Boston English’s baseball team is on a historic run. Manager Christian Ortiz, in just his second year at the helm, has his undefeated team just two wins away, as of Banner press time, from a state baseball championship — a rare accomplishment for a Boston Public School.
PHOTO: BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Ortiz is ably assisted by coaches Wilfredo Baez, Wilfredo Ortiz (younger brother of Christian), Cedrick Pena (a cousin), and Olyn Brea. Pitcher Nanfer Duarte, with a sub-1.00 earned run average, is the leader of a solid rotation that includes pitcher/outfielder Jefferson Soto. Infielder Justin Peguero, batting over .500, and catcher Braylin Gonzalez lead the team on the field.
Duarte (committed to UMass Boston), Soto (headed to Worcester State), Gonzalez (Eastern Nazarene College) and Peguero (University of Dayton) have college futures, thanks to Ortiz’s intense scrutiny of his players’ classroom work.
“Our biggest challenge entering the season was making sure that all of our players focus on academic achievement,” the team manager said.
What has gotten the Eagles to the brink of a historic season is their team unity and a special energy among players, coaches and student fans.
The preseason goal was to make the state playoffs as a number one seed, thus assuring them home field advantage in the playoffs.
“Going undefeated was not something we focused on, but we’re happy to be standing on the footsteps of history,” the soft-spoken Ortiz said. “One of the things that I insist on that that these young men be on time and ready to play.”
To date, that formula has worked to perfection.
