Having been with the program as an assistant coach prior to taking over as the Head Coach five years ago, John Phelan knew this day would come.
“It’s taken a while,” he said. “But it’s developed into something special,” he added.
Coming off a 12-8 season is nothing to scoff at while playing in the very competitive CHSAA. Phelan knows they had a chance to be even better.
They lost four one-run games, not including their first two losses of the year to St. John the Baptist that came by a total of four runs.
They will be returning some of the top players in the Catholic League.
Leading the way is University of Michigan commit Cameron Tomaiko. He is a left-handed hitting outfielder with a smooth swing and possesses great speed. “He has the potential to be lights out,” said Phelan. He is ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the 2017 graduating class by the Blue Chip Prospects.
Tomaiko during his visit to U. of Michigan
He is also very high on his junior catcher, Kyle LaGrutta.
“He’s going to be on everyone’s radar this year,” said Phelan.
The outfield is what really has him excited for the season, though.
“We have the best outfield that I’ve seen here,” he said. “That outfield is seven players deep. They could start on any team in the league,” he added.
Connor Levchuk, their starting right fielder, is going to Vassar College. Vinny Amalfitano is committed to Johnson & Wales. Phelan lauded his work ethic that developed him into a “real high-caliber player”.
Phelan noted it will be difficult to get at bats for all of the worthy players, especially an outfielder like Nick Watts–a senior, who “has a cannon” and is a “very athletic kid”, according to his Head Coach.
The pitching staff will be very solid as well.
Matt Martino will be heading to Vassar College in the fall as well, and will also play third base when he’s not pitching.
“Matt is going to be one of the players to watch for the Catholic League MVP,” he said. “He had a great junior year. He throws in the low 80s. He’s just a bulldog.”
Pat Kennedy, a three-year starter, is committed to Molloy College.
“He just fights you for every pitch out there, another bulldog.”
Fighting for the third spot will be Sean Nichols, whom Phelan is expecting big things from, he said.
It will be no cake walk, especially with Chaminade returning Straton Podaras–arguably the best player on Long Island, and St. Dominic’s returning Kyle Young–Long Island’s version of Randy Johnson, but he expects they will be right in the mix for the top spot.
