4A: A day of double losses for Silvestri

By Izzy Gould, Times Staff Writer
In print: Saturday, May 3, 2008

Joe Silvestri

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DADE CITY — Joe Silvestri could have hugged his mom forever. The long blond hair spilling out of his baseball cap kept his emotions concealed.

It had been a tough day for Nature Coast's starting pitcher, a day that turned with a frantic phone call from his mother just hours before what would be his final high school game.

There had been a break-in at their home. The thieves found Joe's room, swiped his Xbox then cleaned out his closet that was once filled with an extensive collection of 40 or so vintage basketball jerseys he had gathered since sixth grade. From Kobe Bryant to a Ray Allen, they were all gone.

"I didn't believe it at first," Silvestri said. "I go home, look in my closet and I just see hangers. When the cop left I realized all my stuff was gone and I probably would never see it again. I had them all."

Silvestri considered not pitching, but he didn't want to let down the Sharks or miss what might be a final opportunity to play with close friends Travis Murray, Brandon Derespiris and Kenny Treverton.

Pasco won 12-3, but after the Sharks jumped out to a 3-0 lead through an inning and a half he knew he made the right decision.

"I've been playing them since we were 10," Silvestri said. "To go out like this seven years later, it'll take time for me to get used to not seeing them at practice."

Silvestri swears for seven innings and even through that hug, his thoughts were on nothing but baseball.

"I didn't think I'd be able to pitch but I have great teammates," Silvestri said.

"They gave me their condolences and said everything would be all right. I just went out there and pitched."