By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Kevin Sheppard was slated to start for Rayson Miller on Monday. That is, until the Rayson Miller players agreed that Grady Smith should get the ball to save Sheppard for Tuesday. There was risk in the decision, because a Rayson Miller loss would mean its season ended without Sheppard getting the shot to start Tuesday. When Sapienza learned of … [Read more...] about Grady Smith rewards teammates’ faith with complete-game win for Rayson Miller
Legion
No-hitter knocks Rayson Miller into losers’ bracket at states
By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — It’s hard to win a baseball game with zero hits. It’s impossible to win a baseball game with zero runs. Unfortunately for Rayson Miller, Sunday night ended with a zero in both columns on the scoreboard. Rockland’s Colton Stemkowski had Rayson Miller’s number all night long. “You gotta give it to him, a no-hitter is pretty good,” said Rayson … [Read more...] about No-hitter knocks Rayson Miller into losers’ bracket at states
‘Magic’ continues for Rayson Miller in back-and-forth 8-7 win at states
By BILLY HEYEN UTICA, N.Y. — Rayson Miller’s Sam Cestra lifted his leg for the 1-2 pitch and fired. Fastball, right over the plate, and right past a swinging bat and into Jourdan Plaisted’s glove. Plaisted pumped his fist in sync with his battery-mate. Rayson Miller had looked in control for five innings. Then in the sixth, it looked like a blown chance. Then in the top … [Read more...] about ‘Magic’ continues for Rayson Miller in back-and-forth 8-7 win at states
Maxx Countryman, one of Avon’s best, chases another state title
By BILLY HEYEN Beginning when Maxx Countryman was 3 or 4 years old, he and his father, Mike, developed a routine for each evening after Mike got home from work. They’d roll out the little, red wagon that held all their baseballs and tennis balls and head to the backyard. There, Countryman would hit, pitch and field. “I can’t remember a time I didn’t play baseball,” … [Read more...] about Maxx Countryman, one of Avon’s best, chases another state title
In 45th year as Rayson Miller head coach, Sapienza seeks a state title
By BILLY HEYEN Mike Krzyzewski has been head coach at Duke since 1980. Jim Boeheim has been head coach at Syracuse since 1976. They’re two of the longest-tenured active coaches with one team in sports. Tom Sapienza, Rayson Miller’s head baseball coach, has them both beat. He began coaching Rayson Miller in 1974, making this his 45th year at the helm. Those two collegiate … [Read more...] about In 45th year as Rayson Miller head coach, Sapienza seeks a state title