We have seen this play dozens of times from a Don Bosco Prep shortstop.
Chasing a hard-hit grounder, he ranges three steps to his right, collects it back-handed, then fires the baseball on a jump throw with his momentum going towards the third base foul line to get the out.
That kind of jaw-dropping play was reserved for a Becker brother in the 2020s.
Two of the greater talents in recent New Jersey high school baseball history, Eric graduated in 2023 and has become a star at the University of Virginia, where he’s now a Top 15 prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft. His younger brother Nick was taken in the second round by the Seattle Mariners in 2025 directly out of Don Bosco.
They combined to help the Ironmen — ranked No. 4 in the NJ.com Preseason Top 20 — win three Non-Public A state championships. Whoever would replace these two titanic shortstops had major shoes to fill.
Enter Michael Rooney.
A senior, Rooney has more experience with the Don Bosco program than any other player, even though his prior roles were as the backup shortstop and a pinch-runner.
He is the son of the head coach and has watched his father lead the Ironmen since he was in grade school.
As if there wasn’t already enough pressure for anyone to play shortstop for a program of Don Bosco’s stature, Rooney is not only replacing two all-time greats, but doing so with his father calling the shots in the dugout.
“There’s definitely a little bit of pressure. You hear some chirps from the other team throughout the game. I’m aware of the situation, but I’m just happy to be in a spot to help my team again, even if the role is a little different,” Rooney said.
Rooney has quickly settled into his new role, batting second and playing shortstop. In his first two games as the everyday shortstop this spring, he’s driven in three runs and reached base four times, including a triple.
He even flashed a show-stopping back-handed jump throw on Wednesday in the fourth inning as part of Don Bosco’s 7-0 win against No. 10 Ramapo at home. He also turned a pair of double plays.
“He’s making big plays just like they did. We love having him there at shortstop,” said senior Don Bosco teammate Michael Hanna.
Rooney learned that he would be the starter at the end of the 2025 season, when Don Bosco hoisted its ninth state championship trophy in program history.
He was ready for the challenge.
“I have been with the program for the last 10 years. I’ve learned from my dad. I’ve learned from both Becker brothers. I’ve been so fortunate,” Rooney said.
When Nick Becker sat out eight games due to injury in 2025, Rooney seized the opportunity. He batted .333 in 24 at-bats, driving in 11 runs and drawing 11 walks. It wasn’t a consistent starting role, but he basked in the chance to prove that he was ready to take over upon Becker’s departure.
“Something we talk a lot about is having the attitude and gratitude to show everyone how good you can be. With that mindset, you can play easily and aggressively,” Coach Mike Rooney said.
“Dwelling on Michael’s situation can make it overwhelming. But he has a team and a coaching staff that believes in him. Now it’s about focusing on the opportunity that we have all prepared for.”
Don Bosco is off to a 2-0 start this season, extending the program’s win streak to 20 games, which dates back to last April. Even though there are newer players taking on different roles, the goal remains the same.
Win each day. Prepare for every situation. Believe in one another.
Now, even in a post-Becker era of Don Bosco baseball, they can still rely on its shortstop to contribute.
“We’re always rooting for the ball to be hit on the ground towards our shortstop,” Coach Rooney said.