Preseason Team Preview: Passaic Valley
March 9, 2016
New Jersey Staff
High School: Passaic Valley Hornets
Head Coach: John Mazzo
2015 Record: 10-17
Recent inductee into the NJSIAA/NJSCA Hall of Fame while also being awarded the Service to Baseball Award, head coach, John Mazzo, hopes that the experience gained by underclassmen during last season’s 10-17 campaign pays dividends in this one. 2016. With seniors CF/P Alex Madonia, P Brendan Damiano, and 3B/P Nick Galese leading the way, the Hornets have a strong core of veteran pitchers to rely on each day. Damiano and Galese are a formidable 1-2 punch, while Madonia provides a solid third option when he is not roaming the outfield and providing a big stick in the middle of the line-up. Their senior-leadership should give PV a chance to challenge for the Passaic County crown. Keep an eye on the double-play tandem of AJ Ward and Carlos Morales. The sophomore, Ward, will be replacing graduated SS Casey Hanley who is now at Rutgers-Newark. He and the junior 2B Morales will have to be solid on defense for the squad to succeed.
Head Coach’s Bio
In 23 years as Head Coach (North Bergen 91-99, PV 2001-present), Coach Mazzo has 315 wins. Included in those wins is the magical 28-3 Passaic County Championship season of 2007. Coach Mazzo was inducted into the NJSIAA/NJSCA Hall of Fame and received the Service to Baseball Award last year.
Team’s Biggest Matchups in 2016
vs.Wayne Hills - 4/23
@ Wayne Hills - 4/25
Biggest Rivals:
+Wayne Hills
+Wayne Valley
+DePaul
Notable Baseball Alumni:
+Jess Santo- 1st Team All-American University of Missouri