Young Rams look to next year

It was another rough season on the diamond for the West Hempstead nine. The combination of a very young lineup and an unforgiving conference schedule was too much for the Rams, who finished with just a pair of victories in 2011. 

Despite having a difficult time competing against the likes of Glen Cove, Plainedge, Lynbrook, and Bethpage, Rams first-year coach Bill Cloghessy took some positives from the season.

“We’re just a very young, inexperienced team,” Cloghessy said. “Teams like Glen Cove, Plainedge, and Lynbrook were difficult to be competitive against. With so many underclassmen, and so little varsity experience, it was a tough year. We’re going to need to get our at-bats over the summer, get a little stronger, and take strides to get better.”

Jason Arasmo had a solid year for West Hempstead. The senior captain hit .500 and earned All-Conference recognition. Arasmo was also effective on the mound. He tossed a complete game three-hitter with eight strikeouts in a 9-1 victory over Great Neck North.

Another bright spot was All-League honoree Joe Palladino. The sophomore was extremely productive at the plate. While not hitting for the average that Arasmo hit, Palladino had 10 extra-base hits and a team-leading 16 RBI. For a team that was shutout five times and held to a single run in four games, Palladino’s production at the plate was impressive. 

Palladino had a big day in the Rams second victory over the Great Neck North. He hit a two-run double to open up the scoring, and then mashed a three-run home run in the fourth to lead West Hempstead to an 11-7 win.

Junior captain Brandon Ruiz also had a solid game going 3-for-5 and scoring three runs. Brandon Sherman pitched into the seventh inning to earn the win. The sophomore southpaw struck out seven batters. 

The Rams also ran into a bit of bad luck. With victory in their sights against Valley Stream South, a ball that was clearly a home run was ruled foul by the men in blue. The Falcons took the game 9-8.

West Hempstead also played a tight game against a Lynbrook team that had a deep playoff run. The Rams took a 5-4 lead into the final inning before losing to the Owls. Senior captain Tom Valerio, who was consistent in the field and at the plate, homered in the loss.

Cloghessy is hopeful the Rams will be able to turn things around in 2012. “We’re continuing to develop a very young team,” he said. “We have most of the pitching staff coming back next season, so it’s a plus that they have a year of experience at the varsity level. I’m not saying we’re going to be a contender, but I would like to think that we can be more competitive and work our way back to respectability.”