2009 Garden City High School Varsity Baseball Front Row: Topher DeBona-Jr, Scott Conetta-Soph, James Cauchi-Soph, Frank Cordio-Soph, Matt Focella-Soph, Mike Gianonne-Jr 2nd Row:Coach Fred Stutzman, Pete Bonchonsky-Jr, Joe Gentile-Jr, Matt Bader-Jr, Sam Walsh-Jr, Joe Tursi-Jr, Tim Brennan-Sr. 3rd Row: Coach Charlie menges, DJ Kadamus-Sr, Anthony Cordio-Sr/Capt, Jonathan DeMars-Sr, Mike Regan-Sr, Dennis Rice-Sr/Capt, Jeff Kimball-Sr, Chris LeMonda-Sr, Coach Mike Sweeney, Head Coach Rich Smith, Coach DeMott During the Spring Break, The 2009 Garden City High School Varsity Baseball team traveled down to North Carolina and Virginia to play against other high school teams from the south. This trip has been a tradition for the team for nearly two decades. Trojans head Coach Rich Smith stated that this time the trip was special to the team not only because of the different teams and southern competition but because it was a great learning experience for the younger squad. "The experience of playing on the road at historical stadiums prepares the players for life after High School baseball"

"Spring comes a bit later in NY than it does in Virginia, the southern teams have been able to practice outdoors for weeks so the competition is good." Coach Smith said that "Northeast baseball is pretty tough considering the weather, we go down to VA and NC because the weather is warm and there are plenty of teams looking to play". Coach Smith praised Coach Mike Greene from Park View High School stating that Coach Greene "was an ambassador to baseball and that he was very helpful ensuring that all of GC's needs were met by providing their high school field for practice".

Recap of the Games:

On Thursday April 16th, the Trojans played an afternoon game against Southern Vance County (North Carolina) High School and won 11-6. Senior Trojan Captains Anthony Cordio and Dennis Rice each reached on base and scored on clutch hitting by Mike Gianonne., Chris LeMonda and Pete Bonchonski.

Later that day the team traveled to Virginia to play Brunswick County High School and won 7-0. Sophomore Trojan Scott Conetta hit a 2 run homerun during the game . Mike Regan and Sophomore James Cauchi added to the score with 2 rbi's each. Pitchers Jeff Kimball, Matt Bader and Sam Walsh combined for the shut out.

On Friday April 17th, the Trojans lost a heart breaker by a score of 10-9 when they played Oxford-Webb (North Carolina) High School.

In the night cap game, the Trojans won 9-2 against Nottoway County High School at Golubic Stadium in Lawrenceville also known as "The Rock". Defensive standouts were outfielder Topher DeBona, catcher DJ Kadamus and Sophomore third baseman Frank Cordio. Pitcher Joe Gentile recorded the save.

On Saturday, both games were played at "The Rock." The Trojans beat the Park View High School Dragons 13-2. Starting pitcher, Sophomore James Cauchi received offensive help with a 2 run home run by fellow Sophomore Trojan Matt Focella and 2 rbi hits by Tim Brennan.

The Trojans played Nottoway again Saturday and won 16-4. Junior Trojan Joe Tursi had two home runs, including a grand slam. Pitcher Jonathan Demars came in middle relief to save the game.

The coaching staff was proud of the team they put together because each player had a crucial role in each game and all had a positive contribution to each game that was won. The players made the trip back to GC with forever lasting memories especially the seniors who "passed the torch" to the underclassmen. Kudos to the Sophomore players who proved why they were chosen to be pulled up to varsity.