Phil Russo (Staten Island, NY/St. Joseph By The Sea) was on pace to solidify himself as one of the best ever to put on a Maritime College baseball uniform after leaving the team's 2020 spring break trip just 15 hits shy of breaking the program record for career hits. With a career batting average of .323 and 29 games left in the season, it was only a matter of time before the first baseman broke the record. Unfortunately, the team's final game in Florida also marked an abrupt end to the 2020 season as the spring season was canceled due to coronavirus just a few days later and Russo didn't get his chance to stand at the top of the record books.

"The Friday afternoon where Coach called a meeting drop the terrible news was honestly one of the worst days of my life," said Russo. "I'd be lying to say that I didn't cry like a baby possibly knowing my baseball career, something that's been a part of my life since I was 4 years old, was suddenly taken away from me against my own will. It was honestly a feeling I would never want to wish on any athlete."

Although Russo's career didn't end the way he had hoped, he still solidified himself as one of the top players in program history with only three full seasons played. During his rookie campaign, Russo made an immediate impact and ultimately helped lead the team to the Skyline Conference Championship and an NCAA tournament berth. The Staten Island, NY native started in 37 out of 38 games played and finished with a .359 batting average and 51 hits, good enough for third all-time in a single season. In the Privateers semi-final and championship game, Russo combined for seven hits in 11 at-bats with six RBIs and three runs scored. "Playing baseball since I was 4 years old, that was the first time I truly got to experience a Championship dog pile and that's a memory I'll truly never forget," said Russo. "That whole playoff weekend was some of the best baseball I have ever been apart of and it is something I truly am grateful for."

Russo continued to be an offensive weapon for the Privateers in his sophomore season as he started in 36 games and finished with a .349 batting average on 124 at-bats. In the 2019 season, Russo set two new single-season marks for Maritime as he started in, and played 40 games. Head coach Charlie Barbieri added nothing but praise for his two-year captain. "Phil was one of the most consistent offensive players we've had in Maritime baseball history," said Barbieri. "His bat was a big part of our conference championship in 2017 and his outstanding play earned him a first team all-conference nod in 2018. All of these accolades led to him being named to our Maritime Baseball All-Decade team in 2020. Phil excelled off the field as well, being named a 2-year team captain while earning his degree in engineering, which he has turned into a lucrative job at RGBS Enterprises. His leadership and offensive prowess will be irreplaceable! "

Many high school student-athletes find their way to Maritime College based on academic reputation and the ability to continue their athletic career, but Russo found a special connection on his journey to the college. While looking for colleges where he could obtain an engineering degree, his gym and home room teacher, Coach Ciccarelli, presented him with the idea of attending Maritime after reading an article on the school. Russo thought of Coach Ciccarelli as a mentor in high school and after he thought that Maritime would be a great fit Russo, he began his journey to the school. Sadly, Coach Ciccarelli lost a battle with cancer while Russo was a senior in high school, which. "This story always holds a major place in my heart as a way to remember him as he was the one he led me in the direction to get to where I am today, a graduate of Maritime College," said Russo."

Russo will leave a lasting impact on the Maritime College Baseball program and his name will stand across the record books for years to come. "Ultimately I'm going to miss being with the boys from the team and making memories day in and day out with them whether it be on the ball field, around campus, etc.," said Russo. "And most definitely I am going to miss the feeling of competing on the diamond wearing the Maritime logo on my chest."