AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL: Huntingdon Valley's Yannessa named Lower Montco MVP

Huntingdon Valley’s season ended in disappointment, a 9-5 home loss to Roslyn in the Lower Montco American Legion semifinal round. But along the way, during and even after the 24-game season, Valley had plenty of which to be proud.

Valley finished with an overall record of 16-7-1, easily good for its best record in team history. It also came within one win of having the opportunity to challenge Fort Washington for the league title on the final day of the season. And Valley, coached by Evan Horn, did all of this after losing a few of its key players from the past two seasons.

A lot of that success was made possible by Jake Yannessa, Valley’s starting shortstop, who was responsible for the final piece of good news that Valley would receive this weekend.

Last week, Yannessa, who is also a pitcher, earned the Lower Montco American Legion league MVP Award.

In his first and only year in the league, Yannessa, a Springfield High School product, led Valley to its first postseason appearance in 10 years.

He finished with an incredible batting average of .422 to go along with 29 hits, 27 runs, 20 walks and 17 stolen bases, while being named as a Second Team All-League shortstop. On the mound, he compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.69 ERA and 42 strikeouts, while earning First Team All-League pitching honors.

His season, which almost didn’t even happen, was remarkable to say the least.

“He called me and asked if I had an opening on my team,” Horn said. “He came out, made the team and was our best player. I knew he was the best player in the league before he started and we just had to see what we could get out of him. He came in with what I was told was a bunch of ‘baggage’ and I saw nothing of what was told to me about him.”

Yannessa was passed up by Fort Washington and was unable to play for Cedarbrook and Roslyn due to their rosters already being full. He had played non-legion ball, AAU ball and had previously played at Springfield two seasons earlier, when he was also selected to the Carpenter Cup team, but was left without a team until Horn gave him the chance.

“I didn’t expect to even be playing on a team this year to be honest,” Yannessa said. “Lou Lombardo (general manager) was good enough to sign me over to Valley and I ended up with a great group of guys. I wouldn’t say I expected any of this, but I was and am happy about all of it for sure.”

Yannessa was ruled ineligible to play in his senior year at Springfield, as he attended Chestnut Hill Academy for one year and lost his athletic eligibility following his junior year of high school.

And after having trouble finding a new home for himself on the diamond, Horn pointed out that he couldn’t have asked for anymore from the 19-year-old ballplayer.

“Jake always gives 100 percent,” Horn said. “He doesn’t take a pitch off. I compare him to a Pete Rose, ‘Charlie Hustle’ type of player. I was blessed to have him on my team for one year and I was not surprised by his numbers. His leadership was there on the field and I didn’t see a better player in the league than him. We had a very deep pitching staff and team, but he was a huge reason for our success.”

Yannessa played in every single inning of every game this past year for Valley, sans the final three innings of the final regular season game, one which had no significance to the standings or playoff bracket.

“He wants to be the best,” Horn said. “He tries to be the best and he strives to be the best.”

Yannessa has been playing baseball for as long as he can remember. When asked, he spoke of photo albums which contain pictures of him playing baseball with his dad as early as 15 years ago, when he was only four-years-old.

Along with catcher Jake Madnick, first baseman Chris Ruhl, outfielder Matt Meyers and designated hitter Robert Hoffman, Yannessa was one of four First Team All-League players on the Valley roster.

“I was ecstatic and extremely pleased when I found out that I won MVP and when I saw that Jake (Madnick) came in third, too,” Yannessa said. “We had a great showing at Valley this year. I’m happy for the organization and my team. Coach Horn helped me a lot and the success was a big combination between him and everybody. We hit it off from the very start.”

After this summer, Yannessa, who has played for travel teams and in showcases that took place all the way down to Virginia and Georgia, will move on to DeSales University, where he will be brought in to play shortstop for the foreseeable future.

If he can repeat his performance from this summer, there is no reason to believe that Yannessa will see much time on the bench while with his new team.

HV Legion Team Retires Jake Madnick's Number

The resurgence of baseball in Huntingdon Valley has been an exciting time for the community, coaches and players.

