BCC’s Menna and Archer tabbed as All-Americans
Children of all ages attended the Jersey Shore Elite Basketball Clinic that was held at Red Bank Regional High School on June 12 and 13. More photos at gmnews.com. ERIC SUCAR staff
Menna, the Jersey Blues’ ace righty, was named to the NJCAA First Team.
Archer, a right fielder, earned a spot on the NJCAA Third Team.
In 59 innings pitched in 2010, Menna struck out a team-high 64 batters, an average of 1.09 per inning. Surrendering only 10 earned runs, the Red Bank Catholic graduate’s earned run average was a stingy 1.53.
Menna, a 6-3 righthander, was drafted in the 14th round of the recent Major League Baseball Draft by the Oakland Athletics.
Brookdale Coach Johnny Johnson said it wasn’t Menna’s 90 mph fastball alone that made him a major league prospect.
“He has the internal drive,” said Johnson. “He has dedicated his whole life to the game. It’s how much you want to work and he’s worked hard. He is a great leader. He led by example.”
Johnson said Menna is mechanically sound and is mentally tough on the mound. He said he expects Menna to sign with the A’s shortly and be assigned to a team in the minor leagues.
Archer compiled 54 hits during his curtain call with Brookdale. Starting in all 43 of Brookdale’s games, the Freehold native hit .422 and scored 40 runs. He blasted 27 extra-base hits (20 doubles, two triples, five home runs), while driving in 40 runs.
Prior to being named to their respective All-American teams, Menna and Archer were both selected to the All-Region XIX and All-Garden State Athletic Conference first teams.
The Brookdale baseball team concluded its 2010 campaign with a loss in the Region XIX tournament to eventual national champion Gloucester County College. The Jersey Blues, who were ranked No. 9 in the country, finished he campaign with a record of 31-12.
