Veteran Laden Crusaders Baseball Team Ready for Another Run at the Holy Grail

It’s no secret in Hillsborough County baseball circles Pat Russo’s teams reflect his rugged, straight forward personality.

And when his teams take on that same come-at-you-all-game demeanor, the results are usually quite good. It worked at Hillsborough High and Plant High, where Russo won more than 200 games and three Saladino tournaments in 11 years before coming to Tampa Catholic High School last year and willing his team to the Class 3A state semifinals.

So give Russo a veteran team that returns 14 seniors and 11 juniors, and expectations are through the roof in Wellswood.

“Anything less than going back to the state tournament is a disappointment,” Russo said. “If they play the way I expect them to, we’re going to have a tremendous season.”

And that’s after graduating All American catcher Shane Rowland, second baseman and team sparkplug Brandon Mendoza, left fielder Hank McCloud, third baseman Alex Martinez and pitchers Adam Sproat and TJ Owen.

However, Russo returns three of his four pitchers and seven of nine starters. And with a year to adjust to Russo’s aggressive style of play, the Crusaders figure to improve on last year’s 20-10 mark.

They are led by the intimidating presence of 6-foot-6, 230 pound senior pitcher Ian Ham, who went 5-0 last year. Junior Derrick Martin (5-3, 1.07 earned-run average), sophomore Nick Sucarichi (4-1) and senior Keith Garcia, who Russo said has improved noticeably from last year, provide plenty of depth in the rotation.

Among position players, senior catcher Gio Marrero, senior second baseman Nick Perez (.500 average last year), senior shortstop Nick Alfonso (who has committed to USF), senior first baseman/third baseman Nico Millan (.397 average last year), senior outfielder Cam Alford (.385 average) and junior outfielders Billy Endris and Matt Darrigo all return.

Russo has also been impressed with freshmen Joe Burruezo at third and infielder Paul Russo, coach Russo’s nephew.

“They’ve been outstanding in the summer and winter and we’re looking for big things from them,” Russo said.

The Crusaders run in any situation, and in any count, and play with a no fear attitude instilled by Russo.

“We try from the first pitch of the game to put as much pressure on players and teams as possible,” Russo said. “That helps when you’re in a tough game or close game when you’ll put on a play that might catch an opponent off guard.  We practice doing that.”

That translated to 88 stolen bases last season. But it also means taking chances defensively to the tune of turning 53 double plays.

“I just want the kids to play hard and get better and not back down from anybody,” Russo said.

For anyone who has seen Russo’s teams play, there’s no chance of that.

The Crusaders open their regular season tonight at Leto High School.