This year the American Legion team made the playoffs for the first time in over a decade and had eight players make the All-League team in Lower Montco.

But all of the accolades and team success wouldn’t have been possible without its leader Jake Madnick. The starting catcher helped guide HV to a 15-5-1 regular season and was an instrumental voice on and off the field for his teammates.

Madnick enters his sophomore season at Philly U. in the fall and will no longer be able to play baseball in Huntingdon Valley. Since his voice won’t be heard, coach Evan Horn made sure legacy will live on forever by retiring his number at the recent end-of-the-season team banquet.
It’s the first time a number has been retired by the American Legion team, and now no player will ever wear Madnick’s No. 8 again.

“I was shocked, I was real honored,” Madnick said. “I didn't really know what to say. Words can't describe how happy I am … It was just really a special moment. I had my grandmother, my grandfather, all my family.”

Jake’s on-field play makes him an easy choice for his teammates to look up to him. He plays like every game; every inning like it’s his last, and that kind of attitude is easily noticeable by everyone.

“Behind closed doors he was the best player I’ve ever played with and I played three high school sports for four years”
- teammate Chris Ruhl

“Definitely the best teammate I ever had. When we stepped on the field he was the one telling us we need to stay focus. He was easily the best teammate, best leader I’ve ever played with.”
- teammate Ross Goodman

Horn said it was an easy decision to retire his number. “His leadership, the way he plays the game, the person he is, and the dedication he puts in,” Horn explained. Horn also said he was almost like a secondary coach to him, going over lineups, strategies, game plans etc. before each game.

“The reason I made a difference was because I play with passion and heart – and I credit that all to my dad,” Madnick said. “Growing up my dad used to tell me stories of how he was the captain of the LM football team. I wanted to be like my dad and want to play with all my heart. He always instilled in my brain to play like Pete Rose and give your heart and hustle. I want people to remember that about me.”

Fans will be reminded of Madnick and his Charlie Hustle approach whenever they see his No. 8 hanging at the baseball field at Lower Moreland High School.

“It was a special way to end my career,” Madnick said. “This was kind of my last mark on the town before I left.”

Huntingdon Valley's Yannessa Wins American Legion League MVP as 10 Others Make All-League Team

Huntingdon Valley (HV) Senior Legion baseball had its best season in history this season. Setting marks with 16 total wins and 11 total players making the All-League team. What was lost from the great season was the "ultimate" goal of bringing home a championship.

"Yes it hurts to not win the championship this season" Head Coach Evan Horn said, "We had the best season in the teams history as far as wins and all-league players but as my Assistant Coach Mike Landes would say the only thing that matters is winning the final playoff game"

Coach Landes is right but what cant be lost from this record setting season is the team had the league MVP in Jake Yannessa. Yannessa had a batting average of .422 to go with 29 Hits, 27 Runs, 20 Walks and 17 Stolen Bases from the offensive side of the field but also was a gem on the mound compiling a 4-1 record 1.69 ERA and 42 Strikeouts. Yannessa was a First Team All League Pitcher and also a 2nd Team all League Shortstop

Jake Yannessa .422 BA 29 Hits 27 Runs 20 BB's 17SB Pitching 4-1 1.69 ERA 42 K's

"Ness (Yannessa) had an incedibleseason" Coach Horn continued, "He was a leader on the field and I feel honored to have coached him for one season. He really deserved this award. He comes to play every inning of every game and was a huge, and I mean huge, part of the teams success"

HV was also proud to have 4 other first team players. Leading the way was Team Captain Catcher Jake Madnick who was the backbone of the team. 1st Baseman Chris Ruhl, Outfielder Matt Meyers and DH Robert Hoffman.

