July 15, 2025- Matthew Pherrara, perhaps?
The standout former High School East shortstop has been drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Major League Baseball's Amateur Draft is taking place in advance of its All-Star Game festivities, and during the ninth round the Phillies selected Ferrara with the 281st overall pick.
This caps quite an exciting few months for the former Raiders star. In early June, he helped lead his team to a state sectional title against district rival High School South. Just prior to that, Ferrara hit a personal milestone: 100 hits for his HSE baseball career.
Oh, and he graduated high school.
Now, he's in the Phillies system.
During last night's MLB Home Run Derby, former High School South star Todd Frazier— a past Derby champ himself— served as one of the event's announcers. Now, yet another local kid has a chance to make it big on the diamond. Toms River baseball excellence continues to span generations.
Good luck, Matthew!