It takes a very strong-willed team to knock Massapequa out of the playoffs. Even after allowing five runs in the first inning against East Meadow in Nassau County Class AA finals, they fought back and got the tying runs on base in the last inning but was unable to get the clutch hit to tie it up. No. 3 seed East Meadow was crowned Class AA champions before losing to West Islip in the Long Island Championship.
Massapequa Head Coach Tom Sheedy, now in his 14th year, will be going to battle in 2017 with another strong team–albeit without a couple of the key cogs from last year’s 19-win team.
The big losses are two pitchers, Chris Keenan and Patrick Clyne.
“Pat really developed into a super pitcher,” said Sheedy. “He came up as a sophomore and was All-State for us last year. His last game was one of the best outings you’ll see–he threw a three-hit shutout with about 70 pitches,” he added.
They will, however, be returning a number of players with playoff experience this year.
Anchoring the rotation will be Cortland-commit Dan Gdanski. Sheedy stated the 6’3 200 lb RHP throws a nasty sinker that high school hitters aren’t used to seeing. “He keeps than honest with an 84-85 MPH fastball.” He worked in relief for them last year and proved his mettle by escaping a bases-loaded none out jam by striking out Kyle Martin of Oceanside.
He will be joined by Stephen Sattarino. “He throws strikes and works quick. He throws a fastball, curveball and change up,” said Sheedy.
The offense will be led by LIU Post-commit Luke O’Mahoney. He will be hitting cleanup and playing first base. They are also very confident in shortstop Chris Wasson. The three-spot athlete was also an All-County basketball player and wide receiver.
“He has a tremendous amount of energy, he’s a leader for us. Our goal is to have the whole team play as hard as he does,” said Sheedy.
The top two hitters in lineup will be Mike Cattone and Matt Pinto, both are returning outfielders.
Mike Trout photographed for BodyArmor sports drink by Monte Isom
Sheedy added that he is very excited about one particular player. Freshman SS Johnny Castagnozzi will be the first freshman on the team in 14 years. He spoke very highly of the player that Perfect Game ranked as the No. 1 player in the 2020 graduating class.
“He’s the real deal…every big school want him and he hasn’t even played a game on varsity yet. I’ve yet to see him in a situation where he doesn’t look completely comfortable. He deserves to start. He gets better every day and he has his head screwed on straight. I’m really excited. He has a chance to be the greatest player we’ve ever had here. That is quite amazing to even think that.”
They will be opening up on Monday against Syosset. Sheedy noted that they are aiming to not have to be in a position where they are in a single-elimination in the postseason. In that scenario, he noted that anything can happen.
He was impressed that 50 kids tried out for the team, and it was extremely difficult for him to decide between some players. A couple kids have the chance to play college baseball and were still cut. He kept 29 kids on the team because he was comfortable with all of them.
It appears that the Chiefs are reloaded and prepared for a usual playoff run once again this year.
