Alumni Blog
3 Hermits Baseball Alumni Make National Headlines
Posted July 13th, 2022
The Hermits Baseball program has risen to statewide dominance under the guidance of head coach, Michael Bylone ’86 and the support of Hermit Nation. These standouts of the diamond have set the standard to the tune of 6-consecutive South Jersey Non-Public “A” titles including a Non-Public “A” State Title (2018) during this recent run along with three Diamond Classic crowns. Along the way, Coach Bylone and the program have developed a number of scholar-athletes who have continued their success at the collegiate and professional levels. With names such as Mike Campo ’95 (Anaheim Angels), Joe Gatto ’14 (Anaheim Angels), and Zach Warren ’14 (Philadelphia Phillies) in mind, these three Hermits Young Alumni are working to add their names to Hermits Baseball folklore.
Gerry Peacock ’19 (#27) pictured with his Fighting Irish teammates after clinching a berth in the 2022 NCAA College World Series
Gerry Peacock ’19 currently toes the rubber for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and was part of a thrilling run to the 2022 College World Series. Hermit Nation was treated to Gerry’s immense talent on both the mound and at the plate but his leadership was one of his greatest attributes. Fresh off a memorable season for the Fighting Irish, he and his teammates will look to match and exceed this year’s long postseason run.
Another former standout for the Hermits, Kevin Eaise ’18, just capped off a decorated career with the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to making 1st team All-Ivy League, the right-hander was also named the Ivy League Pitcher of the Year. Hailing from Monroeville, New Jersey, Kevin started 13 games for the 33-15 Quakers and had a 7-1 record; he tied for most wins in the conference with Quakers teammate Owen Coady. He also finished third in the league in strikeouts (79), fourth in innings pitched (67), fifth in ERA (4.03), and he had a .257 batting against average.
Kevin Eaise ’18 starred on the mound for the Hermits and the UPenn Quakers. The hard-throwing righty was the 2022 Ivy League Pitcher of the Year but also got the job done in the classroom by being named to the 2022 Academic All-Ivy Team. The 2022 Penn graduate now heads to UNC-Chapel Hill as a graduate student (Pre-Med Track) and will join the nationally ranked Tar Heels baseball program for his 5th year of eligibility.
The accolades didn’t stop there for the imposing right-hander, he was also named to the All-Philadelphia First Team by Philadelphia Baseball Review. What’s next for the Ivy League Pitcher of the Year? With a UPenn degree in Health Care Markets and Finance and a minor in Neuroscience in tow, he has committed to continue his NCAA Career at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as a graduate student (pre-medical track) and as a pitcher for the Tar Heels nationally-ranked baseball program.
Last but certainly not least is 2018 Hermits Alumnus, Josh Hood, the Seattle Mariners’ 6th-round draft selection in the 2022 MLB Draft. Another Hermits Baseball star who began his collegiate career at the University of Pennsylvania, the former Ivy League Rookie of the Year moved onto NC State for his junior season. The star infielder continued his torrid pace in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference batting .268 with 13 home runs and 52 RBIs. His performance led the Wolfpack to the ACC title game and ultimately contributed to his selection in the 6th-round of the MLB Draft by the Mariners. The 2018 New Jersey Player of the Year becomes the third St. Augustine graduate to currently play in the minor leagues. Joe Gatto and Zach Warren, both 2014 graduates, both pitch in the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
With a number of talented Hermits Alumni currently scattered across NCAA baseball diamonds, the future is bright as these talented scholar-athletes continue to raise the bar. For current and future Hermits Baseball players, there is no greater honor than working to continue the legacy of the school’s storied baseball program.
With the 186th pick the @Mariners select @NCStateBaseball shortstop Josh Hood, No. 224 on the Top 250 Draft Prospects list.
Watch live: https://t.co/Vpb66VBrPo pic.twitter.com/ID4DLteVMZ
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) July 18, 2022
Congrats Josh Hood@NCStateBaseball ? @Mariners #Pack9 pic.twitter.com/c21w8tXoJO
— #Pack9 ?? (@NCStateBaseball) July 18, 2022
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These talented Hermits Young Alumni are part of one of the most dominant runs in school history for the school’s baseball program. They join countless Hermit Brothers who have continued their careers and are currently competing at every level of collegiate and professional baseball. This group’s sustained success is a strong example of life as a Hermit Brother entering a new chapter as an alumnus. The school is blessed to have many alumni who continue to represent the Prep with the same pride and vigor they held as students. Gerry, Kevin, and Josh join a list of proud Hermits Alumni who have earned distinctions in education, athletics, medicine, business, and a variety of industries. Do you know a young man who is ready to become a “Man of Character” and attend the premier all-boys high school in New Jersey? Help us share the St. Augustine Experience by encouraging prospective students and families to learn more about the admissions process by visiting hermits.com/applynow or contacting admissions@hermits.com today!
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