Jake Madnick .293 BA 12 Doubles 14 RBI's

"When you talk about Huntingdon Valley baseball the name Jake Madnick has to be mentioned. This kid is everything you can ask for in a player and person. Jake leads with his heart and soul and with a tear in my eye I am so sad to see him play his last game in an HV uniform. I bet there are more then a few other teams that are super happy. Jake was my Coach on the field"

Chris Ruhl .429 BA 19 Hits 15 RBI's

"Chris (Ruhl) was a great kid to be around. He played so well after hurting his finger earlier in the season. When he was named 1st team I couldn't wait to notify him because I know how much it means to him"

Matt Meyers .588 BA 29 Hits 4 Homeruns 15 RBI's

"Matty had an MVP season as well for me this season. He had a huge Home run at Cedarbrook and also at The Morelanders which where both game changers. But the best part about the season Matt had this year was the fact that he grew up and became an all around baseball player. At the beginning of the season nobody knew who he was but towards the end he was pitched around. He let his Mr. Nasty bat do the talking"

Robert Hoffman .278 BA 12 RBI's

"Robert had a very good season for me. He played many different positions and was always ready to get into the game. He just loves to play the game. His highlight of the season was getting the winning hit against The Morelanders and also picked up the save in relief"

HV also was lucky to have 2 more players make the 2nd Team All League. Outfielder Lou Palmer and starting Pitcher Matt Lawlor.

Lou Palmer .323 BA .395 OBP 21 Hits 15 Runs Scored

"Lou had the kind of season that you can say was under the radar. Nothing to wow about just a season long of consistent play. Lou was the leadoff hitter who seemed to always be on base at times we needed him to be. Lou can come back for one more season and I expect him to bat leadoff next season as well"

Matt Lawlor 3-3 1.59 ERA 39 IP

"Matt was one of the 3 aces that I was lucky to have this season. He was given the nickname "Bulldog" because he was always good for over 100 pitches and never wanted to come out of any game. When Matt was off on his game he was mentally tough and fought his way through it. Matt is going to be the ace for 2 more seasons so the future looks great for him"

HV also placed 4 more players on the Honorable Mention list. 2nd basemen Rafael Fernandez, Pitchers Ross Goodman and Daniel Johnson. Paul Buckley made it for 2 positions 3rd base and pitcher.

Rafael Fernandez .323 BA 15 Hits 8 RBI's

"Raf was a huge plus for the team this season. He played a great 2nd base. I was told he had a tough high school year but from what I saw he was the best fielding 2nd basemen in the league. I am looking forward to him playing a full season as he missed 6 games due to breaking his foot. He will be with me for 2 more seasons so the sky is the limit"

Daniel Johnson 5-1 1.99 ERA 40 IP 48 K's

"Daniel was dropped into my lap. He moved into the township in the off season and when he said he wanted to play for us I was super excited. As the season when on he pitched better and with more confidence. Daniel was a joy to Coach and his numbers where incredible. I wish he could pitch for the next 5 seasons but it cant happen"

Ross Goodman 3-0 2 Saves 20 IP 10 Hits 24 K's

"Ross had the best season of his baseball career. He was put in the middle relief roll and just took it to another level. He was so reliable that when he left for a vacation I was lost in the playoffs without him there. He was the biggest part of the pitching staff and we only knew that when the season was over. Ross has another season left to pitch and if he decides to come back he will be a tough pitcher to hit"

Paul Buckley Batting .333 11 Hit 7RBI's 4 2b's         
Pitching 2-0, 8 Saves 22 IP 17 K's

"Buck had a career year this season. He was the closer and when he was on the hill to close a game out it was over. He was a great player to Coach. Buck can also play next season for me and I am praying that he comes back to play. His bat was a plus for us and the commitment of making every game also was a great thing"

Huntingdon Valley 2012 All-League Selections

Congrats to the following players for being voted onto the 2012 American Legion All-League Team

 

League MVP: Jake Yannessa (Jake Madnick came in 3rd)

 

1st Team

Jake Madnick-Catcher

Chris Ruhl-1st Base

Matt Meyers-Outfield

Robert Hoffman-DH

Jake Yannessa-Pitcher

 

2nd Team

Jake Yannessa-Shortstop

Lou Palmer-Outfield

Matt Lawlor-Pitcher

 

Honorable Mention  

Rafael Fernandez-2nd Base

Paul Buckley-3rd Base

Paul Buckley-Pitcher

Ross Goodman-Pitcher

Paul Buckley-Pitcher

Daniel Johnson-Pitcher

Roslyn edges Huntingdon Valley in 10 innings

The playoffs are fuelled by drama, and if a walk-off balk in the 10th inning doesn’t fit into that category, I don’t know what does.

