by Vinny Messana
With the 2016 MLB Home Run Derby set to take place tomorrow night in San Diego–it got me thinking: who would win if only current Long Island players took place?
Assuming the game took place on a typical college field with dimensions of 330 ft down the lines and 400 ft to center with 375 in the gaps, here are a few names of participants (with their schools and their next academic year) that would put on a show…
Nick Balfe-Freshman, SUNY Old Westbury
Here’s a player that has received less publicity than the others but he had a breakout senior season for North Babylon this year and he smacked five HR for the Bulldogs. He is staying on Long Island to play his collegiate ball at Old Westbury. He fits the profile of a power-hitting corner infielder. He is a pure-hitter but if he had 10 swings to let loose on, he would turn some heads.
Nick Bottari-Redshirt Sophomore, Hofstra
The former University of Miami slugger, currently at Hofstra, can hit bombs with the best of them. His exit velocity was recently recorded at 107 MPH off the bat. That is comparable with almost any MLB slugger outside of Giancarlo Stanton and Yoenis Cespedes. He smacked 6 HR in 2016 and much of that came with a significant back injury. During their trip to Texas A & M, I watched him hit one over the gigantic scoreboard in left field. Simply put, it would be tough to knock Bottari out.
Vito Friscia-Sophomore, Hofstra
We’d be remiss to leave Friscia off this list due to his now-legendary performance at the HS Power Showcase in Florida two years ago. He blasted one 471 foot shot that defied logic for a player his age. He did not display that power as a freshman at Hofstra this season, but it’s certainly in the tank. Should be interesting to see how it develops in games as he gains more experience at the Div-I level.
Matt Hogan-Junior, Hills East HS
Our top ranked HS player on Long Island has an exit velocity recorded as high as 104 MPH. It’s easy to forget he’s only entering his junior season in HS because he has been on the radar for the past couple of seasons. He smacked five HR this season despite getting pitched around on numerous occasions. Gifted athletically, Hogan is a step above most of the players he faces. Easily one of the most powerful players on the island regardless of age.
Brian Morrell-Senior, Shoreham Wading River HS
The reigning Carl Yastrzemski Award winner led all Long Island hitters with 12 HR this season, so look no further than that. He will be playing his collegiate ball at the University of Notre Dame. He was recently clocked at 94 MPH off the bat. He generates tremendous pop with his swing and can turn around the best fastballs.
Sean Rausch-Freshman, Hofstra
Photo Credit: Christine Heeren
Ryan McSherry, Head Coach of Longwood called him the “strongest high school kid he’s coached or worked with”. He hit 3 HR this season, but projects to have much more over the course of a Div-I season, especially as he learns to hone his prodigious power and turn fastballs into souvenirs.
Louis Mele-Senior, NYIT
The slugging third baseman, now entering his senior season at NYIT led all of Long Island in HRs in 2015 with nine. He added five more this season. He has terrific bat speed and generates lots of climbing line drives with his bat path. He is a true power hitter and would put on a show.
Marc Wangenstein-Freshman, University at Albany
He was arguably the best hitter on a stacked team that won the Long Island Championship in 2015 when he hit .390 with four HR. He followed that up with another fantastic season this year. He is more of a gap-to-gap hitter in the games but with his size, he has the bat speed to launch baseballs into the stands.
