STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Moore Catholic’s varsity baseball team enjoyed one of its finest seasons in recent years during the 2025 campaign.
Four student-athletes who played key roles in the Mavericks’ success, including a 19-11 record overall and a 13-8 mark in CHSAA play, have decided to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level..
The college signings include a pitcher, third baseman, shortstop and first baseman. Two players will compete at the Division 2 level while the others are ticketed for Division 3 programs.
In addition, two Mavs will trek to upstate New York and while the other two will be leaving the state.
For a closer look at where these latest signees will attend school, please scroll down.
COLLEGE SIGNINGS II: THESE 4 SEA BASEBALL PLAYERS HAVE CHOSEN THEIR NEW SCHOOLS
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Charlie Ellis, Moore Catholic
Moore Catholic first baseman Charlie Ellis will play collegiately at Curry College in Massachusetts beginning next fall.(Courtesy of Mike Ponsiglione)
Moore Catholic first baseman Charlie Ellis will call Massachusetts home the next four years after committing to play for Curry College.
The 17-year-old Ellis, who hits with a combination of average and power, plays travel ball for TKR and head coach Tom Kain and the latter is close friends with Curry head coach Ryan Kirkpatrick.
Kain sent Kirkpatrick a recruiting video and the coach showed interest.
After making a visit to the Milton, Mass., school last August, Ellis felt the Division 3 school was the right fit for him and for more than one reason.
“The school is 10 minutes outside of Boston, which I love,’’ said Ellis. ”I also liked the coaching staff a lot — they seem to genuinely care about the players. They want what’s best for you.
“Playing baseball in college is something I’ve always wanted to do, so I’m very grateful for this opportunity‚’’ added the Sunnyside resident. ”A lot of players don’t get to play after high school, so I appreciate (the chance). I’m very excited.’’
The righty hitting and throwing Ellis said the Colonels will be in need of a first baseman and he’s looking forward to making a good first impression when he gets there.’’
“They know I work hard and I make good contact, but can hit for power too,’’ the 17-year-old said. ”They’re going to need first basemen by the time I’m a sophomore and although there’ll probably be some opportunities my first year, I’m looking forward to developing and getting better for the future.’’
Ellis said he plans on majoring in special education.
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Chris Eugene, Moore Catholic
Moore Catholic third baseman Chris Eugene, who will attend Utica University in the fall, said he was impressed with the school’s Todd and Jen Hutton Sports and Recreation Center, a domed athletic facility.(Courtesy of Mike Ponsiglione)
Moore Catholic third baseman Chris Eugene will continue his baseball career at Utica University beginning next fall.
The two-year varsity player, who plays travel ball for the TKR, said travel coach Tom Kain was instrumental in bringing the Division 3 school to his attention.
“(Utica and I) started emailing each other back and forth and both coach (Kain) and I sent them highlight film,’’ said Eugene. ”I eventually went for a visit and I thought the head coach (Joe Milazzo) was a great guy. And I love the dome (Todd and Jen Hutton Sports and Recreation Center). They practice inside.
“It was obvious from the start that it was a good fit for me,’’ he continued. ”It’s a dream come true. I always wanted to play in college and I’m looking forward to playing at Utica.’’
The 17-year-old Eugene, a right-handed batter who makes contact and possesses good speed, said the Pioneers were looking for a third baseman.
“They’ve got a number of seniors graduating and even if I don’t get to play third right away, there’s also going to be openings at second base and the outfield,’’ explained Eugene. ”They like my swing and speed too.
“They think I’ll be able to help the program by stealing bases.’’
The Bulls Head resident is planning to major in cyber security.
COLLEGE SIGNINGS I: TODT HILL RESIDENT BIANCA BUSH WILL CONTINUE TENNIS CAREER AT THIS BOSTON SCHOOL
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Jonny Fareri, Moore Catholic
Moore Catholic senior Jonny Farer, who will head to Lynn University in the fall, said he’s yearned to attend the Florida school since his freshman year.(Courtesy of Mike Ponsiglione)
Moore Catholic right-handed pitcher Jonny Fareri has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Lynn University on a partial athletic, partial academic scholarship.
The 17-year-old Fareri, who plays travel ball for Tom Kain at TKR, said he’s yearned to attend the D2 school since his freshman year at Moore. When his travel team played in a tournament near the Boca Raton, Fla., school last year, his dream was set in motion.
“(Lynn pitching coach/recruiting coordinator Tristan McGinnis) came to see me play while we were down there,’’ explained Fareri, who got a tour of the school’s campus before McGinnis came to watch him. ”I thought I did a good job. I did what I was supposed to do and he liked me.
“I worked hard to get where I am,’’ continued the Annadale resident. ”I worked hard to prove a lot of people wrong and I’m very happy with my decision to attend Lynn.’’
Fareri said he topped off at 88 miles per hour last year. His four-pitch arsenal includes a fastball, curve, slider and his bread-and-butter change-up.
“The Lynn coaching staff loves the way I compete,’’ said Fareri, who met head coach Rudy Garbalosa when he visited the school. ”They like how I use all of my pitches and the way I just go out there and get outs.
“That made me feel pretty awesome,’’ he continued. ”(Garbalosa) said if you get outs, you’re going to get a chance to (pitch).’’
The added bonus for the two-year varsity player is Fareri will get to play with best friend Gioacchino Bonsangue of St. Joseph by-the-Sea at Lynn.
“We’ve been best friends since we were 7-year-old,’’ said Fareri, who plays with Bonsangue with TKR as well. ”It’s really going to be cool playing college baseball together.’’
Fareri said he’s planning to major in sports management and business.
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Todd Vieira, Moore Catholic
Moore Catholic shortstop Todd Vieira will spend the next four years at Dominican University.(Courtesy of Mike Ponsiglione)
Moore Catholic’s Todd Vieira signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Dominican University on a partial athletic, partial academic scholarship.
The Great Kills resident said the Division 2 Chargers were the first program to contact him a while back. Through the help of TKR travel coach Tom Kain, a visit was arranged to the Orangeburg, N.Y., school last October and Vieira said it was love at first sight.
“It’s a small school, which I like a lot. I don’t want to go to a school that’s the size of Penn State,’’ said Vieira. ”There’s a lot of cool training stuff and they don’t have football, so the baseball players are top team up there.
“If I wasn’t continuing to play baseball, I don’t know what I’d do,’’ the 17-year-old added. ”I’m definitely very happy with my decision and looking forward to playing for them.’’
Vieira said head coach Rich Giannetti and his coaching staff like his defensive prowess, among other things.
“They think I’m a scrappy kid who is good in the field,’’ he said. ”I’m the opposite of a power hitter. I hit for average and can steal bases, which they like. They’re a top 10 bat-to-ball and stolen bases-type team and that fits my play perfectly.’’
The two-year varsity player, who is undecided on a major, said it’s possible to get time right away.
“Coach said the best nine go out and play,’’ he said. ”I like my odds.’’
Vieira also received interest from Barton, Goldey-Beacom, Misericordia, Centenary and Plattsburgh.