We already knew that Sachem pitcher Rafe Schlesinger was the best pitcher in Suffolk County, but now it’s official. The Sachem East phenom won the Paul Gibson Award presented by the Suffolk County Baseball Coaches Association to solidify the honor.
He was stellar during his senior campaign with a 4-1 record, 0.70 ERA, 80 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched. He is the first pitcher from Sachem to win the Gibson Award since the honor began in 1997.
The University of Miami commit is likely to be the first Sachem East player drafted in July and the first Sachem player since Alec Sole, who was drafted by Tampa in the 18th round in 2014, to get selected.
Following the season, Schlesinger took part in the MLB Combine where he struck out four hitters in two innings.
GOLD GLOVE: Sachem East junior outfielder Richie Heyder, who was named All-League, won a Gold Glove this season for his outstanding defensive efforts. Heyder is committed to New Jersey Institute of Technology.