Group Photo of the 2017 PAHS Baseball Team *Photo by Paul W. Wang

Press Release

PERTH AMBOY – Perth Amboy High School baseball stars Chris Brito and Darius Diaz has signed their Full-Division 1 scholarships to continue their education and colligate baseball careers. This will be the first time in Perth Amboy High School Baseball history were 2 players will sign 100% scholarships to play Division -1 Baseball.

Diaz, has made the commitment to Kennesaw State University (GA).  The school’s last three starting catchers were MLB draft picks including Max Bentecost, a recipient for the 2014 Johnny Bench Award as the nation’s best Division-1 catcher.  Kennesaw State University, a member of the Atlantic Sun Conference, has had 32 players selected in the MLB draft.  Diaz, who moved back to Perth Amboy from the Dominican Republic 2 years ago, emerged as one of New Jersey all-around best players.

Brito, who over the past 3 seasons, was the most consistent hitter in the Greater Middlesex Conference and one of the best in the state, has made the commitment to Rutgers University, accepting a full-scholarship from the Scarlet Knights. A versatile infielder, Brito has started at shortstop and third base and also pitched for Perth Amboy.

Coach Alex Perez, a former professional baseball player with the New York Yankees and currently Perth Amboy Head Baseball Coach projects Brito as a third baseman at the next level. Brito, has had many scholarships offers but has decided to “stay close to home”.  He felt with the academics and with the Rutgers baseball program turning it around and going to the Big-Ten Conference it was a perfect fit for him.

Head Baseball Coach Alex Perez is entering his 5th season at Perth Amboy High School and has changed the culture in dramatic fashion.  In just 4 years Coach Perez has managed to get 39 players into college including 15 players into college baseball. Coach Perez, projects that this year baseball team will be an exciting team to watch as the Perth Amboy Panthers seek to win their first-ever Greater Middlesex Conference title.

The Athletic Director Naphtaly Cardona emphasized education first, and set up strict guidelines. There was mandatory study hall and meetings with parents. He wanted to make sure players had the opportunity to go to college. Winning was secondary. Head Coach Alex Perez was his first hire and he followed Cardona’s philosophy.

Chris Brito and Darius Diaz with Athletic Director Naphtaly Cardona (C) and all the Coaches