Pictured: Bronxville’s 2025 Captains in new “Village Connect” Jerseys before taking the home opener against Mount Vernon 14-0. Pictured (l to r): Jack Kennedy, Henry Vail, Jack Gangemi, Gavin Smart, and Jake Donnelly.

April 9, 2025: The Bronxville baseball team opened its season last Wednesday with a 14-0 win over Mount Vernon High School.

With lots of returning leadership and talent, the Broncos are poised to have a strong season. “It’s all about preparation,” said returning Assistant Coach Zach Miller. “Between well attended optional preseason workouts, and the last two weeks of intense practices, we are ready.”

The Broncos move up to Class A this spring and are in a new league that features Edgemont, Rye, Eastchester, Pelham and Rye Neck. The team returns many standouts including team captains Henry Vail, Jack Gangemi, Jack Kennedy, Gavin Smart, and Jake Donnelly.

Last season Vail received All-League and All-Section Honorable Mention awards and was named Team Pitcher of the Year. Vail was a versatile defensive player who batted .381 with 24 hits and 12 stolen bases. As a pitcher, he posted a 2.53 ERA with 1.24 strikeouts per inning.

Gangemi, who will play for Hobart College next year, slugged 8 extra base hits (3 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR) and drove in 18 runs last season earning All-League and Team Heart and Hustle Honors for his efforts.

Captains Kennedy, Smart and Donnelly also had very strong performances in 2024. Kennedy, who was named All League Honorable Mention, struck out 1.93 batters per inning, while adding a .277 BA with 5 2B, 1 HR and 8 RBI. All-League honoree Smart batted .377 with 20 hits, and his sparkling play at first base earned him Team Defensive Player of the Year. Donnelly, who batted .270 with 17 hits, made 13 appearances on the mound, winning 1 game with 2 saves while posting a 3.04 ERA. For his efforts last season, Donnelly received All-League Honorable Mention and the Dan O’Neill Coach’s Award.

This year’s lineup has many of experienced players including Jackson Crystal who had a breakout year as a sophomore last season. He batted .333 with 21 hits and received All League Honorable Mention recognition. Returning Seniors Matthew Curran, Matthew Walsh, and Marcus Jun will play important roles this season, as will returning junior and new field general (Catcher) Max Zarba and super-talented sophomore, Sam Dicker. Newcomers Conrad Dube (Sr.), Esa Rana (Sr.), and Dylan Afanasjev (Jr.) will join a few JV call-ups in supportive roles as the season rolls on.

Strong pitching performances against Mount Vernon in the season opener played a key role in the win. Starting pitcher Kennedy picked up the win (3.2IP,0R,2H,7SO, 2BB), and Smart was strong in relief (1.1IP,0R,1H,4SO,1BB). In this 14-0 decisive win, shortstop Donnelly was 2-3 with 2R, 3RBI and 2SB, second baseman Henry Vail was 1-2 with 2 RBI, and center fielder Gangemi added a BB, R, and SB.

Other Broncos contributing included first baseman Smart (1-2, R), Kennedy (1-2, 2R), left fielder Crystal (2-2, 2B, 2RBI, SB), catcher Zarba (BB, 2R, RBI), third baseman Jun (1-2, 2R, RBI), and Curran (1-2, 3RBI).

Bronxville faced Tuckahoe on Tuesday and came away with a 8-3 win with strong pitching from Captains Henry Vail (4IP, 0R, 2H, 8K) and Jake Donnelly (3IP, 1ER, 3H, 2K). Ganges was 2-4, 3B, 3 SB, Smart added 2 RBI, Crystal (2 RBI) Zarba (2 2B, RBI) and Dicker had a 2B, 3B and an RBI.

“It is going to be a challenging season with a relatively small roster and moving up to Class A,” commented Head Coach, Michael Schultz. “We have a lot of talented players, a strong culture and great team chemistry. If the boys believe in themselves and each other, and we can stay healthy, I believe that we can compete with anyone. I am super excited for another fantastic season! Let’s Go Broncos!”

The Broncos have two home games this week. They will face Hastings at home on Thursday at 4:30 and Dobbs Ferry at 11AM on Saturday.

Go Broncos.