As reported by James Johnson in today’s, Section V baseball: Eight storylines for 2019 (D & C), this season the East High School baseball team aims for its 15th consecutive appearance in the RCAC conference tournament final, a run that included reaching the sectional finals in 2016.
This year’s squad is both talented and very young. At the same time, Coach Kyle Crandall says his teams youth is counterbalanced by their coachability and cohesiveness. Don’t ever count out the Eagles.
In fact, the Eagles — previously the Orientals — have been a baseball powerhouse for well over 100 years with the first games played in the early 1900s.
A non-comprehensive review of articles from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle shows that along with the current successful run, the other most storied decade was the 1950s.
The early years of the program were also ones of success. A 1910 article extolled the overall dominance of East athletics, including baseball.

1926 trophy. From Displaying East’s glorious past

1925 trophy. From Displaying East’s glorious past
In 1925 and 1926, the baseball squad won the Rochester and Vicinity baseball championship. The trophies are still displayed at the school. See Displaying East’s glorious past

East Coach Pete McKay in his 49-50-51 City Champs jersey. East also won in 1952. Democrat and Chronicle, May 29, 1954
In 1940, East defeated Jefferson for the Interscholastic League Crown. East would advance to play Lyons in the sections, coincidentally, the same team East played today in the East Tournament.
Beginning in 1949, East was on a hot streak, winning championships in ’49, ’50 ,’51 ’52 and ’59 and running off a 27 game winning streak that ended in June 1951.
In 1952, East was undefeated before falling to Corning in the sectionals on a no-hitter.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, East hosted its annual tournament with Greece Olympia, Waterloo and Lyons participating. The field looked great as was the baseball.

Frank Padalino and Mike Wilkin from the Rochester District Umpires Association. Frank and Mike were getting ready for the championship game, Greece Olympia vs. Waterloo. 4/17/19
PREVIOUS CITY BASEBALL ARTICLES
2019
The RCAC is back at Cobb’s Hill (where Johnny Antonelli struck out 20)
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