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: Delsea

2022 Record: 23-6

Classification: South Group 3

Coach's Name: Joe Smith

Career Record: 219-108-1 (13 Seasons)

Twitter: @DelseaB

 

 TOP RETURNERS

Ryan Harrrison Pitcher/ Corner Inf 2023 (31INN) top pitcher in 2021 and bats 4th
Angelo Del Palazzo pitcher 2023(45 INN) Pitched in big games. Winning pitcher GR3 Championship Konnor Reilly Outfield 2023 Clutch player offensively and defensively
George Starr Pitcher 2024 (46 INN) (7-1.. 1 save) All Conference
Mike McGinley Catcher 2024 carpenter cup as a Freshmen
Frankie Masters Outfield 2024 carpenter cup last season . 70 hits the last two seasons
Max Van Auken Shortstop 2024 started every game in his career the last two years
Zach Maxwell Utility 2024 (QB only played baseball last year and had 35 hits

OTHER POSSIBLE IMPACT PLAYERS
2023 Chris Kelly 1B/DH
2024 Tyler Schoppe Catcher /DH
2025 Austin Buchanan Utility/P Otley Makosky P (21 innings as a Frosh), Frankie Cairone OF/LHP, Cole Hudson corner Inf

TEAM OUTLOOK

Coach Joe Smith returns five juniors who have started since their freshman year's that will be relied upon to lead the Crusaders back to repeat as South Jersey Group 3 champs. Offensively, Frankie Masters and Max Van Auken will pace the squad. Masters has accumulated 70 hits in the last two seasons, including 43 in 2022 and Van Auken returns after batting .342. 2024 C Mike McGinley is one of the top uncommitted players in the junior class, and returns after hitting .341 as a sophomore. Junior Utility man and QB1 Zach Maxwell picked up a bat for the first time as a high schooler and mashed 35 hits as a soph and is expected to be a mainstay in the middle of the order, too. Senior Ryan Harrison had a big '22 campaign, logging 31 IP and will be relied upon as an RBI threat this season at the plate. Senior Angelo Del Palazzo and junior George Starr logged the most innings on the team in 2022, with 45 and 46 respectively, and are back to lead the rotation along with Harrison. Sophomore Otley Makosky was a reliable arm as a freshman, pitching to a 2.91 ERA in 21.2 IP and adds some depth to the rotation. Keep an eye out for sophomores Austin Buchanan, Frankie Cairone, and Cole Hudson. All three are expected to see some elevated roles in 2023. Senior Chris Kelly and junior Tyler Schoppe will have an impact in the depth of the lineup, too. Overall, it looks like the Crusaders will have a chance to make some noise once again in South Jersey.

 

RECENT NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

SHOWCASE	STATE	DATE	LOCATION
2023 Northeast ProCase	NJ	02/12	The Liberty Arena / Williamsport, PA
Central New Jersey Preseason ID	NJ	02/20	Iron Peak Sports - Hillsborough, NJ
2023 NJ Preseason All-State: Upperclass (Invite-Only)	NJ	03/04	Top Corner Sports - Bridgewater, NJ
2023 NJ Preseason All State: Underclass (Invite-Only) - *Date Recently Changed*	NJ	03/12	Sportika - Manalapan, NJ
Northern New Jersey Preseason ID	NJ	03/12	Sports Domain Academy - Clifton, NJ
2023 NJ Rising Stars ID	NJ	03/19	Sports Domain Academy (Clifton, NJ)

 

MORE SEASON PREVIEWS