14 seed. When you are number 14 out of 18 teams in the playoff seeding, you can only imagine the fate people will assume for you. Well, Pat-Med baseball played against all odds. Considering the team had just clinched playoff berth with a 10-10 record, literally waiting until the last game to do so, no one expected what they did next; win.

Starting off the playoffs against the 3 seed, one would think we would never win; but, this team had something different in mind. They beat Half Hollow Hills East, 9-1. This was the start of a truly special playoff run. Having to then play the 6 seed, Bellport, we also were expected to lose, but surprise again, they defeated the odds and won 4-3. The last game before semi-finals, the boys again had to face Half Hollow Hills East. Once again, they were underdogs. But, in a very exciting game, they won 4-3 which sent them into the semi finals. Just to inform you all, the last time Pat-Med made semi finals, was the Marcus Stroman era. That is how you know this team is special.

The team now had to face number 2 seed, Commack. This team was predicted to win it all prior to the regular season starting. So, it was most definitely a challenge the Raiders were ready to face. In the first game, it was a thrilling and nail biting experience. They played a solid 11 innings but, fell short and lost 3-2. Game two. A game that will forever be remembered. Not just because it was a very significant game within the playoffs —  rather, something crazy happened.

This year, New York issued a new pitch count rule. These rules say that a high school pitcher can only pitch up to 105 pitches in one game. In the playoffs, it can be increased to 125. These rules were enforced to try and limit the injuries to young pitchers so they wouldn’t completely destroy their arms. However, Johnny Pohlman, Commack pitcher, went over the 125 limit, throwing 129. Now, if the pitcher goes over in the middle of already pitching to a batter, that’s ok. But, Pohlman continued to the next batter, even though he had already reached his limit. Do you know what the rules say about this? Well, if not, I shall inform you. It means: they other team MUST forfeit. It is as if that team played an ineligible player. Let me just point out, unfortunately the Raiders were losing to Commack, but this rule could have, would have, changed everything. As Coach Frascogna informed the umpires of how Pohlman had exceeded the limit, the game was paused and no one knew what was going on. As the dug out was starting to feel nostalgic because of the thought that “this was it” suddenly, hope was in the air. As everyone started to find out this rule, the switch of emotion was astounding. But, the umpires informed us we must finish out the game and afterwards, the game would be under protest and Section XI would decide who wins.

Guess what? Section XI didn’t enforce this forfeit rule. Coach Frascogna commented, “I know the rule is to protect pitchers, not to gain competitive advantage. However, each coach is responsible for keeping track and somehow they lost it and it was not for the section to decide. It is the home field book that should be the deciding factor in a disagreement.” So now, the Pat-Med baseball season is over.  The main thing many pondered was: Why have the rule and not enforce it? What do you think? Was Section XI wrong for not enforcing this rule and not making Commack forfeit? Either way, we are very proud of the Pat-Med baseball team for how far they came, when no one expected them to. Added Frascogna, “The season was definitely a memorable one. Alsmot being able to go to the county finals is something  we’ll never forger.” Congrats team for a wonderful and dramatic season.