By Mike Wertman
The Journal-Register
ALBION —
Capping off an outstanding championship season, Albion High has placed two players on the first team of the All-Western New York baseball squad.
The Purple Eagles, who went 22-1 on the season capturing both the Niagara-Orleans League and Section VI Class A championships, are represented by the senior duo of first baseman Brad Rush and outfielder/pitcher Nate Lester.
Albion also had a quartet of honorable mention All-WNY selections including infielders Ronnie Mannella and Buddy Keeler, catcher Nick Gregori and outfielder Matt Monacelli, all seniors.
“Our school was represented very well,” said coach Gary Mannella who retired at the end of the season after 21 years at the helm during which time the Purple Eagles won 13 N-O league and four sectional championships. “These kids were the core of our team”
Rush, a three-year starter who anchored the Albion infield for three straight 14-0 N-O title seasons, hit .513 with 21 RBIs and a .636 on base percentage. A second team All-WNY selection last year, he plans to attend St. John Fisher College to major in nursing and play baseball.
Lester, who was Mr. Versatility for Albion playing right field, shortstop or third base when not pitching depending on who else was on the mound, posted a 4-0 N-O record with a 2.90 earned run average and 26 strikeouts and only four walks in 26 innings. At the plate, he hit .458 with six doubles, one triple, 12 stolen bases and a slugging percentage of .626. He plans to attend SUNY Fredonia to major in Sports Management and play baseball.
Ronnie Mannella, who manned the shortstop position, hit .509 and led the Purple Eagles in hits with 29 including four doubles, a triple and a home run with 21 RBIs.
Keeler, who played third base, hit .434 with 20 runs batted in and a team high slugging percentage of .698. He led the team in doubled with six and scored 21 runs.
Gregori hit .500 including two doubles, two triples, one home run and 19 RBIs.
Monacelli, who anchored the Albion outfield from his center field position, hit .457 with 13 RBIs, 14 stolen bases and 14 runs scored.
