2022 DC Grays Eye Cal Ripken League Championship

By DC Grays Staff
​
After a subpar campaign in 2021, which saw the DC Grays drop to last place in the six-team Cal Ripken League Collegiate Baseball League, the Grays front office set about upgrading the talent level on the roster for 2022.  A handful of players return for a second summer with the team, and DC also welcomes several highly-touted newcomers.

The core of the coaching staff returns, led by Manager Reggie Terry who has managed the Grays since 2015.  Local baseball legend Jimmy Williams returns to the Grays for a ninth summer, after another spring coaching at Prince Georges Community College.  The Grays’ exceptional pitching coach Andre Rabouin comes back for a second stint with the team after finishing the spring with Gallaudet University.

This roster is a mix of players from programs that have traditionally sent players to DC – such as BYU, Lafayette, Wofford, and Catholic – as well as players from some new schools we are excited to add – including St. John’s, Maine and George Mason.  As always, there is a representative contingent of athletes from HBCU baseball programs, including Alabama A&M, Coppin State and Xavier (LA).  

The 2022 Grays roster shapes up like this:

• Catchers:  Mason Strong (BYU), Jimmy Keenan (St. Johns) and Logan Scully (George Mason).
  

• Outfielders: Aaron Thomas (Wofford), Derrick Booker (St Mary's), Matt Day (Coppin State, a returnee from 2019) and Sam Blancato (Georgia Southern).
  

• Corner Infielders: Max Harper (BYU), Connor Goodman (Maine), Dane Camphausen (Wooster) and Alexander Terry-Emmanuel (Canisius).  
  

• Middle Infielders: CJ Mervilus (Alabama A&M, a returnee from 2021), Ozzie Pratt (BYU), Patrick Vandenbergh (Lafayette, a returnee from 2021) and Brian Depman (Georgetown).
  

• In addition, two versatile utility players:  Jarret Jenkins (Georgia Southern) and Henry Zipay (Nebraska-Omaha).
  

• Pitching staff:  Traton Straheli (BYU), Lief Bigelow (Maine), Diego Barrett (George Mason), Sam Stratton (Wofford), Adam Bogosian (Lafayette), Jake Davidson (Kenyon and a returnee from 2021), Matt Perkins (Coppin State), Donavan Frayer (Shorter, a returning from 2021),  Kai Leckszas (Georgetown), Tyler Jamal Allen (Xavier-LA), Joe Bladel (William & Mary), Bryce Molinaro (St John's), Nick Fletcher (Holy Cross),  Mark Aaronson (Rochester) and Kai Cummings (Mt. St. Mary's, a returnee from 2021), and four pitchers from Catholic - Cormac Terry, Camden Mounts, Jesse Lacefield and Cody Bosak.
  

Many 2022 Grays enjoyed strong spring campaigns.  For example, BYU shortstop Ozzie Pratt is one of BYU’s top hitters as a freshman, and catcher Mason Strong has also contributed significantly for the Cougars.  CJ Mervilus has had an excellent spring for Alabama A&M, starting 30 games at shortstop.  The group of Catholic pitchers have been a key component of that program’s outstanding 28-win season in the Landmark Conference.   Third baseman Connor Goodman from Maine is hitting .300 in regular appearances for an excellent Black Bears team.  Sam Blancato from Georgia Southern is hitting over .280 while getting significant playing time.  

Grays General Manager Chris Spera said “This roster came together well, and I am excited about its talent, depth and versatility.  We think we’ve put together a balanced team that can contend for a Ripken League championship.”