Monroe High School in action vs. East High School at Cobb’s Hill. Democrat and Chronicle Apr 30, 1960
At Cobb’s Hill. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, May 27th, 1947. Johnny Antonelli pitched a one hitter and struck out twenty.
Antonelli in his Flower City Post uniform, May 24, 1947. The day before, he pitched a no hitter for Jefferson. Democrat and Chronicle
For six years, beginning with the Democrat and Chronicle in 2013, we’ve covered city baseball in the Rochester City Athletic Conference. (SEE ALL BELOW)
In 2016, we focused on East’s magical run to the Sectional finals. We’ve also followed the career of three-time RCAC player of the year Wilson’s Owen Gabbey and two-time RCAC player of the year SOTA’s Kenneth Cruz. Owen had four successful years playing for the University of Rochester, then landed a dream job in the marketing department of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kenny “Cruz Control” played at Niagara Community College and is the Founder/CEO at 4Talent.
Cobb’s Hill is my favorite venue for city baseball. Especially in nice weather, the urban park is alive with the energy of walkers, joggers and basketball players. The backdrop of a lake and city streets adds to the ambience.
Democrat at Chronicle, June 7, 1948
Cobb’s Hill is also rich in baseball history. From what I’ve discovered, the Monroe High School Redjackets played baseball in the park at least as far back as 1930. The greatest player at the Hill was probably Jefferson High School’s Johnnie Antonelli who still lives in Rochester.
From 1946 – 1948 for Jefferson and the Flower City Post of the American Legion, Antonelli’s brilliant pitching captivated Rochester. At only 18, Antonelli signed with the Boston Braves, going directly to the major leagues, debuting in July during the Braves’ National League pennant winning season. Antonelli’s greatest game in Rochester was May 26th, 1947 when at Cobb’s Hill he struck out 20 batters (out of 21 outs) and gave up only one hit.
The New York Times, 4/7/19
Recently, Antonelli became a baseball trivia answer. On March 31st, Elvis Luciano became the first player born in the 21st century to reach the major leagues. As compiled by Elias Sports Bureau, Antonelli was the first player born in the 1930s (April 12th, 1930) to reach the major leagues (July 4th, 1948).
Yesterday, in the first RCAC game played this season at Cobb’s Hill, the home field for Monroe and the School of the Arts, Wilson battled SOTA on a blustery day with the temperature noticeably dropping after the first pitch.
Nonetheless, many diehards braved the elements. SOTA’s athletic director David Mickelson was in attendance as usual. Back for another season following the successes of last year, SOTA’s Head Coach Jason Cronberger’s hair is as big as ever.
SOTA’s Head Coach Jason Cronberger. SOTA vs. Wilson. The first RCAC game played this season at Cobb’s Hill, 4/09/19
Randy Johnson, the Air Horn Guy, was a little more bundled up this early in the season.
Randy Johnson. See Adding a SOTA baseball game and the Air Horn guy to the Cobb’s Hill series The first RCAC game played this season at Cobb’s Hill, 4/09/19
Back was Michelle Lepki, one of the self-proclaimed SOTA Mommas, keeping score.
Michelle Lepki. See Keeping score at Cobb’s Hill The first RCAC game played this season at Cobb’s Hill, 4/09/19
Two generations cheered Wilson’s first baseman Max Lamora.
Wilson’s Max Lamora at bat, in the field and with his parents and grandparents. The first RCAC game played this season at Cobb’s Hill, 4/09/19
Scenes from season’s past.
(top l-r) Brittnee Johnson (2018), Randy Johnson (2018), David Kramer (2016), David Kramer pitching to Kenny Cruz (2016)(bottom l-r) Ariane Sheldon (2017), Kenny Cruz (2015), Owen Gabbey, (2015) Tyrone Roundtree Jr.,(2016) Monroe player keeping score (2017)
2019
2018
Adding a SOTA baseball game and the Air Horn guy to the Cobb’s Hill series
New Press Box scoreboard keeper coveteth a coveted microphone
2017
East beats Lyons to stay unbeaten; Crandall retrieves balls and sweeps home plate
Bundled up loyalists at Cobb’s Hill watch East stay undefeated.
Joel Alicea throws second straight no-hitter; three generations celebrate at East
Excitement grows on Culver Road as East wins third straight. Bishop Kearney is next.
Following a historic season, East baseball opens with back-to-back no hitters.
2016
East baseball takes the show on the road. Destination Cincinnati
Congratulations East on a magical season. So Jefferson and Rocky DiPonzio’s 1980 mark still stands.
2015
The Kenny Cruz watch: highest ranked outfielder in NYS, 22nd in the nation
East baseball triumphs again; SOTA’s Kenny Cruz named RCAC player of the year
SOTA’s Kenny “Cruz Control:” from a Silverhawk to a Scarlet Knight
2014
Wilson’s Owen Gabbey; two time baseball player of the year whose family believes in city schools
2013
East baseball takes the show on the road. Destination Pittsburgh
ALSO ON BRIGHTON HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL
Brighton fans celebrate hometown hero Ernie Clement in victory
ALSO ON UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER BASEBALL
