Clarke baseball coach Tom Abruscato earns 300th victory

In Clarke baseball coach Tom Abruscato's 15-year career, his teams have won 13 conference titles, five Nassau titles, three Long Island championships and two state crowns. But all the wins he's compiled over the years are just a number, he said. It's the people he'll remember.

So when the Rams captured win No. 300 for Abruscato Monday in their 9-1 victory over Manhasset in a Conference A-IV/A-VI road game, Abruscato tipped his cap to everyone who's been along for the ride.

"For me, what it represents is all the kids, all the coaches that have won all of these games," said Abruscato, who is 300-65-1 overall. "That's what's most important. All of the kids and coaches that have been with me all of these years."

One of those coaches is Abruscato's current assistant, Mike Meittinis, who has been along for the entire ride as a player and coach. Meittinis and the Clarke program continue to mean the world to Abruscato.

After the win over Manhasset, Abruscato said, "Everyone jumped around me and gave me a big team hug. No Gatorade dunk."

Clarke's Matt Seelinger allowed no runs, two hits, one hit batsman and no walks in six innings, striking out 14. Kevin Lada went 3-for-3 with a home run, a double and three RBIs. Joe Fusco also homered.