FARRAH BUILDER’S
“TOP GUNS”
These are the pictures of the 5 kids that are surrounding the cake and the trophy. These are some of the top pitchers in the state of New Jersey. While each athlete brings considerable skill and prowess to the game in the form of a throwing arm, it is their commitment to the sport and their fellow teammates that truly makes these young men exceptional. All these pitchers stand out for their high school teams, and, not surprisingly, many are destined toward greatness in their various college team selections. (Enclosed is the following information that proves our comments on the above acclamation.)
Rick Porcello, a junior at Seton Hall Prep High School, not only stands out physically at an impressive 6’5”, but received MVP pitcher’s honors in the North East Championship in ’05. He has been ranked as the number 2 player in the North East, and was clocked at a top speed of 94 mph in Jupiter, Florida, during the WWBA World Championship game. In addition, his athletic aptitude is matched by his scholarship as a student, as he leads by example, not by boasts, and has been called a pleasure to work with on a team. Porcello is truly one to watch for future surprises in his next year with Farrah Builders.
Hector Santiago, a senior at Essex County Vocational Bloomfield, is a dynamite lefty that has also seen his share of play time in center field, where his tremendous skill has boded well for his team. Seminole Community College in Stanford, Florida, has nabbed this .318 batting average that he did for Farrah Builders this past fall. As pitching, he helped his high school team to an 8 and 1 record, and also pitching 2 no-hitter games.
B.J. Martin, a senior at Manalapan High School, has been distinguished with one of the best sliders Coach Montalvo has seen from a high school student. His startling slider no doubt aided in his .71 era for Farrah in the fall, as well as enabling this young talent with a 49 inning/66 strikeout record. B.J. also set a national strikeout record at the WWBA World Championship for Farrah Builders. Martin will be continuing his stellar career at Saint Johns University, where he will undoubtedly "slide" up the ranks.
Bobby Wyrwa, a senior at Monmouth Regional High School, has stood out as a smashing lefty pitcher, as well as playing an excellent outfield. His sturdy throwing arm assisted his high school team to a state championship in 2005. Wyrwa’s .32 era for Farrah Builders was observed by NJIT, where he will be heading in the fall.
Trevor Reckling, a junior at Saint Benedict’s High School, while missing from the above picture, certainly is not going to remain omitted. Reckling may have been an unheard of name, but no more. One of the top lefties in New Jersey, this pitcher has the whole package, a fact that has been noted by a number of colleges and scouts. He will certainly be an anchor of the mighty Farrah Builders along with Porcello next year.
Eric Katzman, a senior at Northern Valley Old Tappan, was also missing from the above picture, but his hot arm will be warming up the fans in the cold of the University of Michigan. As 2nd team all state, Katzman will be a superb lefty to add to Michigan’s program.
Seton Hall Prep has also seen another outstanding player pass through its halls, as senior Michael Ness’ many achievements will purport. This 3rd team all state player has decided to become a Blue Devil, where his era of .40 will certainly do Duke fans proud. Having pitched 70 innings with 98 strikeouts, Coach Frank Montalvo refers to Ness as “the most fearless pitcher I have seen in 20 years.” Constantly wanting the ball, Ness would carry his teammates on his shoulders, while foregoing all return accolades; this was a player who would drive 1 hour despite knowing it was not his turn to pitch, just to show his support for his teammates. Out of the 20 plus years of coaching, some phenomenal players have come through Coach Montalvo’s hands, he has never retired a young man’s number. Because of Michael Ness’ exemplary attitude and sportsmanship, Frank Montalvo felt that it was the right thing to retire “THE G-MAN’s” number 36. It has been officially retired on February 26, 2006, at the team banquet, and will never be worn by any player for Farrah Builders again. These pitchers were the true workhorses of the team, and their pitching accomplishments stridently speak this fact.
Sponsor Rick Farrah has stood by his exceptional players, and has maintained his objective to gather the best players throughout the state of New Jersey under one roof, while providing the opportunity for these young athletes to play together and to be recognized for their abilities in their own right. In addition to excelling on the field, Farrah requires his players to maintain a scholastic mind, as is affirmed by the players’ GPAs. Farrah does all in his ability to provide these kids an opportunity be seen by college coaches and pro scouts, which will enable them to try to fulfill their dreams and play at the next level or after. The only thing Farrah wishes for in return is if these young athletes can ever help out another individual in the future, they are even. The team celebrated their achievements at the annual party Draughting Table in Bradley Beach, where a good year was celebrated by all. Coach Frank Montalvo, appreciates all that Rick Farrah has done for his team, as well as the parents for their unending support and assistance.
No team is complete without a competent coaching staff, and Farrah’s team has flourished under the eye and tutelage of his personal friend, Coach Frank Montalvo. Frank has been coaching for over 22 years, and in the various years, has won numerous AAU state titles, numerous league and tournament titles, and has placed over 150 kids into major universities throughout the country. Besides seeing his kids get recognition, Montalvo wants them to simply enjoy the game. Nine of his players are currently playing in the pros, including last year’s Player of the Year, Vinnie Mazzaro, who was drafted in the 3rd round by the Oakland Athletics. Montalvo often puts numerous hours behind the scenes to ensure that his team runs like a well-oiled machine.
Assistant coach Jim Shimazu made his presence known through his phenomenal job coaching the infielders and 1st base, as well as providing necessary advice as he saw fit.
