KNIGHTS SPLIT WITH NYIT. LOGAN FRATI SHINES AGAIN.

Logan Frati racked up his second NEC Pitcher of the Week honor by pitching a two-hit shutout that clinched a 2-2 series split with the NYIT Bears. Showing the powerful pitching that has earned him the “Fourth Game Starter” slot in Coach Puccio’s conference pitching rotation, the redshirt Junior totally dominated NYIT, allowing only two singles while sending 12 Bears down on strikes. In a fast-moving and tight game that was completed in less than two hours, the Knights pushed a single run across the plate to assure Frati of his third win against no losses. In tossing his second shutout, Frati trimmed his ERA to 0.57.

Leading up to Logan’s stellar performance, FDU split a doubleheader with NYIT on Friday (L 3-6, W 11-1), and were blanked (11-0) in Saturday’s opener. “If we had been at full strength,” Coach Puccio said, “I think we could have won 3 of the 4 games. As soon as Bobby Romano, Shane Siebler and Ryan Brennan are back in the line-up we’ll be in great shape. But even with three key players down, we’re heading into the heart of conference play with a winning record and a lot of confidence in our ability to go head to head with the NEC’s strongest teams.”

KNIGHT VISION By Red McGarry

While most Knight fans may be disappointed with the past weekend's four game split with Institute of Technology, few realize that NYIT has a 44-9 record against our Knights! At 11-10 and 3-1 in the NEC, the Knights still have 32 games remaining with 28 in the conference.

In speaking with one of our senior captains, catcher Pat McClure, he felt that the upcoming two series with Sacred Heart and Bryant will go a long way to determine if the Knights make and progress in the conference tournament. “This is the best FDU team I have played on and fully expect to be in the tournament.”

“We have good depth with the 30 man roster which can carry a few injuries and slumps,” said Pat. I also asked Pat about the pitching since he is the starting catcher. “Junior Logan Frati is 'lights out' and we all feel confident playing behind him,” said Pat. “Besides a 90+ mph fast ball, he has a serious slider and a devastating change up and is fun to catch.” I asked Pat if he calls the pitches and he said Logan has only shook him off once. After a very short discussion on the mound, Pat and Logan came to an agreement.

Pat is also impressed with freshman right-handers Corey Zeller, Chris Kachmar and Tim Quinn in their immediate maturity and toughness. “I hope this will continue as we get into heavy conference play,” said Pat. Much is expected from seniors Nick Cuono, John Chalupa and Jose DeLeon with injured slugger Ryan Brennan in the bullpen with five saves already,

“If we can get 3rd baseman Bobby Romano back in the lineup after a shoulder injury, this will tighten up our infield. Plus, Bobby brings a dependable bat,” said Pat. “The aggressive running game installed this year by coach Justin McKay has taken a lot of pressure off our pitchers and catchers. Our opponents are less likely to run if we have the lead. This is a huge change from years gone by,” said Pat. “It is nice to see we are in the top 5 in the nation in steals per game, and neat to see us running versus our opponents.”

Junior Matt McCann continues to lead the Knights on the bases with 18 steals in 23 attempts. “If Bobby and Shane Siebler come back, we will really have great speed at the top of the lineup backed up by the power of John Giakas, Joel Roman, Evan McDonald and Ryan Brennan, “ said Pat. (Let's not forget Pat McClure)

The Knights travel to Fairfield, Connecticut April 1st to take on the (9-10, 4-0 NEC) in a four game series. The Pioneers hold a 42-15 record against the Knights going into this series. Bryant, Wagner and Sacred Heart are all 4-0 in the NEC so the Knights need to keep pace.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? LeRoy Kirchner (1964-’65)

LeRoy Kirchner with pitchers Dennis O’Brien, Jack DeRosa and Bob Secula

Jon and I have decided that from time to time we will update the group on the whereabouts and happenings of former Knights. While these interviews will give us an opportunity to reconnect, they will also provide current Knights a chance to better understand what life after baseball is all about.

LeRoy Kirchner played for the ‘64, ‘65 and ‘66 teams and was a two-time captain of the Knights. He was a key player on three strong teams that over three seasons posted an excellent 38-26 record. LeRoy was elected to the 60's All Decade Team as a star catcher. He still thanks Coach Harvey Woods -- who respected Leroy as a take charge team leader – for providing him with a scholarship and allowing him to push and run the team.

LeRoy also recalls that Jack Pollitt, the Knights assistant baseball coach introduced him to Coach Woods. “Thanks to Jack, I got to meet Coach Woods and that meeting opened the door to both my college and business careers.”

Born in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, LeRoy was an all-around athlete at Lyndhurst High. One of his pals was the late Tommy Longo who played defensive back for Notre Dame and the .

While at FDU LeRoy earned his Business Management degree at the Rutherford campus and then stayed on at the university to earn his Masters. During his years on the Rutherford campus, LeRoy formed lifelong friendships with his Knights teammates Bob Montesano, Joe Palestini, John Porada, Pat Mariano and Tony Wright.

Leroy married Deanna Cimino (FDU Teaneck, Class of 1966) on August 13th 1966 and they will celebrate their 50th anniversary this summer. Along the way they raised three children – Alicia, Melanie and LeRoy Jr. who, following in his dad’s footsteps and captained the Quinnipiac baseball team.

After FDU, thanks to another assist from his good friend Jack Pollitt, LeRoy went to work for Motorola as a sales rep in New Jersey. Demonstrating the same drive to win that characterized his career at FDU, LeRoy worked his way up the sales and marketing ladder, retiring in 1998 as a Vice President. Today, LeRoy and Deanna live in Farmingdale and spend the summer beachside in Lavallette, N.J. He stays active with some consulting work.

When I asked LeRoy about his playing days he talked about the great memories of his sophomore year when the 1964 Knights brought FDU baseball its second Conference championship in three years. His most memorable game? “That would have to be our 3-2 victory over Seton Hall,” LeRoy recalls. “Jack DeRosa pitched a great game and Bob Secula relieved Jack in the eighth inning to nail down the win.” LeRoy smiled as he recalled slick fielding Bobby Jensen at shortstop making several great plays and Tony Wright hitting the game-winning homer.

If you check the record books you’ll see that LeRoy has the distinction of having caught four of the best hurlers in Knights history, including Hall of Famer Dennis O'Brien and a trio of 1960’s All Decade pitchers; Frank Brennan, Secula and DeRosa. In his senior year, hampered by a bad back, Leroy played part time and shared catching duties with Jon Fitch. But whether he was on the field or on the front step of the dugout, Captain LeRoy was always totally into the game, cheering his team on to a 15-9 season that was highlighted by a thrilling 1-0 win over the always-tough St. John’s.

Now 73 years old, LeRoy faithfully follows today's Knights and is very proud of the new facility and the great start of the team this season. He especially enjoys seeing his pals and teammates, Montesano, Jensen, Secula, Palestini, and O’Brien -- who regularly get together at Knights baseball alumni events where all the old Knights are forever young and bloop singles magically turn into solid line drives.

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