The Skyline Conference has improved vastly over the past few seasons. There are now four teams that could legitimately win it this year. St. Joseph’s, Old Westbury and Farmingdale have each one it in the past three seasons. Below are 10 players that could have a large say in who ultimately wins it this season.
Nick Attardi-OF, Farmingdale State
The reigning Skyline Conference Rookie of the Year is a force at the top of the order. He hit .420 with a .514 OBP and struck out only seven times. They have transformed into more of a small-ball team over the past couple years. When I was playing there, it was a lineup filled with power but with the speedsters they have, they try to “get-em-on, get-em-over, get-em-in”. With the vast improvements of the rest of the Skyline Conference, the Rams will be counting on another stellar year for this sophomore in order for them to return to the top.
Travis Bruinsma-RHP, Maritime
Two years ago he put himself in the Long Island record books with a 13-win season while leading Connetquot to the Long Island championship. He was absolutely lights out. After sitting out a year, he will be looking to put Maritime on the map. He has a very unique delivery, but he has learned to make it work for him. He has deception, but good command and enough velocity to win at the college level. Maritime hasn’t typically gotten these high-end Long Islanders over the years, but perhaps the tides are turning a bit with Charlie Barbieri at the helm.
Dan Campanelli- catcher, St. Joseph’s
The sophomore backstop has done nothing but win in his career. After two NYS Class A titles at Bayport-Blue Point, he played a critical role in St. Joseph’s first Skyline Conference title since 2004. He came in and supplanted the two veterans above him in the depth chart. All the pitchers raved about his ability to call pitches and take control. He will be splitting time with transfer Paul Britt, but when he is out there, Campanelli will play a huge part in whether the Golden Eagles can repeat as champions.
Lou Doria- first baseman, St. Joseph’s
Doria is a gifted athlete with prodigious power. Through his two collegiate seasons, however, he is still looking to translate that potential into results. He will be in the middle-of-the-order for the Golden Eagles, and they will be counting on him to replace the punch that was previously provided by players like Joe Calabrese, Nick Girardi, Brendan Sullivan, Joe Lynn, etc. The early reports are positive and they are hoping that it turns into
Adam Heidenfelder- RHP, Old Westbury
Coach Rod Stephan worked with “Heidi” when he was five-years-old and watched him win back-to-back Diamond Awards at MacArthur HS. During his high school days, he was touching 95 MPH and was heavily scouted by several MLB teams. After two seasons at Hofstra University, he transferred to Old Westbury with the hopes of returning to his prime form. Stephan stated that he is “throwing the ball extremely well”. He will form a formidable trio with Trey Pizzutello and Danny Aguilo as the Panthers look to return to the top of the Skyline Conference.
Hunter Kaucky-LHP, Maritime
Hunter fits the mold of the “crafty lefty”. He had a very impressive senior season at William Floyd last year. He throws strikes, he works quick and he was durable. I typically find that pitchers that can succeed in League I of Suffolk County are successful in the Skyline Conference. The highlight of his season was a 10-inning outing at Ducks Stadium against Pat-Med when he was locked in a great dual against Josh Rovner. He definitely is a mentally strong pitcher. Maritime will benefit greatly if he shows that type of tenacity
Dalton McCarthy-first baseman, Farmingdale State
He is their biggest power threat, and everyone saw what he was capable of in the Skyline Conference championship when he smacked a first inning grand slam and then an RBI double in the next at bat. He suffered a nasty hamstring injury in April of last year, but he is back to full strength. The 6’7″ first baseman is probably the most crucial member of the team because his presence helps lengthen the lineup. If they are going to knock St. Joseph’s off the pedestal, McCarthy will need to have a big season at the plate. He also helps the infield defense because he is such a big target over at first base and that has a calming effect on the infielders.
Dylan Piscitelli- second/third base, St. Joseph’s
The senior will be playing second and third base. The coaching staff has been impressed with what he’s shown thus far from the Dowling-transfer. He has shown good pop, and has experience playing in the postseason in the ECC, which bodes well for this season. They could certainly use that type of leadership in the infield.
Jesse Russo-second base, Old Westbury
If not for the first base umpire costing him a double at Farmingdale in April, he would have hit .400 last year. He finished the year at .399, still good enough to be named to Baseball on the Island’s All-Long Island team. He played some outfield last year, but Coach Stephan stated that he will be playing exclusively at second base. Additionally, he will test out switch-hitting for the first time. He hit over .400 against righties and .339 against lefties. If he can bridge the gap between those two figures, they will benefit even more offensively. They have a very good offense, but Russo’s performance is very crucial if they are to regain the Skyline Conference top spot.
Tommy Ziegen- shortstop, Old Westbury
Ziegen has steadily improved from a defense-first SS to a middle-of-the-order power hitter over his first three collegiate seasons. Stephan noted that he is “unbelievable in the field with a great arm” and he thinks he is ready to improve even more with his bat. He is a two-time All-Long Island player. Last year, he slashed .348/.395/.614 thanks in large part to 24 XBH. He led the nation in triples with 10. He will play a large role in how far the Panthers go this season.
