All-Delco Baseball: Alex Pak, Luke D’Ancona sparkled for Strath Haven’s pitching staff
In addition to Daily Times Player of Year Kevin McGonigle of Bonner & Prendergast, the All-Delco team includes:
Harry Carr, Bonner & Prendergast: The junior was a catalyst for the Friars during their run to the state semifinals. Carr was clutch at the plate and on the mound in the PIAA Class 5A tournament. He had the go-ahead, two-run single in a 7-4 win over Rustin in the opening round and pitched six shutout innings with five strikeouts in a 3-1 win over reigning champ Bethel Park in the quarterfinals. The All-Catholic League selection slashed .342/.433/.500 with five doubles, two triples, a home run and 19 RBIs. As staff ace he went 5-1 with a 2.04 ERA, striking out 47 in 48 innings.
Fred Jordan, Haverford School: The junior was the workhorse of the Fords’ pitching staff, and a big reason why the team enjoyed a 19-win season and advanced to the quarterfinals of the PAISAA tournament. The right hander went 4-2 with a 1.94 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He struck out 54 in 56 innings of work.
Luke D’Ancona, Strath Haven: The sophomore right-hander emerged as one of the best up-and-coming pitchers in Delaware County. He was the No. 2 starter on a Panthers team that won the District 1 Class 5A title and played for a PIAA championship. He battled through 4.2 innings in the state final loss, allowing three runs on six hits and striking out six. D’Ancona finished the year with a 7-0 record, 2.44 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 58 innings.
Alex Pak, Strath Haven: The best two-way player – pitcher and hitter – in Delco had what Strath Haven coach Brian Fili called “the best statistical performance in my 21 years as a coach.” In the state tournament, Pak pitched two complete game shutouts. He hadn’t allowed an earned run all season until the District 1 final. The senior lefty posted a 12-1 record with a miniscule 0.62 ERA, fanned 86 batters over 68.1 innings and opponents hit a paltry .171 against him. At the plate Pak was a machine in the playoffs and had four hits, including two RBI triples, in the state final. The All-Central League selection and two-time All-Delco standout had a .342 batting average with five doubles, two triples, three homers, 27 RBIs and 23 runs scored. Pak will try to walk on at Penn State in the fall.
Chris Zupito, Upper Darby: The senior pitcher stymied hitters throughout his career for the Royals, but took his game to another level in 2023. The hard-throwing right hander posted a 5-2 record and 0.86 ERA. The best swing-and-miss pitcher in Delco, Zupito struck out 83 in 48.2 innings and allowed only 20 hits. His first career complete game was a 1-0 no-hitter against Garnet Valley late in the regular season. Zupito recorded 18 strikeouts in the Royals’ first-round District 1 Class 6A playoff win over Council Rock North. It was the program’s first victory in a district tournament since 1998. He was named All-Central League three straight years and led the league in strikeouts for the second year in a row. At the Barrett All-Star Game in June, Zupito was presented with the “Cakey” Dougherty/”Jumbo” Faulkner award for Outstanding Pitcher. Zupito will continue his career at North Carolina State.
Paul Daly, Cardinal O’Hara: The senior shortstop was the driving force for the Lions, who managed only six wins and placed seventh in the Catholic League. Daly led the team in every major offensive category, including batting average (.370), on-base percentage (.477), slugging percentage (.667), home runs (three) and RBIs (14). He also earned All-Catholic League recognition. Daly will further his education and baseball career at Chestnut Hill College.
Bennett Cox, Marple Newtown: The versatile junior battled through a season-long arm injury, but posted incredible numbers for the Tigers. Cox was a designated hitter for half of the season, and upon returning to the field played multiple outfield and infield positions for the 11-win Tigers. Eight of his 21 hits went for extra bases. While striking out only four times in 61 plate appearances, Cox slashed .375/.446/.571 with six doubles, a triple, one homer and 15 runs scored. Said MN coach and veteran Delco League pitcher Toby MacCart: “He’s no doubt one of the best players in Delco.”
Drew Kessler, Upper Darby: The senior shortstop was a dynamic player for the Royals and a big reason why the team enjoyed its best finish in the Central League since 2010 (10-6, fifth place). In helping the Royals win a District 1 tournament game for the first time in 25 years, Kessler slashed .394/.453/.545 with a team-high 26 hits. The All-Central League honoree collected eight doubles, a triple and 13 RBIs. Said UD coach Tom Carey: “He played a stellar shortstop for us and also served as a captain.”
Irv Fisher, Bonner & Prendergast: Fisher was the top performer not named Kevin McGonigle on the Friars and has one of the brightest futures of any high player in the county. The junior center fielder is a stellar glove and provided protection for McGonigle in the lineup in 2023. Fisher made pitchers pay when they opted to go after him instead. West Chester Rustin found out the hard way in the first round of the PIAA Class 5A playoffs. After Rustin intentionally walked McGonigle with the bases loaded, Fisher delivered the game-tying RBI hit in the sixth inning of a game the Friars won. Fisher slashed .424/.490/.612 with team highs in hits (36), doubles (eight, tied with McGonigle) and triples (four, tied with McGonigle). The All-Catholic League standout also led the team in RBIs with 30 and scored 24 runs.
Sam Milligan, Strath Haven: The senior center fielder cemented his legacy as one of the greatest multi-sport athletes to walk the halls of Strath Haven. An All-Delco football player (quarterback and defensive back) and wrestler, Milligan flourished during the Panthers’ memorable run in the district and state playoffs. He led the Panthers in hitting with a .402 average (37 hits) and had two homers, 24 RBIs and 23 runs scored. He delivered the game-winning RBI hit in the District 1 Class 5A final. Milligan will continue his football career at Bucknell.
Brian Fitzpatrick, Upper Darby: The senior outfielder was the top hitter in the Central League, leading the conference with a .458 batting average. An All-Central League pick, Fitzpatrick was an integral part of UD’s all-senior starting lineup, normally in the middle of the order where he could do plenty of damage. Fitzpatrick, who will continue his playing career in college (he originally committed to Cabrini), also saw action as a first baseman and catcher. He batted .417/.507/.583 with 10 doubles, 15 RBIs and 13 runs scored.
Mark Quatrani, Haverford School: The senior is without a doubt this year’s BCID – Best Catcher In Delco. Said coach Bob Castell: “Mark excelled offensively and defensively all year. He was feared at the plate … and was rarely pitched (to) during league competitions.” Voted team MVP in each of the last two seasons, Quatrani batted a ridiculous .569 overall and .571 during Inter-Ac League games. He clubbed nine home runs and drove in 36 runs. He posted a 1.111 slugging percentage and struck out only five times in more than 100 plate appearances. In addition, he was named the Inter-Ac League MVP, marking the first time a member of a non-championship team was given the award. Quatrani will continue his baseball career at Cornell.
