The 2023 high school baseball season is quickly approaching and as usual, excitement abounds throughout the state. Players and coaches have been working in preparation for the upcoming season and, as is the case each year, there are some very talented players and teams across New Jersey.

Teams across the state have goals and aspirations to finish their seasons at Veteran's Field at the NJSIAA state championships, but there is plenty of work to be done before that becomes reality. We hope to familiarize our readers with many of the teams across the state as we preview the top teams across NJ. 

High School: Old Tappan

2022 Record: 26-5

Classification: North 1 Group 3

Coach's Name: Tim Byron (35th season, 28th at Old Tappan)

Twitter: @NVOT_Athletics

 

 TOP RETURNERS

2023 RHP/OF Alex Kranzler (Vanderbilt)
2023 RHP/Ut. Elan Ofeck (Gettysburg)
2023 RHP Alex Gioffre 
2023 Grant Maryott
2025 INF/OF Rocco Pierorazio
2025 INF/P Kai Ross
2024 Ut. Eric Cha (Newcomer)

 

TEAM OUTLOOK

The Golden Knights are in a good position on paper with the return of 2022 New Jersey Player of the Year, Alex Kranzler. Kranzler was a force to be reckoned with in '22, leading Old Tappan in almost every stat category on offense and on the mound. Offensively, Kranzler batted .514 with 11 2B, 3 HR, and 26 RBI. On the mound, the righty logged 73.1 IP, surrendered just 45 hits, punched out 115, and allowed just 18 walks. Kranzler's big numbers, along with a strong group of seniors helped lead the Knights to a Bergen County Tournament championship. 

With that said, in '23, the Knights have some returners that will see increased roles as the season pans out, including Elan Ofeck (Gettysburg) and '25 UTL Rocco Pierorazio. Ofeck contributed as a two-way guy last year, logging 16 IP and hitting at a .350 clip at the plate. Pierorazio saw a decent amount of action, especially down the stretch as he had to step in as an everyday starter due to an injury. He hit to a .444 clip including a homer and a double. 

The difference makers will be newcomers Eric Cha and Anthony Onnembo. Cha was hamstrung last season after moving back into the country too late to participate in the spring, according to the NJSIAA. Cha has a big 6-foot-4 frame and can play the corner infield spots, eat some innings on the mound, and even get behind the dish if need be. Onnembo will be interesting to watch this spring. A freshman with an advanced toolset, Onnembo could see increased action at the varsity level as the season wears on. All in all, it looks like Old Tappan is poised for another late season run come tourney time.

 

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