASCACK VALLEY

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Evan Biener (10 doubles, 27 RBI), P Andrew Wallace (2.83 ERA); junior: P JT Deriso (5-2, 2.35 ERA), IF Trevor Kirkby (25 RBI), SS James Narlinger.

Outlook – The Panthers (19-11) have experience on the mound and that should translate to success in the National and beyond. They need to generate runs after graduating key players from their offense.

TEANECK

Players to watch – Seniors: P/UT Josh Cruz, P/IF Nick Hernandez; juniors: C/IF Alexis Delgado, C Julian Vasquez; sophomore: P/UT Jack Daniels.

Outlook – The Highwaymen (13-12) has speed and defense and can make a run at the National title. Up-and-comers include senior OF David Pardo, junior P/IF Rajan Luciano, sophomore IF Will Odige and sophomore IF/P Franjey Martinez.

TENAFLY

Players to watch – Seniors: 1B/P Asher Zorn, P/3B Theo Wasserlauf, RF Soma Yamazaki; junior: SS Raman Mitta.

Outlook – The Tigers (8-15-2) have respectable pitching and look to make the climb toward double-digit wins and a possible .500 season. To make that happen, they need former reserves to step into starting roles and produce.

Patriot Division

INDIAN HILLS

Players to watch – Seniors: OF/P Cole Babaian (.376, 9 doubles, 25 RBI), OF Owen Caufield, IF/P Cody Diers, IF/P Mitchell Folina, P Sean Pimley (2.01 ERA), OF/P Nick Vitelli, IF/P James Zwolinski; junior: C/P RJ Renshaw.

Outlook – The Braves (10-14-1) have the experience to climb toward the .500 mark in this brutally difficult division. Three seniors expected to step up: IF Nick Sendrowski and pitchers Owen Fadini and Ryan Pulice.

MAHWAH

Players to watch – Seniors: UT Daniel McClanahan (.438, 34 runs), IF/C Noah Rostolder (.442, 9 doubles, 26 RBI), IF Tyler Worth (27 RBI); junior: OF/P Jake Buonanno (.420, 25 RBI).

Outlook – The veteran T-Birds (10-14-1) can make noise in the division. The pitching staff includes senior Charles Sariti, junior Alex Luchynskyi and sophomore Tyler Thoelen. Watch for senior IF/P Ben Kerschner and freshman OF Ryan Hawken.

PASCACK HILLS

Players to watch – Seniors: P Amresh Balakrishnan, P/1B Ewan Colgan, P/OF Joe Giordano (.414, 10 doubles, 4-2, 2.13 ERA, 72 Ks),  P/IF Arion Stern, P/OF Ronin Stern, P/IF Andrew Streim, IF Matt Tortora; junior: P/OF D’Angelo Rodriguez; sophomores: P/IF Kyle Wenckus (.414, 8 doubles, 5-1, 1.25 ERA, 50 Ks) , C Jake Szabo.

Outlook – The Broncos (22-7) are defending NJSIAA Group 2 champs and capable of vying for multiple titles. Giordano and Wenckus are a formidable 1-2 punch on the mound and at the plate and there’s ample support to win the Patriot title and more.

RAMSEY

Players to watch – Seniors: Christian Badenhausen, P/OF William Kirk (7-1, 0.64 ERA, 88 Ks, .447, 4 HR, 25 RBI), IF Luke Monico (.440, 10 doubles, 29 RBI); junior: Anthony Irving; sophomore: Hudson Ferrando.

Outlook – The Rams (18-8-1) return several starters and now have the experience on the mound to make a run at Patriot and Group 2 sectional and state titles. Up-and-comers include sophomore infielders Roberto Cotes and Sean Sailer and freshman UT Connor McNally.

RIVER DELL

Players to watch – Seniors: P Matthew Dunphy, P Sean Golden, OF Sean Lauterhahn; junior: C Mason Nagle; sophomore: SS David Nuñez.

Outlook – The Golden Hawks (7-17) have improved their pitching and overall depth and can make a run at double-digit wins. Among those expected to step are up junior P Alex Pascale and sophomore C Nathan Silverstein.

WESTWOOD

Players to watch – Seniors: OF/P Sam Arcieri (4 saves), P Jack Bazaz, C MD Cabral (.426, 11 doubles, 25 runs, 26 RBI), IF/P Mike Carcich (32 runs), P/IF Andrew Dillingham (5-3, 2.85 ERA), IF Joe Klein; sophomores: P/IF Joe Cerritelli (5-1, 1.85 ERA), OF/P Steve Klein, P/IF Jack Walsh.

