While Stony Brook might be the one in the 631 area code, it’s another team in the America East Conference that is attracting many of the top players from the island.
Head Coach, Jon Mueller, now in his 17th season at the helm has done a great job at identifying the talented players and getting them to commit to joining the Great Danes.
June 5th at Dowling College
They open up their 2016 season on Friday against the University of South Carolina and Mueller noted that he is expecting to have five Long Island natives among his starters including pitcher Stephen Woods.
The 2013 graduate of Half Hollow Hills East was selected in the sixth round of the MLB Draft by Tampa Bay out of high school, but opted to attend college. He is coming off a strong sophomore season in which he compiled a 3.98 ERA over 54.1 IP with 55 strikeouts.
“Stephen has come a long way,” said Mueller. “He came in with a very strong arm, and violent offspeed stuff. He has much better command of his fastball now and has developed a nasty cutter,” he added.
While Woods will be getting much of the attention this season–and deservedly so with his skillset–there’s a number of other players worthy of recognition.
Freshman and Pat-Med grad Matt Codispoti will be his battery mate. Coming off an All-State season largely due to his offensive prowess, Mueller has been pleased with his play on the other side of the ball.
Photo Credit: Bill O’Rourk
“He’s made great strides defensively,” he said. “I’m impressed with the accuracy of his arm. He’s worked very hard defensively. He has great makeup,” he added.
In the middle of the infield will be two more notable Long Island players. Pat LaGravinese, a 2015 graduate of Smithtown East, and Matt Hinchy, a 2012 graduate of Miller Place, will form a dynamic and uber-athletic middle of the infield. LaGravinese, a two-way player in HS is noted for his smooth hands in the field and line-drive hitting ability at the plate.
One of his teammates in HS made the trip up north with him to remain teammates for the next four years–RHP Dominic Savino. The 6’6″ side slinger was named to the All-County team last year and played in the Suffolk vs. Nassau All-Star Game.
Another recognizable name was one who made a late decision to join the Great Danes. Aaron Gagliano, the 2015 recipient of the Silver Slugger Award, batted a robust .591 as a senior and drove in 28 runs. He will not factor in the Opening Day lineup due to suffering an injury recently.
Regardless, Albany is in great position to compete this season in the America East Conference. If they overcome Stony Brook for the first time since 2011, it will be in large part to several players who grew up virtually in the backyard of Joe Nathan Field.
(Photo Credit: Alex Petroski)
