Last year’s record: 25-14 (.641)
Key roster losses: Nicholas Soriano (SS) Michael McCormick (INF) Michael Tancredi (INF) Adam Waldhof (P)
Key roster additions: Joseph Minnuchi (P) Michael Siklas (C), Brian Perez (SS)
Key returners: Connor Hehir (P) James Murphy (P) Justin Grimes (OF) Nicholas Marino (OF)
Nassau CC had a tremendous 2016. They were three outs away from forcing a winner-take-all game, but blew a ninth-inning lead and were forced to watch their Suffolk counterparts celebrate at Farmingdale State College.
They are reloaded and motivated to reclaim the Region XV crown.
Strengths
The Lions are a talented team in all phases of the game, but their true strength comes in the depth of their roster. Gold Glover and All-Region player Justin Grimes (sophomore), All-American Nick Marino (sophomore), and CUNYAC Rookie of the Year transfer from City College of New York Michael Siklas are expected to be impact players in the middle of the line-up for the lions.
The pitching is led by returning starters Connor Hehir and James Murphy. Hehir posted a 1.93 ERA with 12.86 K/9 and Murphy managed a 9.75 K/9 while battling some of Division III’s toughest competition in the regional tournament. Adding to the duo will be incoming freshman and All-State player Joseph Minnuchi from East Meadow. The Lions believe Minnuchi’s big game experience should allow for an easy transition to college level completion.
Weaknesses
If any, the Lions are lacking experience at the infield positions. The majority of their battle tested returners are in the outfield and in the bullpen, so the Lions will look like a brand new team across the diamond. Although the infield positions seem to be up for grabs, look for 2015 All-State player Brian Perez and sophomore Elijah Tavarez to step up and fill the void.
Overview
Most teams would consider a 25-14 season and a regional appearance a successful season. Assistant coach Alex Brosnan and his Nassau Lions think otherwise. Coach Brosnan stated, “The core guys are motivated by the feeling of losing to Suffolk, and that the kids are hungry for an appearance in this year’s DIII World Series”. Look for the Lions to be a competitive team this year in region XV, and with the core players returning they make a strong case for a possible World Series appearance.