Outlook – The hitting-strong Cardinals have the pitching depth to vie for the outright Patriot title after sharing it last season with Pascack Hills. They also return a majority of position players and can vie for sectional and state titles.

United Division

BERGEN CATHOLIC

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Michael Del; P Luke Dellentash; juniors: SS Jamie Zee (25 runs); sophomore: P Angelo Bellizzi.

Outlook – The Crusaders (25-6) are young, but they have the talent to make noise in the United Division, Bergen County and Non-Public A tournaments. They need to build their pitching. A sizable cast of up-and-comers includes OF Petros Rouggeris, 3B Chris Kim, and IF Jon Jerez.

DePAUL

Players to watch – Seniors: P Johnny Solensky, OF Maxwell Zisa; juniors: 1B/OF Derek Brand, P Ryan Chorba, P Joseph Micchio (2.95 ERA), IF Adrian Orbe, 1B Shane Patten, C Liam Riley; sophomores: P/IF Jason Amalbert (2.92 ERA, 50 Ks), P/IF Jaydyn Dowd, P/OF Christopher Marano (2.95 ERA), IF JC Pacheco (4 HR).

Outlook – The Spartans (18-8) have the pitching and defense to make a run at 20 wins and the Passaic County title after reaching last year’s final. Sophomore C/IF Erick Pinales is among the new faces expected to contribute.

DON BOSCO

Players to watch – Seniors: P Ryan Calvario, C Gabe Cushner; juniors: SS Nick Becker, 1B/3B Jayden Pena; sophomores: OF/C Chase Bagley, LF Michael Hanna, OF/P Ethan Lee.

Outlook – The Ironmen (27-5) can again finish as North Jersey’s No. 1 team despite key graduation losses. The defending Bergen County and NJSIAA Non-Public A champions return four starters and must overcome the loss of injured junior pitchers Anthony Costello and Dylan Henshaw.

PARAMUS CATHOLIC

Players to watch – Seniors: OF/1B/P Garrett Kral, C Anthony Radice; juniors: P/OF Matt Alegria, P Jake Fitzgerald, P/IF Dalyan Henriquez, IF Josaiah Rodriques, P/OF Marco Roig.

Outlook – The Paladins (7-16) have a new coach, Mario Lugones Jr., who previously led Dwight Morrow. They have enough pitching to make a run at 10 wins, and the staff includes Jaysen Hernandez and Jeremy Ballestas and senior Macai Moore.

ST. JOSEPH

Players to watch – Seniors: P Jeff Germosen, CF Brady Knuckles, SS Tommy Manzo; juniors: 3B Carter Grande, OF Myles Gomez

Outlook – The Green Knights (21-9) have the returning talent to make a run at United, Bergen County and Non-Public A crowns. Players expected to step up include P Ethan Alvarez, 1B Devin Buntzen, C Ryan McCabe, Aiden Ogando, P/3B Gabe Rios.

NJIC

Colonial Division

BUTLER

Players to watch – Juniors: Sean Bauer (5 HR, 34 RBI), PJ Coffey (.449), Jake Fiorenza (1.20 ERA).

Outlook – The Bulldogs (17-7) are a junior-laden team, and the class includes most of their top pitchers. Coffey carried a 3.41 ERA on the mound last season, while Fiorenza struck out 43 in 35 innings.

GLEN ROCK

Players to watch – Seniors: SS Matthew DeStaso, RHP Jack Hattersley, LHP Ryan Wolfe; juniors: OF/RHP Nick Atme, 2B Evan Lagemman, 1B Peter Lagemman; RHP/C Sean Spitaleri; 3B/P Zack Silberstein.

Outlook – The Panthers (21-6) aim to build of their Colonial Division title in coach Steve Spitaleri’s second season. The rotation is well-stocked, and team speed should help offensively and defensively.

HAWTHORNE

Players to watch – Seniors: SS Joey Limone (.338), 1B Dominic Passero, P/OF Joe DeLuca, P/OF Jake Brudzynski, P/DH Christian Farina; juniors: OF Pablo Gonzalez, 2B/P Max Beltre.

Outlook – Limone and Passero were the team’s top hitters last spring, and the latter enters his third season starting at first base. There is much varsity experience on the roster, and the pitching staff is deep, although a bona fide No. 1 starter has yet to emerge.

