By Stephen Borgna
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — One doesn’t need to throw multiple shutouts or put up big-time statistics at the plate to influence the outcome of a baseball game. Such is the case with the Syracuse Salt Cats Anthony Massicci (Canisius).
While Massicci hit .354 and broke a league mark at the plate, it was his play with the glove which set apart the 2014 New York Collegiate Baseball League Defensive Player of the Year.
The Sat Cats shortstop set an example that his teammates followed.
“Anthony worked all day long every day in preparation for the game,” said Syracuse Salt Cats Manager Mike Martinez. “He took the time the effort and sacrifice to make himself better. He’s a quality skill-set guy, and he was a pleasure to have and to coach.”
Massicci was an effective playmaker throughout the season. For the regular season, the 5-10 right-handed shortstop had 56 putouts, 116 assists, and a .945 fielding percentage.
“I thought he had a great year,” said teammate Anthony Morino (Mt. Union). “He made all of his plays; that’s for sure.”
Massicci didn’t recall any single play that stood out. For him it was a matter of focusing on his job.
“When you’re playing every day, it’s really just a big blur,” Massicci said. “You’re just trying to go out there and make every play.”
His focus on doing his job in the field made him an important defensive asset to his team.
“He gave 100 percent every single day.” Martinez said. “Not only does he make plays, he was a leader on defense.”
Massicci noted to be an effective infielder and a leader, communication is key.
“Communication. To be a leader and a good player on the field you have to really communicate,” Massicci said. “You have to corral the team. And to overall just be a good player, you have to handle everything that comes your way.”
His communication in the field was something Coach Martinez recognized.
“He was always making the calls in the infield,” Martinez said. “He was a take-charge kind of guy.”
Massicci’s efforts on defense led his team to the playoffs. Before being eliminated, the Salt Cats beat the Red Wings 8-5 on June 27 in game one of the NYCBL Eastern LDS. It was the first post-season victory in the Salt Cats franchise history.
“That was big for the program,” Massicci said. “Coach really takes pride in his team. He has a plan for his team every year. At the end of the day he wants to win, but at the end of the day it’s a learning experience.”
Coach Martinez shared similar thoughts with Massicci regarding the playoff win.
“It was very big for us,” Martinez said.” Our plan was to win every game throughout the year of course. But winning a playoff game and almost winning another playoff game was great.
Martinez said Massicci’s performance throughout the season was a definitive factor in their success.
“He was a major part to our success,” Martinez said. “In my estimation he was the best shortstop in the league.”
Massicci talked about an innate desire to succeed as his motivation.
“I just want to go out everyday and get better,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to play baseball, keep climbing the ladder and stay hungry. The competition pushes you, and your team pushes you.”
The Ithaca, N.Y. native hopes his drive to succeed will one day land him on a professional roster.
“I just want to go to school, work hard every day, go to class, and one day hear my name called.”
Whatever the future holds for Anthony, his work ethic is something that Coach Martinez will remember.
“He works hard and deserves every accolade he gets,” Martinez stated.
Massicci also received votes for the 2013 NYCBL Defensive Player of the Year.
Bryan Baquer (Sherrill/ Washington College) finished second with four first-place votes and 33 overall points. Andrew Utterback (Geneva Red Wings/ Alabama A&M) followed with 32 points and two first-place nods. Hornell’s Brandon Sandoval (Vanguard) earned three first-place selections and 31 points. Fernando Garcia (Geneva Twins/Murray State College) rounded out the top five with 29 points including one first-place tally. Thad Johnson, (Hornell/St. Bonaventure) received two first-place votes and 25 points. Mike Annone (Geneva Twins/Wilmington), Ben Mauseth (Oneonta/Grand Canyon) and Zach Racusin (Cortland/Marist) also earned one first-place vote each.
2014 Defensive Player of the Year
Anthony Massicci (6) 63
Bryan Baquer (4) 33
Andrew Utterback (2) 32
Brandon Sandoval (3) 31
Fernando Garcia (1) 29
Other receiving votes: Johnson, Annone, Mauseth, Daniel Fickas (Oneonta/USC Upstate), Racusin, Mike Fahrman (Olean/ University of Florida), Shane Soria (Rochester/ Glendale CC), Tyler Marcinko (Niagara/Piedmont), Michael Kerr (Genesee/Houghton), Matt McCann (Syracuse Jr. Chiefs/Fairleigh Dickinson), Sam Kysor (Olean/USC Upstate), John Cruz (Geneva Red Wings/Dowling), Brian Burns (Geneva Red Wings/ Alvernia), Kody Ruedisili (Oneonta/Wofford), Ramon Osuna-Sanchez (Oneonta/College of Charleston), Kellen Creech (Genesee/Ave Maria) and Andy Santana (Rochester/Geneva College).
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