That is what it took for Roslyn to put itself in the winner’s bracket, defeating Huntington Valley, 5-4, in 10 innings. It was all Huntington Valley all the time at the beginning of the game, but a big two-run rally in the top of the seventh knotted things up and eventually sent the game into extras.

“My team never gave up, these kids just don’t give up,” Roslyn coach Jim Brett. “I’ve told the guys all year that we are a band of misfits. I’ve got kids on my team for four different high schools, not one of them had a winning record during the school season. But, when they come together, they play really well.”

Huntington Valley was the first to push runs across the plate, getting two on a Chris Ruhl single. Valley increased the lead with an RBI single from Nick Rittler in the fourth, giving them a 3-0 with starting pitcher Matt Lawlor cruising.

The tide began to turn a bit in the top half of the fifth. Trey Goglianona and Sean Gallagher led off with a single each, which allowed Mike Collins to knock in both runs on an error. Not only were the bats coming to life, but starter Christian Salem had settled down and took over control of the game.

Huntington Valley got one back in the bottom half of the fifth with Matt Meyers’ RBI single, giving it a little extra cushion heading into the final two innings. But as they found out, two runs were not going be enough to hold down a feisty Roslyn squad.

The top of the seventh rolled around and it looked as if the game was in the bag, but the Roslyn bats had something to say about that. Gallagher and CJ Brennan led off the inning with singles, which set up Collins’ RBI single and Eric Tidwell’s RBI sacrifice fly to tie the game at 4-4 and eventually send it into extras.

“I told them before the last inning to just refuse to get out,” Brett said. “These guys are playing loose because no one expects them to be here and they take that attitude and stand behind each other like crazy.”

A big reason why Roslyn stayed in the game was the relief pitching of Sean Gallagher, who held down Valley from the seventh inning on, allowing his team’s lineup to play for a win. Through those three innings, Valley barely had any legit scoring chances.

“We typically use [Gallagher] as a closer for one inning,” Brett said. “But, he came up to me at one point and told me that he didn’t care if the game went nine more innings, he wasn’t coming out of the game. He just kept going.”

With the 10th inning came an end to the deadlock. Salem led off with a single and ended up on third after Gallagher served a single threw the middle. Before Brennan got to swing at a pitch, Valley’s relief pitcher balked, bringing home what would be the winning run after Gallagher shut Valley down in the bottom half.

Huntington Valley coach Evan Horn was fine with his team’s performance overall, but knew what they could have done better to hold on and get the win.

“If we had better base running, we could have won by a couple runs,” Horn said. “I thought we were going to win the game. Lawlor did not have his best stuff today, but with Buckley in the bullpen I thought we had the best chance to win. It just didn’t work out that way.”

That being said, Horn believes his team is not near down and out.

“The captain of our team, Jake Madnick, told the guys ‘we are going to come out hitting tomorrow with our backs against the wall,” Horn said. “I don’t expect anything other than a win.”

Roslyn plays Fort Washington in the winner’s bracket, while Valley goes up against Morelanders in the loser’s bracket.

Huntingdon Valley pitchers shut down Morelanders

There’s no such thing as too much pitching.

Huntington Valley’s three-headed monster of Dan Johnson, Chris Ruhl and Rob Hoffman combined to shut out the Morelanders 1-0 while allowing only two hitsin Sunday’s Lower Montco American Legion action.

Johnson started the game, throwing four strong innings of two-hit ball, stymieing the Morelanders’ bats.

“Johnson is one of the best pitchers in this league,” Horn said. “He throws hard, he’s in control and doesn’t walk a lot of batters. All season long he has been pitching really well; anything other than the effort he put out today would have been a surprise.”

Although Huntington Valley’s pitchers were great, the Morelanders’ Mike Janas also shined, going the distance and allowing only one run on five hits, three of which were infield singles. Janas got in a bit of trouble in a couple innings due to errors or walks, but never lost control. It was unfortunate for him that he did not receive more run support.

