Jack Bono enters his fourth season as the Junior Blue Sox head coach in 2025, first in Senior Legion.
The 2024 season was the best in the team’s history, finishing with an impressive 25-4 overall record. The team showcased remarkable consistency and determination, especially during a 10-game win streak that closed out the regular season. In the district playoffs, after a tough loss in the opening game, the team bounced back in spectacular fashion. They went on a nine-game tear, highlighted by defeating Utica Post twice in the District Championship to win the title for the first time in program history. The momentum carried over into the NYS tournament, where they swept all opponents, and continued into regional play with a victory over Connecticut in the first game. This season was a testament to the team’s growth, resilience, and championship mindset, setting a new standard for the program.
The 2023 season marked a significant improvement for the team, finishing with a strong 13-7-1 record. After a challenging previous year, the young squad showed tremendous growth, turning close games into victories and demonstrating resilience throughout the season. The team’s progress was evident as they competed at a higher level, ultimately making it to the District V Final. There, they faced a tough opponent in undefeated Ilion Post.
The 2022 baseball season was a challenging one for the team, ending with an 8-12 record. It was a young squad that showed promise but faced tough lessons, including being walked off against five times. Despite the setbacks, the team gained valuable experience. Their playoff run ended against Whitestown Post, the eventual state champions. Though it was a tough season, the players grew stronger, setting the stage for future success.
Bono enjoyed a four-year baseball career at Utica University from 2020-2023. After losing his first season in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bono quickly became immersed into the program. Over the span of his four year career, Bono collected a .331 Batting Average with a .424 Slugging Percentage and a .484 On-Base Percentage. Defensively, he tallied a .985 career Fielding Percentage. In his four year career, Bono was a part of the first conference championship appearance in program history, which followed with another championship appearance the year after. In 2023, the Pioneers finished with 24-16, which was the 2nd highest winning season in school history.
Bono’s best season came in the Spring of 2023, with a .345 Batting Average, .431 Slugging Percentage, and a .506 On Base percentage. This earned him All-Conference honors in the Empire 8 Athletic Conference.
Bono graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Physical and Health Education in May 2023, and is currently pursuing a Masters degree at Utica University.
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