South Brunswick Baseball Ready for a 'Night at the Races'

With the start of the spring sports season in sight, the South Brunswick Diamond Club is getting ready for its 7th annual fundraiser in support of South Brunswick High School baseball. The club's "Night at the Races" event is designed to raise money to help the SBHS squad become a state powerhouse.

"Our goal with the fundraiser is to help the team reach its goal of becoming one of the elite programs in the state," said Mary Rogers, one of the event's organizers. "All of the money raised goes to support that, whether it's improving facilities, equipment, or anything we can do to help the team reach that elite status, that is our ultimate goal."

Becoming a New Jersey baseball powerhouse may not be far off if last year was any indication. The , before falling in the second round of the GMC tournament to Old Bridge. 

But it was the performance during the summer of the boys returning to this year's SBHS squad that has South Brunswick thinking about a state championship run.

South Brunswick played in the Greater Middlesex Coaches Summer League and finished with a record of 17-4 The focus of the summer league is player development, which is why no seniors are allowed to play.

"These guys are players," South Brunswick Manager CJ Hendricks said last year. "I know they will help take the South Brunswick High School varsity team to the next level next season."

The SBHS squad returns a wealth of talent, with summer league returnees including Jack Young (1B), Tommy Fisher (CF), Luke Rimmer (2B), Sean Keenan (ss/closer), Nick Muha (OF), Alex Carroll (pitcher), Dan Levin (catcher), Sean Rogers (utility), Danny Strickland (pitcher), Mark Montagna (pitcher), Gary Hand (pitcher), Brendan McKee (pitcher), Sean Kacerosky (catcher), Alex Veglia (utility), Nick Veglia (utility) and Vince Catafamo (DH/utilty). Nick Scola, Ryan Savage and PJ Perowski were also on the roster, but the trio was inactive for the summer state tournament.

But to achieve the ultimate goal of becoming an elite program, the SBHS team needs support from the community, which is where the South Brunswick Diamond Club comes in.

The 7th annual "Night at the Races" will offer attendees a chance to win a wealth of prizes through basket raffle, including a 42-inch flatscreen TV, NHL hockey memorabilia, autographed Major League baseball memorabilia, professional teeth whitening worth $500, a $1,000 orthodontist discount, SAT tutoring, and a wide selection of offerings from local vendors and restaurants.

In total, there will be over 40 baskets available with tons of great items.

"We have a really nice assortment of prizes to win this year, so hopefully this is a sign that the area is becoming more profitable to help the community in this way," Rogers said.

"Night at the Races," which will feature taped horse races from racetracks around the country played throughout the event, helps to provide for the team in areas not covered by school funding.

"Last year the fundraiser went towards the purchase of tarps for the field, which was a big thing because when it rained it took days to be able to play on the field," Rogers said. "We want to help them with any kind of improvement needed for facilities, equipment, or anything we can do to help make the kids' experience that much better."

In addition, during the "Night at the Races," SBHS junior Dan Muscato will be collecting donations to raise funds for Baseball Without Borders, which provides baseball equipment to children in the Dominican Republic.

"Night at the Races" will be held on March 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the . The event is BYOB and costs $30 per person, which includes buffet dinner, desserts and non-alcoholic beverages. Purchase a table for 10 to get $10 in basket tickets and a $25 discount.

To reserve a table or to regster for the event, click here.