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Raritan Valley Community College

2026 Baseball Season Preview

March 3, 2026

Raritan Valley Community College Baseball 

The Raritan Valley Community College baseball program enters the 2026 season focused on growth and consistency after finishing 10-20-1 in 2025. While the Lions narrowly missed Region XIX postseason play last spring, the year included several strong performances, including conference wins over CCM, Sussex County, and Del-Tech, as well as non-conference victories against Middlesex College and Union. RVCC also closed the season with a 28-1 win over Rockland CC on Sophomore Day, highlighting the team's offensive potential. 

With a strong returning core and a number of key additions, the Lions look to build on those positives as they return to Region XIX competition. 

Head Coach Dan Mondelli begins his fourth season leading the program. Under his direction, the Lions reached the postseason in 2024 and continue to emphasize player development and competitive balance within the region. Coach Mondelli's assistants include Coach Tony Siniscalco, a member of the program since 2018, providing continuity in day-to-day operations and experience within the program. He is also joined by first-year pitching coach Casey Gorczyca (Clark University / Parsippany Hills HS) and first-year hitting coach Timmy Wright, an RVCC alum who recently completed his collegiate career at Kean University. The additions of Gorczyca and Wright bring fresh perspectives on player development to complement the program's established foundation. 

RVCC returns several sophomores who are expected to take on expanded roles this season. 

  • Ray Nault (St. Thomas Aquinas HS) appeared in nine games last year, logging 26.2 innings. He is projected to anchor the rotation in 2026. 

  • Nico Pachamango (Raritan HS) will be a key bullpen contributor after recording 10 strikeouts in 15 innings last season. 

  • Ben Hernandez (South Amboy HS) returns as one of the team's top offensive performers. He hit .296 with a .449 on-base percentage in 2025 and will provide leadership in the infield while looking to continue his career at the four-year level following graduation. 

  • Miky Tavarez (Dominican Republic) contributed two home runs last season and is expected to provide additional run production in the middle of the lineup. 

  • Tommy Baase (Hunterdon Central HS) looks to bounce back from an injury-plauged season. His versatility allows him to contribute at multiple defensive positions. 

  • Joey Sanchez (South Brunswick HS) will serve as the team's primary catcher while also providing innings on the mound, giving the Lions flexibility both defensively and on the pitching staff. 

The Lions added several experienced transfers following the 2025 season. Sophomore transfers include Jesse Lance (Georgian Court University), Teddy Garcia (Middlesex College), and Nick Sellitti (CCM), each bringing collegiate experience within the region. Spring additions Anthony Claudino (UCNJ) and Anthony DeNora (RCSJ–Gloucester), both graduates of Governor Livingston HS and members of last year's state championship team, add additional experience and depth. Mike Shipula (TCNJ) joins the roster as a catcher, right-handed pitcher, and first baseman, further strengthening the team's versatility. 

RVCC also welcomes a number of freshmen from several local Hunterdon and Somerset Co. schools including, Somerville HS and North Hunterdon. The coaching staff expects all of the first-year players to compete for meaningful roles throughout the season and contribute to the teams success on the field.

The Lions will again compete in a challenging Region XIX schedule that includes CCM, Sussex County, Mercer County, Lackawanna College and Del-Tech. Non-conference matchups against Middlesex College, RCSJ-Cumberland, Rockland CC, Orange County CC, and Westchester (Region XV) are also expected to be competitive. 

With a balanced mix of returning sophomores, experienced transfers, and local freshmen talent, RVCC enters 2026 aiming to return to postseason play. Continued development on the mound, consistent offensive production, and improved execution in close games will be key factors throughout the spring. The foundation is in place for the Lions to take a step forward in Region XIX competition this season. 

The Lions open up their 2026 campaign this Wednesday (3/4) against RCSJ-Cumberland at 3:30. The game will be played at Diamond Nation in Flemington, NJ.