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St. Mary’s Looking to Take Next Step in the Competitive CHSAA

Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series

by Max Edelman 

Building a program in the Catholic League is anything but easy, and for St. Mary’s Gaels head coach Chris Estrada, his program took a big step forward in 2024. And entering his fourth season as head coach, Estrada looks to take yet another leap in 2025.

“Last year was definitely an improvement from the past two years.”  Estrada said. “We won more games than we ever had, we won a conference game, we had a couple close in conference games, we’re climbing the ladder to be a successful team like the other schools in our conference.” 

A testament to the quick success of the St. Mary’s baseball program, all six seniors who graduated from St. Mary’s last year continued their baseball careers. With Kyle Pena playing at American International. Dante Sanchez, Jorge Rodriguez and Samuel Hernandez all are playing JuCo at Herkimer Community College. Joshua Huerta is playing at Purchase College while Edwin Diaz is continuing his baseball career in the Dominican Republic.

While many key players left St. Mary’s, the Gaels have plenty of talent to rely on in 2025. Among them is College of Staten Island commit catcher Ryan Ortega. Last season, the Gaels starting catcher shined. Despite hitting only .213, Ortega connected on a home run, drove in five runs, and provided some of the very best backstop defense in the entire league.

“He’s definitely one of the top three catchers in the conference, even fighting for one.” Estrada said. “He has a great arm. If he can get it together with the bat, and hit more consistently for contact, he should definitely be either top one or top two catchers in the conference. Catchers control the game, so that would make a huge impact for us.” 

Making a move to the University of Missouri in the fall, Estrada is hoping to get one final strong season out of left handed pitcher and first baseman Todd Feurtado III. Last season, Feurtado hit .222 with a .344 OBP. Feurtado also connected on a homer and drove in five runs on the season. On the mound, Feurtado provides power pitching for the Gaeles.

“He throws low to mid 90’s.” Estrada said. “Him pitching, him making an impact on the mound is definitely going to generate buzz. It’s definitely going to get people to come out and see him.”

Rigo Mercades is the third and final member of the Gaels that is currently committed to playing college baseball following graduation, with the shortstop committed to play at Felician College. Last season, Mercades hit two homers, drove in four runs and scored seven. 

“He had a great year last year.” Estrada said. “Him being a senior and being able to fully adjust to this league is going to make a huge impact for us defensively and him being in the top or middle of the order for us definitely will help lead our team out.”

Estrada also mentioned second year transfer Aaron Diaz as someone that will play third base and be the first arm out of the Gaels bullpen. At second base, Jacob Severino is expected to pair up with Mercades in the middle of the diamond once again. Severino will either serve as the teams leadoff batter in the top of the order, or the teams second leadoff at the bottom. 

“This is Severino and Rigo’s fourth year together being the duo at second and short.” Estrada said. “Them being seniors, knowing the league, knowing all the fields, all the aspects of what it takes to compete in this league is going to help us out defensively in the middle.”

In terms of newcomers coming up from JV, Estrada mentioned Aidan Savinon, Pedro Bisono and Fabian Diaz as guys that can help the Gaels this year and beyond. 

When it comes to the biggest strength for the Gaels, Estrada believes it lies with the team’s defensive and pitching ability. 

“I think with the high velocity pitchers that we have.” Estrada said. “ If they can command strikes, and if the defense helps them make the easy outs, that’s going to be the super strength of our team this season.
“The St. Mary’s Gaels will open their season with a scrimmage against Fordham Prep on March 11.