By John Knebels • Posted July 2, 2025

With more than 43,000 fans cheering loudly in the background, Phillies’ star Zack Wheeler walked off the mound after throwing eight gloriously dominant innings Monday night at Citizens Bank Park.

Jake Marchesano knows how Wheeler felt. Well, maybe not exactly. But when you’re only 17 years old and have actually pitched in a real game on the Phillies’ home field, that’s as close as you’re going to get.

For now, at least.

“Never forget it,” said Marchesano. “Such a memorable experience I’ll have forever.”

A recent graduate of Archbishop Ryan and soon-to-be baseball Blue Hen and kinesiology major at the University of Delaware, Marchesano embraced the honor of starting for the Philadelphia Catholic League in the semifinals of the 39th annual Carpenter Cup Classic sponsored by the Phillies on June 16.

Labeling it “an amazing feeling” when he heard legendary Phillies public address announcer Dan Baker meticulously syllabize his last name as he warmed up before a sparse-but-passionate crowd that included his parents, uncle, cousins, and friends, Marchesano blended into the moment with a balanced, confident excitement.

“Pitching on that mound was truly a dream of mine and when I got out there, it felt like a dream come true,” said Marchesano. “Growing up watching the Phillies greats pitch on that mound, I always wanted to know what it was like pitching there, and it was a feeling I’ll never forget.

“I really took it all in during warm-ups because I knew when I got in the game, the nerves would catch up to me and I might’ve lost that focus. When it was time to get on the mound and compete, it was far different and I could feel my emotions start to change and the nerves come.”

Marchesano’s first pitch was an outside fastball for strike one. Ultimately hurling the maximum two innings, the right-hander surrendered a miserly one hit while striking out three.

Although the PCL would ultimately lose to eventual champion Burlington County, 9-3, players like Marchesano can always regale friends and family – and anyone else who cares to listen – about a dreamlike event akin to winning a baseball lottery.

“It was such a surreal feeling stepping on that field,” said Marchesano. “It was a moment I’ll cherish forever. When it was over, it was disappointing, but I know not many get the chance to pitch there, so I was just very grateful I got that opportunity.”

While a student at Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Penndel, the second youngest of six siblings said he “loved the environment, people, and teachers.”

Unfortunately, however, he and his classmates were unable to participate in sports because of the Covid pandemic.

When he joined the team at Archbishop Ryan, Marchesano established several individual goals. Almost all of them would come to fruition.

In the PCL semifinals on May 23, Marchesano tossed the most clutch game of his career. In a 2-0 shutout victory over two-seed Archbishop Wood, Marchesano allowed only three hits and two walks while striking out five over 6 2/3 superb innings.

The five-seed Raiders lost to six-seed Bonner-Prendergast the next day, 10-0, in the final.

“Definitely was disappointed with the outcome of losing in the championship, but looking back on the season from where we came from and what we went through this season, I’m super proud of what we did as a team,” said Marchesano.

“I’m super blessed to have been able to experience being in the championship and playing in the Carpenter Cup, because they were all great experiences and I loved every moment of this season.”

Already a two-time, first-team All-Catholic, Marchesano punctuated his 2025 high school campaign by being named first-team, all-state.

“It really does add icing on the cake,” said Marchesano. “It was definitely something in the back of my mind coming into the season, knowing I got second team last year. So getting first-team all-state this year was a great honor after a big year, and I was really happy and excited to hear about it.”

Side note: Zack Wheeler was a first-team, all-state selection his senior year of high school.

Just saying…

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Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on ‘X’ @johnknebels.