The McQuaid Jesuit baseball knights are currently the reigning state champions… but that state champion team is long gone, with lots of impact players having graduated in 2019, and 2020. This season, a new team with some returning veterans looks to defend their sectional championship.

As of Friday, June 4th, the baseball knights are 15-4, with a recent loss to Penfield Highschool putting a halt on their momentum. However, the knights are not deterred and will continue to get ready for the sectional tournament. 

Junior players have made a big impact for this year’s baseball team. McQuaid is led by pitcher Daniel McAliney ‘22, who has been impressive on the mound. At the plate, Aiden Stewart ‘22, Will Taylor ‘22 , Ed Hall ‘22, and Tanner DeGrazia ‘22, among others have been solid. 

The team has some returning players from the 2019 State Champion team, including Will Taylor, ‘22.

“We do have a lot of championship experience” says Taylor, who was a Freshman on the 2019 team. 

He followed up saying, “I think we all understand what that team had our Freshman and Sophomore year, and we’re trying to stick with that”. 

The Sectional Tournament starts Monday, June 7, with the Knights playing the following Wednesday. McQuaid will likely have to beat Penfield to win the tournament. With their championship experience, they will look to make it back-to-back sectional championships.