PHILADELPHIA-- Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
When the pre-season baseball rankings came out and Penn Charter was nowhere to be found, several players were, well, annoyed.
“After starting the season unranked, we knew we had some business to take care of,” said senior star pitcher Joey Lancellotti. “Malvern was ranked higher than us out of the gate. It gave us a little spark.”
Yeah, just a little.
Before the Quakers’ season ended last week in the PAISAA semifinals, Penn Charter flourished in what can only be termed an “incredible season.” The Quakers clinched the Inter-Academic League championship even though they had two games remaining. Their domination might have surprised some, but certainly not all, especially the players.
“We started in September with unofficial team lifts and workouts in the weight room under two of the best strength and conditioning coaches a high school athlete will ever come across – John Estok and Alec Tressler,” said senior Matty Gorman. “Usually that early in the year, a team whose season doesn't start for another seven months would only have two or three guys working out, but we had half of the team while the other half competed in other sports. This team is not selfish, or individualized in any fashion. This team is the epitome of a family, and that is the key to our success.
Penn Charter senior, Matt Gorman - photo by Francesca Rossillo
“Obviously, we have a talented team on paper, and have the last three years, but when every single person on the team wants to win more than the next guy, unselfishly, losing is not an option. In September, we had one goal to focus on and that was winning the Inter-Ac, and we didn't stop until we reached that goal.”
As the state tournament began, Penn Charter was the top seed. Despite falling short of the PAISAA hardware, that’s high praise.
With the season now complete, the Quakers took some time to reflect on capturing their Inter-Ac title. Their 23-2 overall record was tarnished only by a 1-0, walk-off loss to Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy and the loss to that same nemesis, Springside-Chestnut Hill, in the PAISAA semis.
“This group has a ton of talent, and we knew if we could put it all together, we could be something great,” said Lancellotti. “Every time we start or end a game, we do it by saying ‘Family on three’ in the huddle. I think family is something our team truly bought into. We became so close and were able to pick each other up all season, and that's how we beat teams in close games because we're never the team to give up.”
Penn Charter senior, Joey Lancellotti - PSD Photo by Zamani Feelings
At one point, the Quakers did not surrender a run over 39 innings. Shutouts became commonplace.
However, it has been much more than just pitching that has catapulted Penn Charter to an unofficial national ranking of 17. Their well-balanced lineup is comprised of several players who possess gaudy stats.
Seniors Adam Holland (.407 batting average, 16 RBI), Steve Lorenz (.353, 20 RBI, 16 runs scored), Brendan Pell (.333, 17 RBI, 21 runs scored), Dom Toso (.342, 26 RBI, 17 runs scored), James Gabor (.303, 14 RBI, 22 runs scored), Lancellotti (.487, 10 home runs, 36 RBI, 27 runs scored), and junior Mike Siani (.367, 27 RBI, 33 runs scored) produced whopping numbers.
Penn Charter Photo Gallery - Photos by Zamani Feelings
The Quakers’ pitching, though, was the talk of the area since the midway point of the season. The individual numbers of Lancellotti, who next year will pitch at the University of North Carolina, were eye-popping. He was 6-1 with a miniscule 0.60 earned run average. Seniors Gorman (6-0, 1.55) and Brendan Cellucci (4-1. 1.67) were not far behind.
“I have to give a lot of props to my team,” said Lancellotti. “They make it easy to succeed, making the plays behind me and always playing strong offensively.”
Gorman said the loss to Springside Chestnut Hill in the second game of league play was a significant wake-up call.
“It was a blessing in disguise and couldn't have happened at a better time,” said Gorman. “When we got back from Florida with a 9-0 record, we felt invincible, and then beating Episcopal just added to our ego. When we lost to SCH for the ninth straight time, reality finally kicked in and these guys realized that if we want it, we need to earn it.
“Being a captain on this team was an honor. As a senior leader, I knew that there are other players that would look up to me and would complete a task or a duty if the coaches asked me to ask them, but as a captain my one goal for this gifted team was to make other captains," said Gorman.
Senior Brendan Pell lauded head coach Dave Miller.
“This team on paper has more talent than any other high school team I've ever seen, and our coach lets us be us and we play very laid back,” said Pell. “It allows us to be us and takes pressure off of each other.”
Senior Brendan Cellucci wished the season never ended.
“It feels like a dream come true to be honest,” said Cellucci. “These past couple years we have had the talent but not the passion and drive to win every game like we do this year.
“This year we are a family, we are closer than ever and I couldn't be happier on how everyone is performing. We all gave 110% day in and day out. It was a true pleasure to take the field with my family every day.”
Penn Charter senior, Brendan Pell - Photo by Francesca Rossillo
Penn Charter senior, Brendan Cellucci - Photo by Francesca Rossillo
(John Knebels can be reached at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)