The listing is so impressive that it almost seems as if you are viewing pages taken directly out of Spa Catholic yearbooks. 

The 2007 baseball season was no different for the Saints, as they recorded a 25-3 overall record on their way to claiming the Section II, Class B championship.

The Saints return this year with a new look team striving to defend their title and keep the strong winning tradition alive. Spa Catholic opened the  season with three games on the road, and make their home debut this afternoon against Mayfield at 4:30 p.m.

“Our goal is to continue the winning tradition by taking one game at a time,” said head coach Alphonse Lambert. “It may be a cliché, but it’s something we really do here.”

Winning is nothing new for Lambert, who has headed the Saints for 21 years and has amassed an impressive 325-147 career record. Within that time, he has led Spa Catholic to seven league championships and two sectional championships, including a trip to the state championship game in 2000.

To be successful yet again this season, the Saints will rely on experience from seven returning players and strong performances from 10 newcomers.

Five key players were lost to graduation last year, including 1st team All-State pitcher Zach Carlson and offensive leader Vince Farfaglia, who finished his career with 173 hits ranking second all-time in the NYSPHAA.

The strengths of this year’s squad will be focused on defense and tapping into the potential of the pitching staff.

First team All-Conference junior Shane Matthews returns to play centerfield, flanked by senior left fielder Canaan Tyner.

Junior pitcher Dennis Tario recorded a tremendous 10-0 record last season, and returns this year to anchor the young pitching staff.

Senior Jordan McLagan and junior Matt Angelina will also contribute for the Saints.

Headlining the freshman class, catcher Jack Keller and Billy McDonaugh will begin the season as starters amongst the veterans.

“We are strong defensively, especially up the middle,” said Lambert, adding, “being a brand new team, we need time to see what happens offensively.”

Only time will tell the success Spa Catholic will have this season as they defend their Section II title.

“Our goal is to respect each opponent and finish the year in the top of the league, eventually competing again in the sectional playoffs,” said Lambert.

No matter what the end record for the Saints this season, the winning tradition of Spa Catholic baseball is likely to continue for many years to come.