HAWTHORNE CHRISTIAN/EASTERN CHRISTIAN

Players to watch – Senior: P/SS Joel Walker; juniors: 1B Joey Betz, C/P Jacob Ramasamy, P/SS JonMarcus Rodriguez; freshman: OF/P Andrew Nelson.

Outlook – The non-public co-op continues to work well together, having notched three straight winning seasons. Coach Aaron Van Dyk relies on a number of versatile players who can help the Defenders (12-10) make another run at the state tournament.

MANCHESTER

Players to watch – Seniors: SS/P Sebastian Moreno, 1B/DH Edny Guance; sophomores: P/OF Carlos Moreno, OF/SS/P Geremi Gonzalez.

Outlook – The Morenos will lead the Falcons (3-17) as they try to get off the ground, with Sebastian returning as the team’s top hitter and Carlos as “our most complete pitcher,” coach Pete Savastano said. Gonzalez with be the offensive table-setter out of the leadoff spot.

PATERSON CHARTER

Outlook – The Lions (3-15) fared alright out of conference last spring, earning two wins against Paterson Arts and one against Bergen Charter. They must improve in divisional play, as they only scored 3 runs in 11 Colonial games a year ago.

POMPTON LAKES

Players to watch – Seniors: 2B/P Nick Laccitiello, IF/P Harrison Curran, C James Rodas, 1B/P Tyler Benway, OF/C Justin Bolt, OF/IF/P Jayden Villalta; juniors: SS/P Vin Stigliano, OF Angelo Fusaro.

Outlook – The Cardinals (21-8) are loaded. Virtually every regular returns from a team that reached the 2023 North 1, Group 1 final, and coach Mike Riordan’s club ought to be a serious contender for its first Passaic County crown since 2017.

Liberty Division

DWIGHT-ENGLEWOOD

Players to watch – Seniors: P/OF Rhys Bowie, P/1B Everett Garber; juniors: P/2B Matt Civan, C Matias DeAlba, OF Jimmy Burke; sophomore: P/SS Austin Kim.

Outlook – This could be a big year for the Bulldogs (15-10). Bowie and Garber have committed to Wake Forest and Bucknell, respectively, and comprise a formidable 1-2 pitching punch. In all, six starters return, so coach Frank Salvano Jr. anticipates good competition for the few open spots remaining.

ELMWOOD PARK

Players to watch – Juniors: 2B/SS Michael Kero (.244), C Lucas Rodriguez; sophomore: P/1B Troy Spinosa (45 K in 32 IP).

Outlook – The Crusaders (4-13) have no senior returners but are ready to challenge their younger players. Coach Dan Distasio has maxed out the schedule with 24 regular-season games as he aims to “set higher expectations for the program in the coming years.”

LEONIA

Players to watch – Seniors: OF/P Ryan Choo (.491), C Ethan LaBianco (.345, 24 RBI), OF/P Christian Ahn, OF/P Yutaka Uchida; junior: IF/P Jake Capra.

Outlook – The Lions (15-7) have plenty of experienced players “who are willing to give everything they have on a daily basis,” coach Joe Prenenski said. They have played in the last nine NJSIAA tournaments contested but are anxious to qualify for their first Bergen County Tournament since 1991.

RIDGEFIELD/PALISADES PARK

Players to watch – Seniors: P/IF Joshua Espinal, P/OF Michael Broderick; juniors: C Demetrios Bardatsos, P/IF Shane Morin.

Outlook – The “Royal Tigers” co-op has improved in each of its first two seasons, going from 8-13 to 10-12 last spring. Now the goal is to get back over .500, and seventh-year coach Atilla Sengul also hopes his team can make a good showing in the state tournament.

SADDLE BROOK

Players to watch – Seniors: C Alex Gomez (.317), P/IF TJ Pappas (28 RBI, 3.47 ERA), 1B/P James Pecoraro, OF Cole Mauser; junior: P Brady Kent.

Outlook – The Falcons (11-14) once again are flying solo after a three-season co-op with Bogota. Gomez and Pappas lead a senior-heavy team, which could have as many as four freshman making contributions this year.

Meadowlands Division

BECTON

Players to watch – Seniors: 3B/RHP Domenic Maucione, RHP Owen DeKoyer; juniors: OF Adrian Rozon, C Michael Lombardi, 3B/DH Jayden Reyes; sophomores: SS/RHP Justin Diez, OF Gianni Figueroa.

Outlook – The Wildcats (14-10) got back on the winning track last spring and should be able to keep rolling behind eight returning starters. Third-year coach Mike Lind sees the team’s biggest assets as experience and defense, with the daily goal being “win the little battles to win the games,” he said.