“You have to tip your cap to Mike Janas,” Morelanders manager Rob Albert said. “He threw a heck of a game for us today. He kept batters off balance and did a nice job. We left a lot of guys on base and never got the big hit, which was our main issue. I thought we played pretty good defense, though.”

The pitching was so good that neither team had an extra base hit. The Morelanders had a tough time putting the ball on the ground through the holes, as only six outs in the game were recorded ground outs. Huntington Valley pitching forced the Morelanders’ lineup to get under the ball, making most of their outs in the air. Their only two hits came from singles by Pat Driscol and Tom Robinson.

After scratching and clawing all game, Huntington Valley finally broke the 0-0 deadlock for good in the fifth. After Matt Meyers and Cal Palmer got on with singles, Hoffman played the hero, knocking Meyers in with an RBI single.

Horn contributed his team’s resilience to having a deep bench.

“Every game we have 16 kids come to play and I play everyone every game no matter what the situation is,” Horn said. “I have as much confidence in my 15th or 16th guy as I do my top guys. It seems like that’s why we’re good this year. At some point in every game a kid who doesn’t normally get the hit is going to come up big. Depth is really important in this league.”

Albert did not seem to think his team played terrible, but with a potential playoff spot still up for grabs, it is important for his squad to keep its composure.

“We have two games to go and if we win both we’re in [the playoffs],” Albert said. “We just need to keep our heads up and come ready to play the next couple.”

As far as Huntington Valley goes, Horn is thrilled that his team beginning to check off its preseason to-do list.

“We had three goals coming into this season: win 15 games, make the playoffs and win a championship,” Horn said. “This was the last regular season game of the year and it was our 15th win, the kids wanted it really bad and they got it.”

Huntingdon Valley Begins First Playoff Run in Over a Decade

Before the Lower Montco American Legion Baseball season began, Lower Moreland’s Jake Madnick had a decision to make.

Last year the Huntingdon Valley team finished a game under .500 and this year the former four-time Letter Winner at LM had a choice to stay and play locally or compete at Philadelphia University during the summer after just finishing up his freshman season.

Fast forward a couple of months later and Madnick couldn’t be happier with his pick. He’s helped lead Huntingdon Valley to a 15-5-1 record and its first playoff appearance in 14 years, which begins today at 5:30 p.m. at Lower Moreland High School against Roslyn.

“I was looking to take the summer off for college ball,” Madnick said. “Coach called me before the season about a couple new guys and basically told me he needed me on the team to put all the pieces together and we're going to win a championship together.”

While a championship is still a couple of victories away, coach Evan Horn’s vision of Madnick’s importance to the team was spot on. Madnick had a .289 average and was second on the team with 12 RBI’s, but it’s his leadership qualities that make him stand out and not the statistics.

“Jake has been a humongous leader on the team,” Horn said. “It's been incredible to watch this kid as a team leader. He’s been the backbone of the re-emergence of Huntingdon Valley baseball.”

With the playoffs on the horizon, Madnick’s decision to stay looks even better.

“I got chills up and down my body,” Madnick said. “I've never won a championship at any level. I’ve been in the organization since 2008. I'm so anxious to get the game started. This is the best team I’ve been on, the most fun team I’ve around.”

HV is led by a strong pitching staff and a couple of new faces that have a made a big impact. Newcomers Jake Yannessa and Dan Johnson each have four wins in their first season on the team while Matt Myers had a career year hitting .548 with three homers and driving in 16 runs.

Paul Buckley has also been a valuable asset as a relief pitcher recording eight saves and allowing just one earned run all season.

“Once we get to the 6th inning, I feel pretty confident that things will go our way. We have really good pitching,” Horn said.

Coming into the season the team had three goals: win 15 games, make the playoffs and eventually win a championship. So far the team has achieved two of those goals with a third in the near possible future.

Huntingdon Valley hasn’t won a title in 20 years, but the team looks to end that streak starting today in the double-elimination tournament.

“I expect to have my team ready to rock and roll and put our best foot forward,” Horn said.