Kevin DiazWESTERLEIGH -- St. Joseph’s College is officially a member of the NCAA’s Division III after finishing its four-year probationary period, but that doesn’t mean the Brooklyn school’s baseball program hasn’t had an easier time filling out its schedule.
All of the Bears’ sports programs compete in the Hudson Valley Conference, save baseball
“We are presently not affiliated with any conference,” said Jerry Sidman, the third-year associate head coach, “and we are still playing as an independent. It makes it tough for us, because we have to do a lot of traveling to get a full complement of games scheduled.”
That difficulty may be an administrative nightmare for the Dongan Hills resident and head coach Scott Losche but it has hardly affected the play of a pair of Staten Islanders —Mike Cundari and Kevin Diaz.
Mike CundariThe talented duo are among the top three in most offensive categories for the Bears and have played large roles in the team’s 11-14 season thus far.
Cundari came to St. Joseph’s after a solid career at St. Peter’s High School and immediately turned heads after sliding into the starting first-baseman’s job.
“We recruited him as a catcher, but we needed him at first last year and he was phenomenal,” said Sidman. “He’s a great kid with an unbelievable work ethic.”
Cundari is behind the plate this season and his versatility is a plus for the Bears’ coaching staff.
“He has a presence behind the plate and he calls a good game,” said Sidman. “He gives us nice options on where to play him, and we’re happy either way.”
No matter where he has been positioned, the Westerleigh resident has been a consistent hitter.
The sophomore hit .294 last year and earned second- team All-Independent honors. This year, he’s been even better.
Cundari, who is on a full academic scholarship, is hitting at a .324 clip, with 24 hits (nine for extra bases) and he has 13 RBIs. His .514 slugging percentage is third best on the team and he has an on-base percentage (OBP) of .444.
“He’s playing with a hamstring injury but he hasn’t let it affect him,” said Sidman. “He’s getting stronger each year, and we expect big things from him.”
Diaz graduated from Monsignor Farrell HS and has had an impact during his stay in Brooklyn, too.
The Oakwood resident led the team in hitting as a sophomore, as well as seven other offensive categories. He earned first-team All-Independent honors. The speedy outfielder again led the team in hitting and seven total offensive categories as a junior and earned second-team all-independent honors.
“Kevin is a good overall player,” said Sidman, who was the associate head coach at CCNY and Baruch before taking the job at St. Joseph’s. “He does everything well. He has good speed, a good arm and plays the outfield well.”
Diaz’s offense speaks for itself.
Recently, the right-handed hitter became the third player in the program’s history to reach the 100-hit milestone and he hasn’t slowed down since.
The senior is hitting .299, with 20 hits, 11 for extra bases, and has driven in 18 runs. His .532 slugging percentage is second best on the team.
Port Richmond resident Danny Contant (Xaverian), Westerleigh’s Danny Pagano (St. Peter’s) and Tottenville’s Joe Mendez (Farrell) are also competing for the Bears.