Don Bosco Prep Baseball: Program Overview & 2025 Stats

By Emma Wilson · June 17, 2028

Don Bosco Prep Baseball: A Powerhouse in High School Athletics

Don Bosco Preparatory High School's baseball program, based in Ramsey, New Jersey, is one of the most competitive and respected high school teams in the nation. With multiple state championships, consistent national rankings, and a strong pipeline to NCAA Division I programs and Major League Baseball (MLB), the Don Bosco Ironmen have established themselves as a premier developmental program for elite high school athletes.

History and Legacy of Don Bosco Prep Baseball

Founded in 1915, Don Bosco Prep has built a storied athletic tradition, with its baseball team emerging as a dominant force in New Jersey and nationally over the past two decades. The program gained widespread recognition in the 2000s under head coaches such as Ed Toner and later Greg Toal and Glenn Gonnell, who emphasized discipline, fundamentals, and player development.

Key Milestones

Won multiple Non-Public A State Championships, including titles in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2023
Ranked in the Top 25 nationally by MaxPreps and USA Today on several occasions
Produced over 15 players who went on to play in MLB organizations
Regularly competes against national powerhouse programs in elite tournaments
Home games played at the on-campus Varsity Field, upgraded with synthetic turf in 2020

Recent Performance and Rankings (2023–2025)

The Don Bosco Prep baseball team remains a top-tier contender in New Jersey's highly competitive high school landscape. In 2023, the Ironmen captured the NJSIAA Non-Public A State Championship, defeating rival Bergen Catholic in a dramatic final. The 2024 season saw them reach the sectional semifinals, finishing with a 24–8 record and a national ranking peak of #18 by MaxPreps.

Season	Overall Record	League Record	State Result	National Rank (MaxPreps)	Head Coach
2023	27–5	14–2	Non-Public A Champions	#12	Glenn Gonnell
2024	24–8	13–3	Sectional Semifinalist	#18	Glenn Gonnell
2025 (Projected)	15–4 (as of May)	9–1	TBD	#25 (peak)	Glenn Gonnell
2022	22–9	12–4	Group IV Runner-up	#33	Glenn Gonnell
2021	18–7	10–5	Sectional Finalist	#41	Glenn Gonnell

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows sustained excellence, with Don Bosco maintaining a win rate above 70% over the last five seasons. Their consistent presence in state championship contention reflects strong program depth, coaching stability, and competitive scheduling. The upward trend in national rankings indicates growing recognition beyond New Jersey.

Player Development and College Recruitment

Don Bosco Prep is renowned for developing high-level talent, with numerous alumni advancing to NCAA Division I programs and professional baseball. The program emphasizes skill development, strength and conditioning, video analysis, and mental preparation.

Notable Alumni

Anthony Pereira – Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2022 (12th round); played at University of Miami
Joe Delossantos – Pitched at Villanova University; ranked among NJ’s top left-handers in 2023
Kevin Parada – Star catcher at Georgia Tech; former USA Baseball Youth National Team member; projected high MLB draft pick in 2024
Dan DiGiacomo – Played at Fordham University; key contributor to 2023 championship team

The coaching staff maintains strong relationships with college scouts and recruiters, hosting annual prospect days and participating in national showcases such as the Perfect Game National Showcase.

Coaching Staff and Training Philosophy

Under head coach Glenn Gonnell, who took over in 2018, the program has emphasized a modern, analytics-informed approach while maintaining core values of teamwork and discipline. Assistant coaches specialize in hitting, pitching, and defense, many with collegiate or professional playing experience.

Training Components

Daily practices incorporating video breakdown and biomechanical analysis
Strength and speed training using data-driven metrics
Use of Rapsodo and TrackMan technology for pitcher development
Game simulation drills and situational awareness training
Mental performance coaching in partnership with sports psychologists

Facilities and Resources

Don Bosco Prep has invested significantly in its baseball infrastructure. The on-campus Varsity Field features:

Synthetic turf infield (installed 2020)
Fully equipped dugouts and bullpens
Video recording system for game and practice review
Indoor training facility with batting cages and pitching mounds
Access to campus weight room and sports medicine staff

These resources allow for year-round training and reduce weather-related disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Bosco Prep Baseball

What league does Don Bosco Prep baseball play in?

Don Bosco Prep competes in the Big North Independence Division and is classified in Non-Public A by the NJSIAA for state tournament purposes. They regularly face top public and private schools across northern New Jersey.

How can a player join the Don Bosco Prep baseball team?

Players typically join through middle school recruitment, open tryouts, and evaluations held in the summer and fall. Prospective students must apply for admission to Don Bosco Prep and meet academic and athletic standards. The coaching staff actively scouts youth leagues and travel ball tournaments.

Has Don Bosco Prep won a state championship in baseball?

Yes, Don Bosco Prep has won multiple NJSIAA state championships in baseball, including titles in 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, and most recently in 2023. They are considered one of the winningest programs in New Jersey history.

Who is the current head coach of Don Bosco Prep baseball?

As of 2025, Glenn Gonnell is the head coach of the Don Bosco Prep baseball team. He previously served as an assistant under Ed Toner and has led the program to sustained success since taking over in 2018.

Do Don Bosco Prep baseball players receive college scholarships?

Yes, a significant number of Don Bosco Prep baseball players earn college scholarships each year, primarily to NCAA Division I and Division III programs. The school hosts recruiting seminars and assists players with highlight reels, transcripts, and NCAA eligibility registration.