The St. Anthony baseball team is in a unique position.
After a memorable run that included a trip to the CIF-SS Division 5 championship game and a state playoff appearance, the Saints return nearly their entire lineup and have some incoming talent that has them ready to compete for the Del Rey League title and another postseason run.
“We do have a lot of experience back,” head coach Kris Jondle said. “We lost two main seniors and one or two others who contributed, but for the most part, the core of the team is back.”
At the center of that core is Jaylen Butler, a standout two-way player who anchors both the lineup and the rotation. Butler, an all-league and all-state selection last season, will once again serve as a focal point offensively while leading the Saints on the mound.
“He’s going to be one of the main guys back, on the mound and at the plate,” Jondle said. “He’s a big piece of what we do.”
In his final season, the 6-foot senior is excited to contribute this year and show what he can do when he’s at the plate.
“Coming off a pretty decent year, I just go to be picky,” Butler said of when he’s up to bat. “I think I’ll see a lot of soft away. But when I do get the pitch, I can’t miss it. I also want to be a leader and do my job on the team and play my role.
Behind the plate, Owen Frazier returns to provide stability and leadership, while Luke DiGiorgio, now a sophomore, adds another proven bat to the lineup. DiGiorgio led the Saints in RBIs as a freshman but missed the postseason with a back injury.
The Saints’ infield is both versatile and deep. Aidann Ruiz moves into the starting shortstop role after opening last season at third base, while Anthony Valdez, a transfer who made an immediate impact, will start at third and serve as one of the team’s primary pitchers.
“Anthony pitched in the championship game last year,” Jondle said. “And he’ll play third and pitch again.”
Pitching depth is a major strength for St. Anthony, with several position players capable of contributing on the mound.
“It’s a nice problem to have, just the amount of arms,” Jondle said. “Almost everybody on the infield pitches.”
Defensively, the Saints are athletic and rangy in the outfield. Austin Cassidy returns to center field after an injury cut his postseason short and he’ll be joined by Matthew James in left. Jason Glenn and Mark James will look to shore up right field.
“All three of those guys can play center field,” Jondle said. “It’ll be a very good outfield defensively.”
Nick Galluccio is the projected starter at second base, but is working through an injury. When he’s unavailable, Jondle expects freshman Ryder Mockridge to fill in.
“We really just want quality at-bats up and down the lineup,” Jondle said. “Even if we don’t score, we want to put pressure on the defense and make them make plays.”
The Saints open the season against Mayfair before going on the road to take on Cerritos. They’ll open league action on March 3 when they host Bishop Montgomery.
Projected Starters
C – Owen Frazier (Jr)
1B – Jaylen Butler (Sr)
2B – Nick Galluccio (Sr) / Ryder Mockridge (Fr)
3B – Anthony Valdez (Jr)
SS – Aidann Ruiz (Jr)
LF – Matthew James (Jr)
CF – Austin Cassidy (Sr)
RF – Jason Glenn (Jr) / Marc James (So)
DH / Utility – Luke DiGiorgio (So)
P – Jaylen Butler / Anthony Valdez / Nick Galluccio
