In Coach Gallo’s final game, Iona Prep’s varsity baseball team won the CHSAA Class “AA” City Championship over Fordham Prep 9-2. “I will never lose another baseball game as the head coach,” Coach Gallo said. “It’s a great way to go.”
On June 8, 2012, Iona Prep’s varsity baseball team won the CHSAA Class “AA” City Championship over Fordham Prep 9-2. The win was particularly special because it was the final game of longtime Coach Fred Gallo. Coach Gallo recently announced his retirement after 30 years of service to Iona Prep. “I will never lose another baseball game as the head coach,” Coach Gallo said. “It’s a great way to go.”
The Gaels were led by seniors Vinny DeMaria ’12 and Tim McCarthy ’12. Vinny had a single, an RBI and two runs scored, but truly shined defensively, turning four double plays, including catching line drives in the fifth and sixth innings. Tim, who located his fastball well and had an improved curveball in the later innings, went the distance, allowing two earned runs on eight hits and struck out four without giving up a walk.
It was a fantastic performance for the Temple-bound pitcher, who also helped lead the Iona Prep basketball team to CHSAA Class “A” City and State titles in the winter.
Coach Gallo arrived at the Prep in 1982 and has served as the head coach of the varsity Gaels since. His all-time record for the Gaels is 537-263. Ryan Mahoney, an Iona Prep faculty member who served as an assistant coach to Mr. Gallo for several years, will take over as head coach. This is the Gaels’ first title since 2003.
MSG Varsity: Iona Prep sends Gallo off with CHSAA ‘AA’ title
New York Post: Championship sendoff: Iona Prep wins title in legendary coach’s final game
Photos courtesy of Frank LoCascio, MSG Varsity.