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Big Senior Class Leads The Way For New Fairfield

NEW FAIRFIELD, Ct. - A “hefty” sophomore class two years ago is now the senior class for Joe Garbowski at New Fairfield.

Although there was no experience gained junior year due to the coronavirus, the 12th-year head coach has high expectations this season with 13 seniors on the 2021 roster.

“That’s the most I’ve ever had,” noted Garbowski, who will be led by three “Division-I caliber players” in left-handed pitcher Braden Quinn, right-handed pitcher Chris Fidanza and catcher Matt Garbowski.

Quinn, the second-rated senior southpaw in New England, is a 6-3 210-pounder committed to the University of Connecticut.

“He will be our go-to arm,” Garbowski said of the hard-throwing lefty who has touched 88.

Fidanza, a right-hander who has hit 92 on the radar according to his head coach, is a UNC Wilmington commit.

“With two arms like that, we should be formidable,” Garbowski said. “The door is open for our number three pitcher.”

Aiding the pitching staff is the opportunity to throw to the top-ranked senior catcher in New England, Matt Garbowski, the son of the head coach and another UConn commit.

Brandon Perillo, a Stevenson University commit ranked 94th among 2021 shortstops in New England, and Matt Langdon are penciled in to solidify the middle of the infield for New Fairfield, which will also likely feature senior Camden Lathrop in center field. The 231st-rated 2021 in New England brings versatility as an infielder and pitcher.

Senior Dillon King and Ryan Lorenzo, the 24th-rated junior first baseman in New England, are others that will fit into infield roles for the Rebels, with Tyler Lent adding depth to a program that has won three league championships in school history, 1977, 1998 and 2016.

Junior Dan Gantert, whose regular position is catcher, will see time in the outfield after hitting cleanup as a freshman.

“He can play anywhere,” Garbowski said of the 166th-ranked 2022 in New England who is also getting college looks.

Lathrop, Langdon, Lorenzo and junior Jack Lyden are candidates to fit in as the number three pitcher for New Fairfield, as is sophomore Kyle Garbowski, Matt’s younger brother.

“Going into the season there aren’t many concerns based on our hunger,” explained Garbowski. “Not being able to play for our team last year, and now with 13 seniors, the desire to get out and compete is stronger than ever.

“I’m more excited than anxious,” continued Garbowski, who led New Fairfield to the quarterfinals in 2016, 2017 and 2018. “On paper we have a very good team, considered one of the top five schools in the (14-team) South West Conference. We have arms, athleticism and are strong up the middle. There’s not much uncertainty other than Covid. Do we stay healthy and out of quarantine?”

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