GARFIELD

Players to watch – Seniors: IF/P Brenden Baeza (.507), IF/P Dalton Falone (14 RBI), P/UTIL Frandy Polanco (.305), 2B Victor Nuñez, OF Saul Marte.

Outlook – The Boilermakers (6-14) return their top two pitchers, who also wield two of the best bats in the lineup. “Baeza also led the team offensively last season, and Falone is a consistent RBI guy,” second-year coach Pete Santacroce said. “We hope they can continue to drive the offensive production.”

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

Players to watch – Seniors: 3B/1B Rocco D’Amico (.387, 25 RBI), CF Dom Aiosa (.405 OBP); juniors: P/UTIL Ethan Perez (.445 OBP), SS/P Damon Rivera, OF Mario Jimenez.

Outlook – Second-year coach Sean Mansfield has a “well-rounded” team that expects to compete for both division and sectional titles. The Aviators (14-13) have posted double-digit wins every season for the last 20 years.

LODI

Players to watch – Seniors: Nicholas Klawans (.273), Leo Nuñez (.340), Peter Rossi (.322); sophomore: Emmanuel Rodriguez (.296); freshman: Jayr Figueroa.

Outlook – Fourteenth-year coach Kurt Geisler and the Rams (9-14) would like to get back over .500 for the first time since before COVID. If the pitching staff can step up, that goal is achievable.

WALLINGTON

Players to watch – Senior: C Ivan Arroyo; juniors: P Tyler Perry, LF Dominic Vicinte; sophomores: 2B Jordan Kassteen, SS Alex Syby, CF Joey Roman.

Outlook – The Panthers (6-17) finished last season strong, winning three of their final five games. With Vicinte returning from an ACL injury and freshman Eddie Tanderis stepping in at first base, coach Colin Hourigan hopes to see continued progress.

WOOD-RIDGE

Players to watch – Seniors: CF/P Sal Catanzaro (6-2, 2.39 ERA), 1B/P Mike Marchitelli (3-1, 2.41); junior: Jared Montoya; sophomores: Lucas Mendoza, Jake Wall, Nick Scalera, Dom Buonomo.

Outlook – With Catanzaro and Marchitelli as the only two starters back, the defending Meadowlands Division and North 2, Group 1 champs will need varsity newcomers to hit the ground running. That said, expectations remain high for the Blue Devils (21-9).

National Division

HARRISON

Players to watch – Seniors: P/IF Kevin Cerda, UTIL Samuel Garcia; junior: SS/P Reinaldo Rivera; sophomore: OF Christian Gomez.

Outlook – Coach Anderson Vasquez returns to give the Blue Tide (2-18) some stability after a period of three coaches in as many seasons. The team will try to utilize its speed to produce runs as it strives to return to pre-pandemic success.

LYNDHURST

Players to watch – Seniors: IF/P Michael Rizzo (5-4, 2.54 ERA), P/SS Anthony Pizzuti (4-4, 1.99); juniors: IF/P Shawn Bellenger, P/IF Anthony Amaro; sophomores: C Max Gonzalez, IF/OF/P Tyler Herman.

Outlook – Pitching depth is the strength of the Golden Bears (13-13), who will be in contention for the division title. They reached the sectional semifinals in three of the four seasons before the pandemic but have not been back since, so making a deep postseason push is a big goal.

NORTH ARLINGTON

Players to watch – Seniors: 1B/OF Kevin Zidiak, C Rob Kairys, P/SS Robert Carselda; juniors: P/1B Rohan Patel, 3B/OF Josh Sheffler; sophomores: 3B/P Chris Troyano, 2B/SS Lou Ramos.

Outlook – The Vikings (12-13) aim to build off their run to the 2023 Bergen Invitational Tournament semifinals, which they reached thanks in part to a Carselda no-hitter. Coach Paul Marcantuono also has several freshmen vying for varsity playing time.

RUTHERFORD

Players to watch – Seniors: 1B Luke Cerulli (.438, 36 RBI), IF Cole Goumas (31 SB); juniors: OF/P Chris Gioia (6-1, 2.86 ERA), IF/P Henry Hui (15 RBI).

Outlook – The Bulldogs (19-10) expect good run production with their four returning all-leaguers leading the way. They will be in the mix for division and sectional titles, and with another big season, they can help coach Carmen Spina (283-124) get to 300 career wins.

