A high school baseball team which returns its entire starting infield and pitching staff from an OVAC Class A finals appearance last year would seem to have alot going for it. Add in an experienced coaching staff led by former Martin’s Ferry and Bethany standout, Jeff Baire, and the outlook seem pretty rosy.
Madonna lost only one senior from a 17-win team last year. Returning to lead the Blue Dons on the diamond are ace pitcher George Magnone (senior) and first team all-state shortstop Max Nogay(junior). Both of these players gained valuable experience while starting over 50 games in the middle of the infield for the Weirton Post 10 Legion team this past summer. As well, Magnone and Nogay were selected as starting infielders for the WV American Legion all-star team that defeated its Ohio counterpart this summer at I-470 field. This was a first for any players from the small Catholic school.
Magnone, who lost a tough 2-1 decision to Wheeling Central in last year’s WV sectional playoffs, brings back a batting average of .430. Max Nogay hit a team-high .462 with 5 home runs in 2008. Competing for the catcher’s spot are a pair of .300 hitters–junior Lou Comis and sophomore Chris Eloi. Senior Anthony Pietranton (.322) is back at first base, while slick-fielding juniors Eddie Nogay (.267) and Austin Pitchok (.326) are returning starters at second and third base, respectively.
Senior Jared Magnone (.310) returns in right field. Sophomore utility infielder Chris Perna (.111) and incoming freshmen Conner Mogan, Logan Linder, Ryan Mendenhall and Ryan Mozingo look to add depth for the Blue Dons.
The Blue Dons open their season at home against traditional rival and baseball powerhouse Wheeling Central on March 24.