Jorge Fernando, of Long Island, New York, helped out with the hitting and assisted the kids with his expertise in the whole aspect of the game, as he was a former minor league player for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Farrah Builders Baseball Players:
Power of Excellence
As any coach will tell you, each year always has one or two shining individuals, but it takes a team to win, a statement that has remained the foundation of the Farrah Builders ranks, and is evidenced by the following noteworthy players.
Greg Van Horn, a senior at Cranford High School, has supported his team with his batting average of .359, the highest of the team, a fact that had Princeton chomping at the bit for this dynamic shortstop. Van Horn simply attacks the ball, a fact that has sent many a team scurrying home with a wounded pride and a black “L” to boot.
Michael Murry, a senior at Westfield High School, will be heading toward Wake Forrest, where he will undoubtedly set fire to the stands, just as he was as a 1st team All State catcher as a junior in ‘05. When speaking of Murry, Coach Montalvo is reminded of a former player, Lou Santangello, who graduated from Clemson and is currently playing for the Huston Astros. “At this stage, if Murry and Santangello were the same age, I would say that Mike is traveling at the same pace.” Coach Montalvo feels he was gifted to have such a talented and mature player to control his pitchers, call his own game, and have numerous key hits; it was just a pleasure to see this young man play the game. If one looks for an athlete to constantly to be a team leader by example, Murry would be your man.
While his name may seem akin to celebrity, Burt Reynolds, a senior hailing from Essex County Vocational Bloomfield, does indeed have some measure of celebrity in his blood, as he is cousin Cano is currently playing 2nd base for the Yankees. Reynolds is an extremely gifted athletic infielder, blessed with speed coursing through his veins, a brawn of an arm, and an unparalleled desire to win. He will be joining his teammate Hector Santiago at Seminole Community College, where the two will unquestionably propel the team toward greatness.
Zach Brown, of Morristown High School, played a grand 3rd and 1st base for Farrah Builders; however, due to a broken finger, his time was unfortunately cut short. Still, he will certainly do well at the next level.
Tim Schoenhaus, Seton Hall Prep player, on every team, you need to have unselfish players to help the team rise to the top, working like the glue that holds things together while remaining in the background. While Tim may not have always seen marks in the score card, his fundamentals and attention toward the little things is simply perfect for the betterment of his team. Schoenhaus knows precisely how to work the count, and has tremendous lateral movement in the outfield. Tim will be an asset to any team at the next level.
Gerard Tingoes, a senior at Moore Catholic High School in Staten Island, has made his mark playing 2nd base, and playing it with a knowledge that comes to the naturally talented. Having made 2nd team all city in 2005, Tingoes had the second highest on the team, an average of .343. Besides his high batting average, Montalvo says Tingoes was a smooth second baseman with soft hands. He will be taking his mighty swing to Long Island University, where he may make Long Island famous for more than just iced tea.
Ed Galante, of Wall Township High School, could be given the Bo Jackson award for 2006, as this dynamite catcher was forced to sidestep some games so that he could crush his opponents in Wall High School’s football team. However, he his backup status was surely appreciated by Murry, who Galante could give a rest to during his game time.
Glen Seitz, a senior at Monmouth Regional High School, can be renowned for his unstoppable resolution; Seitz was unfortunately struck down by Mono, which usually takes a player out of commission for 3 months—not so for Seitz, who was back on his feet and on his team in a month, ready and willing to play and finish the year out with his teammates. His glove-handling aided him well at 1st base, and Seitz has decided to put his hand dexterity to use in the Pre-Med field at Lehigh University, where he will assuredly excel in his chosen path.
Joe Ferrante, of Shore Regional High School, has been a stellar player behind home plate for his high school. His knowledge of the position has been a great help for the team as a whole, and the pitching staff have commented on his excellent skills, as they have greatly enjoyed working with him.
Ryan Cuneo, a senior at Freehold Township High School, has an indomitable spirit, one that pushed his team to the 2005 North East Championships. This is truly an athlete who refuses to give ground to adversity, as after breaking his nose in the 1st game of the North East Championship, Cuneo returned with a vengeance and received the MVP Hitter award for the tournament, a testament that speaks highly of his unconquerable character. Cueno will be attending Delaware University, where his accolades will only propel him further to a future career.
Dominick Hayes, of Colts Neck High School, rounds out the team, and rightfully so. His zephyr-like speed has assisted him in his versatility, as this is a player comfortable with any of the outfield positions. He will be returning to the Builders, where he is constantly working to improve his already resolute game.
The team’s shared accomplishments for the year speak for themselves, as they stand tall with an awe-inspiring 37 wins, 2 losses, and 3 ties for the fall season.
- Won the ABCCL Fall League regular season for 2005
- Won the ABCCL Fall League championship for 2005
- Won the 2005 WWBA Perfect Game North East Championship
- In the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, Florida, finished as one of the top 20 teams in the country.
One of the most memorable moments was the battle for the ABC Fall League Championship staged between the Toms River Black Sox and Farrah Builders. Farrah won 2 to 1, and it was akin to watching two heavy weight champions fighting the full 15 rounds—the game could have gone either way, and Coach Montalvo said the Black Sox were well coached and truly an excellent team.
The Farrah Builders will be returning this year to defend their multitude of titles, and wants all young men who wish to be seen and to have the opportunity to take their skills to the next level to look no further—this is the chance to be a part of building the tradition of excellence of Farrah Builders. For more information, contact Frank Montalvo at fm777@verizon.net, or call 732-775-3775.
