In many ways, 2016 was a banner year for the Bay Shore Marauders. They won the most games in program history (20) and also had the best record in Suffolk County. They won two playoff games, including a 13-0 shutout of Connetquot.
That team lost a handful of impact players, including the League II MVP in Brian Weissert–who is now at Fordham University–but seventh year Head Coach Mike Herbst is confident that the returning players will be able to build off that success.
“Fortunately the returning guys were there for the ride and learned how to win last year,” he said.
Their biggest impact player should be catcher/closer Hermes Abreu. The Concordia-commit was named All-County last year, and he also was a reliable pitcher in the late innings. Herbst noted that they are also comfortable using him as a starting pitcher, if necessary. He took the ball against Connetquot in the playoffs and allowed only three hits over five innings of shutout ball.
The biggest X-Factor could be 6’6 240 lb RHP Matt Lawlor. Despite missing last year due to a UCL injury, the big hurler has been cleared to throw and looked like his old self in his intrasquad outing.
He noted that he fired 10.2 shutout innings against Smithtown East as a sophomore with only 104 pitches–showing his ability to throw strikes while also causing very uncomfortable at bats due to his downhill delivery and knuckledrop. He will be attending Baruch College next year.
The ace of the staff will be senior RHP Damian Fanduiz
He put himself on the map last year against Northport, when he took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against a team that made it to the Suffolk County Class AA Finals. While he does not possess elite velocity, he throws a natural cut fastball in the mid 80s and hitters are not accustomed to facing that type of movement on a fastball, which causes plenty of swings-and-misses. They will be counting on him to build off last year’s success. He will also be a top-of-the-order hitter and playing second base when he’s not pitching.
The rotation will be rounded out by LHP Jared West. He is a crafty lefty with a good slider, that could play a key role in determining the third game of series. He won three games last season.
Another challenge could be replacing All-County CF Kevin Otto.
He played a stellar center field, was a force at the top-of-the-order and wreaked havoc on the bases. They will be hoping that Peter Baratta can fill that void.
“He’s just as fast–if not faster–than Otto. He plays a great center field, as well,” he added.
They will have to compete in a very talented League II this year with the addition of Commack, but they certainly proved last year that they are to be feared as much as any team.
