Goodbye to Post 127's Departing Players

Orange's Post 127 Senior American Legion baseball season wrapped up with a strong Zone II finish and appearances in the state tournament. But it was the last season for some of the team's strongest players, including the trio of Teddy Ballou, Nick Baviello and Mark Boland, who earned notice on the infield and in the lineup. Patch asked assistant coach Nick Mirto what's next for these talented players. We'll miss seeing them play for Post 127, but we're sure they'll find luck in their future endeavours.

Grayson Amoroso (Center Field)

• Amoroso played in 23 games, patrolling center field. He had a slash line of 390/425/476 (Average/On Base Percentage/Slugging Percentage) this past season. Amoroso, who batted leadoff, scored 18 runs, good for second on the team and 10 steals which led the team. Possessing a strong throwing arm and unmatched outfield instincts, Amoroso was one of the best defensive outfielders in Zone II. He will attend Roger Williams this fall where he will play baseball.

Teddy Ballou (Third Base)

• Ballou played in 24 games, most of them at third base. An outfielder last year, the team moved Ballou to third base where he was a revelation, showing solid range, athleticism and an elite throwing arm. Ballou had a breakout year with a slash line of 383/444/593. Ballou tied for the lead in RBIs with 22. He led the team in home runs with three, all of which were game leading shots against Milford, East Haven and Willimantic. Ballou finished his freshman year at Hartford.

Nick Baviello (Second Base)

• Baviello, a four year starter, played in 27 games at second base. Baviello had a slash line of 381/445/526. He led the team with 11 doubles. He led the team in runs scored with 21. A team leader and fixture in the middle of the lineup, Baviello will be missed. He will enter his second year at Southern, where he plays baseball.

Mark Boland (First Base)

• Boland played in 27 games at first base. He had a slash line of 345/457/448. He had the lowest strikeout percentage on the team, fanning only five times in 108 plate appearances. He also tied for the lead in walks with 16. Boland finished third in RBIs with 20. Boland will enter his second year at Salve Regina, where he plays baseball.

Sean Butler (Utility Infielder / DH)

• Butler will be entering his second year at Furman. He notably sparked Orange to a championship in the Firecracker Tournament in 2010 where he put on an impressive hitting display and ultimately scored the winning run in the championship game.

Niall Dammando (Outfield / Pitcher)

• Dammando played in 14 games for Orange. He had a slash line of 333/432/333. Dammando played a superlative right field, displaying great range and a strong throwing arm. Dammando chipped in with four innings pitched, allowing no earned runs. Dammando is entering his second year at Connecticut.

Adam Kyasky (Outfield)

• Kyasky played in 14 games for Orange. He had a slash line of 259/432/296. Kyasky played both outfield corners very well and got on base at a 43.2% clip. He is entering his second year at Connecticut.

Vinny Siena (Shortstop)

• Siena played in 14 games for Orange. He had a slash line of 317/517/561. Siena played a stellar shortstop. He led the team in on base percentage (517) and added two home runs. Siena amazingly finished with 16 runs scored in just 14 games. Siena led Orange in walk rate, taking a free pass 16 times in 58 plate appearances. Siena will enter his freshman year at Connecticut where he will play baseball.

Brian Speer (Outfield / Pitcher)

• Speer played in 24 games for Orange. He had a slash line of 271/407/343. Speer, who played a spectacular left field, also contributed on the mound. In 18.1 innings pitched, he yielded only 10 hits. His ERA was 2.29. Speer finished his freshman year at Western New England College.