STATE CHAMPS!

Saratoga Central Catholic makes history, wins school’s first state baseball title

The Saratoga Central Catholic baseball team made history last weekend with a 4-0 win over top-ranked Deposit/Hancock at SUNY Binghamton Stadium on June 14. The Saints pictured celebrate after their win. (Provided photo)

The Saratoga Central Catholic baseball team made history last weekend.

With a 4-0 win over top-ranked Deposit/Hancock at SUNY Binghamton Stadium on June 14, the Saints won the Class C state title, claiming their first state title in the sport. The Saints (27-1), who last made the state championship game in 2000, were led by junior pitcher Pierce Byrne, a Siena College commit, who allowed just one hit while striking out 11 in the championship game. Senior Ryan Gillis gave the Saints all the offense they would need with a three-run homer in the first inning. 

Byrne erupts after getting the final out. 

The 2025 Champions celebrate their win.

In the semifinals on June 13, the Saints, who won the Section II Class C crown by beating Granville, 5-2, defeated Burke Catholic, 5-2. The key hit in the game was a triple in the seventh by senior Ronan Rowe. This is the second state championship across all sports in St. Peter’s Academy/Saratoga Central Catholic history with the last one coming in 1973 when St. Peter’s Academy won the boys’ state basketball crown.

It has been a magical year for the Saints and longtime coach Alphonse Lambert, who won his first state title in his 37th year coaching the squad. Under his guidance, the Saints have won six sectional championships, 15 league titles, four regional titles and have compiled 13 20-win seasons.

Prior to the historic weekend, five players and Lambert were recognized at the Section 2 baseball banquet with Wasaren League honors. Gillis (bottom, from l.), Byrne and Rowe were named first-team all-stars, Lambert (’84) was named Wasaren League Coach of the Year, senior Hunter Fales was named Wasaren League MVP and junior Kihl Kelly was also named a first-team all-star. In addition, Lambert also received the “Section 2 Craig Phillips Small School Coach of the Year” award. The award was presented to him by Phillips, a longtime friend, historic Spa Catholic rival and former legendary coach of Fort Plain.

Photos courtesy of SCC eighth grader Holden Goodridge.