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Pfaeffle wins Paul Gibson Award

BY GREGG SARRA | gregg.sarra@newsday.com

June 17, 2008

He was the linchpin of a Commack pitching staff that earned a share of the Suffolk League II baseball title and a spot in the county Class AA championship series. Righthander Ryan Pfaeffle dazzled hitters with a four-pitch repertoire, including an explosive fastball and a devastating changeup.

The four-year varsity player established himself as one of Long Island's top pitchers with wins over playoff qualifiers Patchogue-Medford, Connetquot, Northport and Sachem North. He helped eliminate Patchogue-Medford from the Class AA playoffs with two gutsy one-run wins and earned a save against West Islip in Game 2 of the AA championship series.

"He's a tremendous competitor," Commack coach Ed Boll said. "He doesn't just throw when he's out there. He knows how to pitch and how to keep the hitters off balance."

Pfaeffle had a fantastic senior season. He finished with an 8-1 record, a 1.36 earned run average and struck out 80 batters in 62 innings. For his yearlong dominance, Pfaeffle earned the Paul Gibson Award presented to Suffolk's top pitcher last night at the Suffolk County Coaches Association dinner at the Polish Hall in Riverhead.

"He's got three great pitches and spots the ball really well," Boll said. "His location was unbelievable, walking only three batters in the regular season. And he could really bear down in tough situations and get outs."

Pfaeffle's impeccable control and unyielding resilience enabled Commack to grab a piece of the League II crown. The 6-1, 185-pounder also muscled his way into the Cougars' lineup at first base. The sure-handed fielder solidified the infield and batted .432. He hit 16 doubles, 24 RBIs, scored 21 runs and struck out only six times in 88 at-bats.

"He was our team leader and our captain in every sense," Boll said. "We're going to miss him. He was a class act."

Pfaeffle will attend George Mason University on a baseball scholarship next season.