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Playing a baseball game in Camden, N.J., usually isn’t something to be excited about. Factor in a Public League semifinal match under the lights at Campbell’s Field on the scenic waterfront and the scenario becomes much more thrilling.
Eric Funaro, a junior catcher for the Girard Academic Music Program, couldn’t wait to step onto the diamond last night against Frankford. The action started after press time.
‘I was hoping we would get the 6:30 game because I wanted to see what it would be like playing in a real stadium under the lights," Funaro said following his team’s May 22 quarterfinal win over Washington.
Wednesday was GAMP’s third meeting of the season against Frankford, with the Northeast Philadelphia-based squad winning the April 25 game, 4-3, and the March 29 contest, 10-6.
Heading into the match-up, Funaro was confident his Pioneers had what it takes to win the Public League title, which will be decided June 1 at Campbell’s Field. Northeast and Central played yesterday for the other spot.
‘Before every game, I tell my teammates that we play as a team and play with heart," Funaro, a two-time All-Public selection, said. ‘If we play as a team, it’s tough for teams to beat us."
GAMP last made the semifinals in 2002, when Funaro was a seventh-grade shortstop at St. Monica. That year, the Pioneers were crowned the Public League champ and it remains the school’s lone title. In 2004 and ’05, GAMP advanced to the quarterfinals.
When Funaro, a member of the National Honor Society, came to GAMP, coach Art Kratchman needed a catcher and the athlete was more than willing to step into the starting role.
‘I was just looking to do whatever I could for the team," he said. ‘I try to be a leader on the team and catcher is the best spot to be a leader. It’s a fun position."
When needed, he can also play second, third, shortstop and pitcher.
After coming up short the last two seasons, Funaro is ecstatic about finally getting over the semifinal hump.
‘This is the best feeling in the world," he said of making it this far. ‘I’ve never felt anything like it."
With parents Laraine and Ron showing support from the stands, the Pioneers advanced with a strong team effort in Monday’s quarterfinal win. The highlight came off the bat of good friend and fellow junior Anthony Venafro, who hit a grand slam.
No matter how last night’s game ended, the Pioneers know they have at least one more chance to play as the District 12 AA champs. They clinched the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association tournament invite by defeating Saul, 14-1, May 19.
First-round games are scheduled for June 5, with teams and location to be determined.
