Fitch-Waterford Baseball Rivalry A Family Feud

For over a quarter century, the Fitch High vs. Waterford High baseball series resembled a friendly, yet competitive Hatfield vs. McCoy type rivalry.

Arguably the area's two best teams and among the state's best since the '70s, Fitch and Waterford have featured great players and legendary coaches.

Ed Harvey, winner of 440-plus career games and three state titles, manned the Fitch dugout from 1979 to 2007. He engaged in a match of baseball brainstorming with first Gerry Rousseau, who retired in 1994,  and then Jack O'Keefe, who combined for a state-best nine state titles.  O' Keefe retired last year, turning the page on that storied coaching era.

But now, the Fitch-Waterford version of Hatfield-McCoy neighborhood battle has taken on a new identity of a Family Feud.

Marc Peluso took over for Harvey in 2008 and has since led the Falcons to an Eastern Connecticut Conference championship and three straight state quarterfinal berths. His brother, Art Peluso, was promoted from Waterford JV coach after 13 years to varsity coach this year, and looks to continue the Lancers' legacy of baseball greatness.

Aside from the fact that there's a good chance a Peluso will coach the ECC Large Division champ for years to come, the brothers downplay the rivalry. In fact, they have less in common that you would think.

Marc is in his late '20s, 13 years younger than Art, who recently turned 40. Marc stands about 6-foot-3, while Art is closer to 5-foot-10 with long cleats. Art has sported a goatee and mustache, while Marc doesn't look as though he needs to shave with his youthful cleancut look.

Their playing styles have hardly been mirror images as well. Art was a self-proclaimed defensive specialist and base-runner at Southern Connecticut. Marc didn't steal many bases, but hit over .350 as a UConn senior first baseman in 2004.

"I was a walk-on at Southern, had speed but couldn't hit," Art said. "My brother could hit. He is taller, but I like to think I am smarter and better looking."

Because of their age difference, the two brothers have not enjoyed many opportunities to compete with or against each other on the diamond. Art, though, claims a superior golf game in head-to-match matchups, saying "Marc drives for show, but I put for doe."

But both share an appreciation of their opportunities to assume command of such storied programs.

"Following in the footsteps of coach Rousseau and O' Keefe is something that I am very proud of, and I will do everything in my power to keep the tradition that both those coaches created going in the right direction," Art said.

During his first season in 2008, Marc said, "I've been blessed. If you said where would you want to start out as a varsity coach, Fitch would be right up there. It's a tremendous opportunity to guide a program that has been so successful for 30 years."

Both coaches may face a challenge as Waterford and Fitch have both graduated loads of talent over the years. The Falcons boasted three players who were drafted professionally last year, including first-round pick Matt Harvey, the Gatorade Player of the Year in 2007. Waterford's Rob Bono plays Class A ball, and nearly half a dozen Lancers play Division I college ball, including the 2010 state Gatorade top player in Colin O' Keefe (Virginia Tech).

Fitch finished 16-8 last year, reaching its third straight state quarterfinal under Peluso. The Falcons graduated most of its pitching, including Greg Porter and Joey Gingerella. John Mewha, the No. 3 starter, returns as does outfielder Drew Doyle, Ray Hall, and a promising prospect in sophomore shortstop Aaron Hill, who started as a freshman. Fitch will rely on some varsity newcomers, former Groton Babe Ruth stars in Al Jordan Johnson and John Conley, to contribute immediately.

Waterford lost O'Keefe, pitcher-catcher Alex Tuneski (UMass) and shortstop Terrance Farina (Wesleyan) from a 21-6 team which lost to Montville in the Class M final. Four senior starters, outfielders Matt Irvine and Pat Rogers, second baseman Mike DelosSantos and infielder James Annino return. On the mound, the Lancers will rely on pitcher Nolan Long, sophomore Jordan Hamler and two other varsity newcomers.

The Pelusos downplay the sibling rivalry, stating the history of player matchups, Bono vs. Browning, Menhart vs. Tonucci, Hahn vs. Epps, Carlow vs. O'Keefe, Marshall vs. Henry, Gardner vs. Piela among others, is what carries the Fitch vs. Waterford tradition.

"I feel that the rivalry has always been intense without two brothers involved against each other," Marc said.

Art agrees, but couldn't help from getting in the last word as the older brother.

"I just look at it as the kids from Waterford competing against the kids from Fitch," Art said. "That's not to say that it would not be nice beating them, especially, since I am 13 years his elder."