Baseball – 2021 Shore Conference Preview: Toms River South
For the better part of four decades, no team in the Shore Conference has been more predictable than Toms River South. The Indians have not always boasted a top roster, but they are always a winning team and always competitive in the Class A South division.
That reputation is worth remembering heading into 2021, because Toms River South has a roster full of unknowns at the start of the spring. They had only four returning starters back in 2020 and three of those players graduated in the spring, leaving Toms River South with only centerfielder Tyler Madeo as a varsity-seasoned player for the starting lineup.
One of the reasons Toms River South is always competitive is because not only is all-time New Jersey wins leader Ken Frank a great coach but he also loves bringing in a new group to coach up. He was disappointed to lose that opportunity last year but that makes this spring something to savor and after 40-plus years, Frank still loves the process.
One thing that jumps out about Toms River South’s projected lineup is the senior influence, with only rightfielder Gavin Migliori representing the junior class. Ryan Mackle and Joe Schifilliti were set to be big contributors last year and not only will the duo play the middle infield, but they will also throw important innings on the mound.
Third baseman Austin Beard and leftfielder Chris Yuro can also contribute as two-way guys and both will be in the starting batting order at the outset. Catcher Eli McEwan takes over behind the plate with Brandon Elmendorf and A.J. Pierson providing some depth.
Right-handers Jake Wilber and Sean O’Neill will be two more impact pitchers and sophomores Will Endreson, Chris Clark, and Pierson give the staff some real upside. Whatever Toms River South’s potential is, there is a very good chance the Indians reach it.
Toms River South at a Glance
Head Coach: Ken Frank, 42nd season
Key Losses: Maximus Rivas (SS), Mike Montenegro (C), Logan Spakowski (RHP/INF), Erik Narvaez (RHP/OF), Kiefer Samul (RHP/INF), Joe Ferreri (P/1B)
Around the Diamond (Returning 2019 starters in bold with available stats)
Catcher: Eli McEwan, Sr.
First Base: Ty Gibson, Sr.
Second Base: Joe Schifilliti, Sr.
Shortstop: Ryan Mackle, Sr.
Third Base: Austin Beard, Sr.
Leftfield: Chris Yuro, Sr.
Centerfield: Tyler Madeo, Sr.
Rightfield: Gavin Migliori, Jr.
Other Hitters
A.J. Pierson (So., C/1B)
Brandon Elmendorf (Jr., C/1B)
Chris Clark (So., SS)
Kyle Cirz (Sr., INF)
Jacob Bryceland (Sr., INF)
Alex Scivoletti (So., OF)
Mike Erli (So., OF)
Nate Brown (Sr., OF)
Colin Raimann (Jr., INF)
Jake Wilber (Jr., INF)
Andy Linares (Jr., OF)
Sean O’Neill (Sr., UTIL)
Derek Piccoli (Jr., OF/INF)
Sean Stueber (Jr., INF)
Aiden Folsom (Jr., 3B)
Will Endreson (So., 3B)
Pitchers
Joe Schifilliti, Sr., RHP
Jake Wilber, Jr., RHP
Sean O’Neill, Sr., RHP
Ryan Mackle, Sr., RHP
Austin Beard, Sr., RHP
Chris Yuro, Sr., LHP
Tyler Madeo, Sr., LHP
Kyle Cirz, Sr., RHP
Will Endreson, So., RHP
A.J. Pierson, So., RHP
Aiden Folsom, Jr., RHP
Gavin Migliori, Jr., RHP
Chris Clark, So., RHP
Andy Linares, Jr., RHP
Sean Stueber, Jr., RHP
Colin Raimann, Jr., RHP
Derek Piccoli, Jr., RHP
College Commitments
Ryan Mackle – SUNY New Paltz
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