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Baseball is a game of repetition and the Bok Wildcats have been repeating the same tune, as the Eighth-and-Mifflin squad missed the playoffs the two previous seasons.
Being a senior, Joey Ferlaino wanted to at least get a taste of the postseason before graduating. Despite the 1-5 record, the opportunity finally arrived Monday afternoon when Bok squared off with Mifflin Street neighbor Furness in a Public League Class AAA opener. Sure enough, the 18-year-old let his arm do the talking with an 11-strikeout, four-hit performance in a thrilling come-from-behind 3-2 victory over the Falcons. Offensively, the resident of 13th Street and Passyunk Avenue contributed two hits, including a double and a run scored.
"The game was very challenging, exciting and fun," he said. "I tried to keep the ball down and inside. My strategy was to get ground balls."
Monday’s win marked a nice change of pace in a season that included seven rain-outs.
Bok returned to action Tuesday against Philadelphia Electric, but lost 10-8.
Furness closed out the year 7-2 overall.
Ferlaino, who started pitching at age 10, has been a starter for the Wildcats the past three years. When not on the mound, he patrols the outfield and first base. The captain understands what needs to be done to transform his young team into winners.
"We need to work on our fundamentals and defense. We’re good in practice," Ferilaino said. "We need to be loose at game time and have fun playing baseball."
The April and early May showers prevented many schools from reaching their potential, as numerous practices were washed out. Coach Frank Natale said he believes his team will benefit from its tough schedule.
"We didn’t play any cupcakes in any of our games. They were all good teams," the coach said. "Playing against good teams has been good for our young team. We are starting to hit well, and with Joey pitching, we can advance in the playoffs."
Natale had no problem giving his ace with a 71 mph fastball the nod Monday.
"Joey is a confident pitcher with a level head," the coach said. "He can be productive in the playoffs. He wants the ball in the big game."
During the regular season, the Wildcats lone victory was over Prep Charter, who is the defending Public League Class AA champions. Ferlaino did his part with 10 strikeouts.
The pitcher, who will graduate with a carpentry certificate in June — allowing him to get a union job in the field — realizes his baseball journey is approaching an end, but knows his life is just beginning.
"I’ve learned a lot from baseball, the most important being leadership," he said. "Winning has had a positive impact on my life. I’ve also learned that team work and hard work go a long way."
Playoff schedules
Public League
Class AAAA
May 15
Southern/Kensington winner at Washington, 3:15 p.m.
Class AAA final
May 15
Teams to be determined
Class AA final
May 15
Teams to be determined
Class A
May 15
Boys’ Latin/Masterman winner at GAMP, 2:45 p.m.
Seventh St. and Packer Ave.
Catholic League playoffs
May 18
First round at home fields
May 19
Quarterfinals at home fields
May 22
Semifinals at Neumann/Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges
May 26
Final at Widener University
