Westfield’s season has come to an end, and with the end come tumultuous memories.
The Blue Devils began their season in rocky fashion. Losing its first two games of the season, Westfield seemed as though it would not meet the season’s expectations. Quickly things changed when Westfield caught fire in its third game of the season. Defeating New Providence, 7-5, thrusted the team into its best stretch of the season. In this stretch Westfield won six games, highlighted by impressive wins against Governor Livingston and Arthur L. Johnson, which came about due to a 7-run comeback.
After the streak ended in an unexpected loss to Elizabeth, Westfield’s success fluctuated. Winning eight of their final 16 games, including Ridge’s forfeit due to a pitch-count violation in the North 2, Group 4 sectional quarterfinals, the Blue Devils pulled through, finishing with a 14-10 record and a third-place finish in the Watchung division of the Union County Conference. This was Westfield’s second consecutive season recording 14 wins.
“I felt that the season was not bad, but we had a lot left on the table,” said catcher Owen Callahan, reflecting on the season. “I think the talent on the team should have resulted in a better record. With that being said, we had a ton of expectations and it was the first time for a lot of guys including myself playing with such high expectations. I think we hit well and stayed with each other well throughout the season, and we made memories that will last a lifetime.”
The team’s performance was most notably highlighted by some key players, including captains Callahan and Leo Mangiamele, sophomore Braeden Trajkovski, juniors Randy Davis, Tomas Cestero and Jack Chavez and senior pitcher Pat Lanza. Callahan and Mangiamele have both spent three or more years on the varsity roster and this year took on their greatest roles yet as captains. Together they helped lead the team through both triumph and heartbreak. Trajkovski and Davis were essential factors at the plate, both with batting averages above .300. Davis led the team in hits, with 28, and Trajkovski led in RBIs, with 22.
On the mound Westfield performed adequately, led by ace pitchers Chavez and Cestero. Cestero led the team in strikeouts, with 50, while Chavez trailed close behind, with 41. In relief for these pitchers was often Lanza, who was essential to the team’s success, especially in the final stretch of the season. Lanza allowed only 7 hits, the fewest of any pitcher with more than 10 innings pitched.
Westfield’s season as a whole did not finish exactly as the Blue Devils wanted, but they demonstrated resilience and perseverance in various situations. Multiple times this season, the Blue Devils battled back from deficits to win games, and they remained composed in the face of their toughest competition. This was most evident in their first game against highly ranked Cranford, holding the team scoreless until the final inning, when they eked out a couple of runs to take the lead and the win.
Speaking about the season, head coach Jay Cook said, “I was very proud of our kids. They showed up, they competed every game, and I couldn’t be prouder of that. We had some really bright moments. We had a six-game winning streak, we made it to the county semifinals and the state quarterfinals. You know, obviously we would like to go a little bit further, but with a lot of guys coming back we’re pretty confident that we can continue to grow as a club and work from there.”
Despite not finishing as they had hoped, the Blue Devils should not count themselves out. Only two players in the starting lineup were seniors, meaning most of the team is returning next season. With the limitless talent at the team’s fingertips and the drive and tenacity most assuredly present in all returning players, the sky’s the limit for Westfield.
“I think the talent is amazing for the future and, with maturity, the team can be really, really good next year, and hopefully for the current seniors, take down Cranford and win at the very least a county championship for us,” said Callahan.
