America East Baseball News & Notes: More Awards for League Players

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While the focus may now be on the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., the America East Conference continues to get postseason award notice. Two members of the league, one from the Maine Black Bears, and one from the UMass Lowell River Hawks were named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-Region teams. The ABCA was founded in 1945 and it represents all 50 states and 25 countries. Its membership totals over 13,000. It is the primary organization for coaches at the amateur level. The two members from America East that were named to the region’s second team are graduate student Joe Bramanti and senior Gerry Sinacuse of the River Hawks.

Bramanti’s final season with the Black Bears was his best. He played in 48 of the 49 games that Maine had on their schedule. His slash line was .277/.395/.639. He hit 17 home runs and drove in 64 RBI. The home run total not only led the conference this spring but was also the most in the league since 1999. His RBI total also led the league. He hit 18 doubles in the spring which led the team, and his slugging percentage of .639 was also the team’s best. He had one four-hit game on April 1 vs UMBC and also drove in eight runs in the game, a season-high. He had one two-HR game on his resume and that came against the River Hawks during the conference tournament on May 26. As a first baseman, Bramanti had a fielding percentage of .982 with seven errors in 380 chances.

Gerry Siracusa patrolled center field this spring for UMass Lowell. He played in 56 of the 58 games the River Hawks were involved in. His slash line reads .331/.537/.391. He had 10 home runs, second on the team and his 65 RBI led the team. He was also the leader in total bases with 130, doubles with 16, sacrifice flies with six, and also swiped 15 bases. As an outfielder, Siracusa had a .988 fielding percentage with two errors in 170 total chances and four assists. He had a two-home run game on this spring’s resume. Siracusa had 23 multi-hit games with14 two-hit games, 7 three-hit games, and two four-hit games.

Both of these players were a big reason why their teams had the success they enjoyed this spring. It’s also why America East baseball is a good springtime alternative for baseball fans of all ages.