Rhode Island Baseball Season In Review

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

By: William Dayton, GAME ON Contributor

The year in high school baseball was defined by upsets, great pitching, and the Johnston Panthers dominating Division II. Check out the highlights from an unforgettable year on the diamond.

Hendricken Wins D-1 Title

Tom Pannone was the best pitcher in D-1 this season.

In a tournament full of great pitching performances, Bishop Hendricken proved once again why it is the class of the state. Hawks hurlers were virtually unhittable, giving up just ten runs in seven tournament games. Bobby Indeglia and Tom Pannone were terrific in the final series against South Kingstown, combining to give up just two runs in a two-game sweep. Pannone put together arguably the most masterful performance of his career in the final game, striking out 16 and allowing just one hit in a complete game shutout. It was the perfect ending to an outstanding high school career.

Pannone, Kapstein Drafted

Knowing that he would be pitching in the Chicago Cubs’ farm system probably helped calm Pannone’s nerves as he took the mound for Hendricken in the championship-clinching game. Chicago selected him in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball draft earlier this month. The 6-0, 180-pound lefty put up an obscene 0.19 ERA in 47 innings this season and also hit .380 as an outfielder for the Hawks.

Tiverton's Jake Kapstein

Tiverton High School did not win a game in Division 1 this season, but catcher Jake Kapstein was good enough to be selected in the 35th round of the MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Kapstein hit .419 with six doubles, two triples, and a home run in 43 at-bats for Tiverton this season. His brother, Zach, was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2009. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” said Kapstein’s father, Dan. “For one to get drafted would be more than a blessing, but two is just unbelievable.”

D-1 Tournament Upsets

The Division 1 tournament was full of Cinderellas making deep upset runs. 8th-seeded Cumberland pitched its way to the Final Four, knocking off top seed North Providence twice and sending the Cougars home. Led by its many seniors, 11-seed Coventry advanced to the Final Four and gave Bishop Hendricken all it could handle in two tough 3-2 losses. 14th-seed Chariho advanced to the final eight by knocking out 3rd-seeded North Kingstown, defeating the Skippers twice, and 15th-seeded East Greenwich advanced to the final eight by taking down Portsmouth and Cranston West.

Johnston Rules D-2

It's scary to think that Johnston's James Picchi is only a sophomore.

The Johnston Panthers were the best in Division II once again, as they outclassed Prout in the championship series for the second straight year. Johnston finished the season 24-2, (17-1 Division II) and ran roughshod over the rest of the Division II bracket, winning its first three games by a combined score of 22-3. The Panthers gave up exactly one run in six of the eight games they played in the tournament, and gave up 2 and 4 runs in the other two. With stud sophomore pitchers James Picchi and Joe Bongiovanni leading the way, Johnston could be on its way to a dynastic run in Division II.

Next Year's Favorites

It’s never too early to look ahead to next season. Hendricken loses a dugout full of talent, but the Hawks don’t rebuild; they reload. If you’re looking for a sleeper pick, North Kingstown isn’t a bad choice. The Skippers return 12 players from a 15-3 season in Division I.

It’s tough not to think of Johnston as the clear-cut favorite in Division II, especially with Picchi and Bongiovanni coming back. Those two were the Panthers’ best pitchers all season long and will have the confidence and experience to get them through big spots in the playoffs.

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