While it’s true that the 2018 Londonderry High baseball team had the competitive part of its season end with a heartbreak, in the wake of that loss the squad had four of its top players receive impressive recognition from the Division I coaches against whom they played so well.
The Lancers recently had four of their players – junior Reece Manor and seniors Nate Sullivan, Ricky Perry, and Anthony Pirolli – all collect 2018 all-state honors as voted upon by the D-I coaches.
Reece Manor was named a First-Team All-Stater thanks to his play in the field, on the pitcher’s mound, and at the plate for the 12-9 Lancers. Pitcher/shortstop Nate Sullivan and standout outfielder Ricky Perry were both named second-teamers, and left-handed pitching stalwart Anthony Pirolli got third-team recognition.
That fearsome foursome played a vital role in helping their LHS team overcome a frustrating 10 games at the start of season – where the Lancers went a lowly 3-7 – to produce nothing less than stellar play in the final 10 games of the regular season in which Londonderry went 9-1.
There was every reason to believe that the fifth-seeded Lancers would make big waves in the state tournament as well, but alas they were upset by the number 11 Keene High Blackbirds in a 10-5 game at LHS in round one.
However, coach Demas utilized the chance to talk about the talents of his four all-staters with true gusto, and had every reason to be able to do so.
“Reece did it all for us this year,” said Demas. “He led the team in hitting and was one of the top arms and defenders. He was (subsequently) named a captain for the 2019 season.”
Of Sullivan, the longtime Lancer coach stated, “Nate was the heart and soul of the team. He is the definition of the term ‘dirt dog.’ He helped turn our season around at the mid-point by becoming a starter on the hill.”
As for Perry, who has been a versatile catalyst for his team for years now, his coach said, “Ricky has been a three-year captain and an excellent young man. Defensively, he was the leader in the outfield, and nobody works harder at their craft than what Ricky has demonstrated over his time at LHS.”
And regarding true southpaw hurler Pirolli, who his fellow Lancers affectionally refer to as ‘Rolli,’ Demas said, “Anthony had a rougher start to the year, but really turned it on in the second half. He is kind of goofy off the mound, but on the mound he is all business.”
Through much of baseball history, many left-handed pitchers have been referred to as “quirky” or “eccentric,” but Pirolli got plenty of winning accomplished on the pitcher’s mound and earned his teammates’ praise and respect in doing so.