SECAUCUS

Outlook – The Patriots (7-14) took a step in the right direction last spring, improving their win total by five. Three underclassmen earned all-division honors and are now seniors: P/UT Joseph Loesner, IF Gervany Pagan and IF Steven Vega.

ST. MARY

Players to watch – Senior: C Kyle Watson (.390); junior: 3B/P Blayze Conte (.450); sophomore: SS/P Albert Maldanado.

Outlook – Coach Nigel Archibald kept the program’s run of success going in his first season, guiding the Gaels (20-10) to the North Non-Public B title. Only four starters return, but they provide good leadership according to Archibald, and Conte should be among the best in Bergen County.

WEEHAWKEN

Players to watch – Seniors: OF Sebastian Stratton, 1B/P Jasper Martin, 2B Max Kagan; junior: C Christian Ramirez.

Outlook – Stratton and Ramirez were All-National first-team selections for the Indians (9-15) a year ago, and the latter has batted over .400 in each of his first two varsity seasons.

Patriot Division

CRESSKILL

Players to watch – Senior: SS/P Ronald Presta; juniors: CF/P Tyler Manarang, IF/P Andrew Koprowski; C Eric Nam; sophomore: IF/P Luke Kopczynski.

Outlook – New coach Alex Muggeo has a deep pitching staff that returns three starters and welcomes newcomers Robert Welch, Angelo Cristantiello, and Joe Connelly, all sophomores. The Cougars (11-13) should continue on the upswing.

EMERSON

Players to watch – Seniors: SS Jared Scharf, C Patrick Walsh, P Derek MacKenzie (3-1, 2.96 ERA), UT/DH Michael Dillon (26 RBI); junior: P/1B/OF Matthew Sabatella, P Liam Pattermann.

Outlook – The Cavos (18-10) look like contenders again. Walsh is a four-year starter behind the plate, and both Scharf and Sabatella are three-year starters. A division title and a deep run in the state tournament are goals, and coach Chris Sommerhalter (144-73 in 10 seasons) should surpass 150 wins.

MIDLAND PARK

Players to watch – Seniors: 1B/P Will O’Dell, OF/P Jimmy Caltabellatta; juniors: UTIL Ryan Fleming, P/IF Anthony Carrea, P/IF Connor Detrick, OF Conor Shortway.

Outlook – Seventh-year coach Frank Clark has “a small but spirited bunch” – including two freshman prospects – which figures to improve as the spring goes along. The Panthers (12-12) have finished at or above .500 in each of the last eight seasons.

NEW MILFORD

Players to watch – Seniors: P Derek DeLeon, P/OF Joe Spina, OF Travis Valluzzi; juniors: OF Luis Placido, 3B/P Liam Block, C/OF Jefferson Herrera.

Outlook – Sean Ryan takes over as coach of the Knights (6-15), who return six starters and possess good athleticism and speed. DeLeon, Placido and Block were All-Patriot honorees a year ago.

PARK RIDGE

Players to watch – Seniors: IF/P Michael Montgomery (.338), OF Thomas Ippolito (.338), IF/P Drew Welsh (7-1, 3.23 ERA), IF/P Jack Broderick. Juniors: IF/P Anthony Walter (.411), OF/P Shane Stecz.

Outlook – The Owls jumped from 2 wins to 12 last season and could enjoy a similar leap again. Seven starters are back, though coach Dylan Evans is seeking to replace three graduates who hit better than .300. The more offensive contributors emerge, the further the team will go.

WALDWICK

Players to watch – Senior: P/IF Justin Dressler (2.33 ERA); junior: OF Alex Caserta; sophomore: P/OF Dylan Ferrara (3.13 ERA).

Outlook –The Warriors (11-15) graduated 13 and are a bit thin in the experience department. Their top two pitchers can help offset that, with Dressler (Pace University) having been clocked at 91 mph in the offseason and the lefty Ferrara coming off a strong freshman season.

Independent

BERGEN CHARTER

Players to watch – Juniors: P/1B Justin Haroz, P/SS Rogelio Salcedo; freshman: Jayden Mateo.

Outlook – The Yellow Jackets (3-17) embark upon their independent schedule with the aim of finishing above .500 for the first time in program history. First-year coach Anthony Parisi has a half-dozen returning starters who should help the team progress.

PATERSON ARTS

Outlook – Anthony Andrade coaches a second-year program that seeks its first-ever win after going 0-8 in 2023.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ baseball: Team-by-team previews for 2024 season in North Jersey