Griffins Remember And Honor One Of Their Own

Many if not all of the current members of the Donovan Catholic High School baseball team are aware of Chris Calderone and what they did this past week will ensure that future players will remember the Griffins former captain who died tragically in an auto accident in November of 2015. Calderone, who graduated from what was then Monsignor Donovan High School in 2014, was a 20-year old passenger in a horrific crash on the New Jersey Turnpike that also claimed the life of his friend Rob Critelli, a Point Pleasant Beach graduate. A Brick native, Calderone was an outstanding centerfielder for the Griffins who was known for his leadership, bright smile and guitar as he was a part of a band and was planning to pursue a career in music while attending college.

Donovan Catholic wrapped up its season with an alumni game on Saturday as part of senior recognition day and afterward dedicated a memorial prayer garden around the flag pole at the field on Whitty Road in Toms River. Chris’ parents Lew and Brenda and brother David were on hand for the dedication which was a gift from the seniors on the team and will forever keep his name a part of the baseball program and school itself.

The Calderone Family created a scholarship fund in Chris’ name and last week presented Griffin seniors Alex Jansen, Jared Knoeller and Brooke Sobieski with scholarships during the school’s senior awards program. To fund the memorial award they started a Softball Tournament and Home Run Derby with the 2nd annual scheduled for Saturday, July 1st at the Drum Point Sports Complex in Brick.

For information on how you can get involved in the all-day event contact Brenda Calderone at 732-330-6038. Check out their Facebook page under Christopher Calderone Memorial Scholarship Fund for complete details.