2018 got off to an ominous start for Bellport’s varsity team. Just one year after being crowned co-champs with West Islip and Deer Park in League 4 for the first time in their 50+ year history, they were at risk of missing the postseason late in the season. They needed to win all three to qualify for a postseason berth. Miraculously, they won all three, including a walk-off victory over Hills West on a hit by Brennan Beatrice.
Despite losing in the first round against Bay Shore, the next few years should be rather prosperous for Bellport. With several returning players and a strong JV team, they could make some noise once again this season.
One player that is perhaps a year away from contributing on varsity but is in the pipeline is Evan Virno. The ninth grader is coming off an outstanding 2018 season. He played JV as an eighth grader, so has a chance to be called up this season.
Over the past summer, he fired four one-hitters, just narrowly missed out on throwing no-hitters on a few occasions. One of those included a bloop single on two strike at Baseball Heaven, where he would’ve had a perfect game. During the BCS National Championship in Fort Myers, he was named to the All-Tournament team with two wins and was among the leaders in ERA, WHIP and strikeouts.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite players in the MLB today is Alex Bregman. He is one of the top 3rd basemen on-and-off the field. He does a lot of charity work and donates a lot of money to people in need. I think that is important to give back to the community.
Who are some individuals that have had an impact on your life?
My dad has had the biggest impact on my baseball career so far. My dad and my brother, Trevor, who is playing for Muhlenberg College in PA, have worked countless hours with me on my hitting, fielding and pitching. Most recently, since joining the East Coast Lumberjacks, Coach Eric Strovink has had a huge impact on taking my game to the next level. Coach Ryan and Dan Pembroke and their staff have also helped me become a better all-around player.
How would you evaluate your 2018 season?
In the fall of 2017, I joined the East Coast Lumberjacks 2022 team. It was a brand-new team. The 2018 season was an exciting and promising one. It was great to play with some very talented teammates and to be coached by very experienced and knowledgable coached. As a team, we got better with each practice and game. For me personally, I continued to improve my game at the plate, in the field and on the mound. As a pitcher, I was named an All-Tournament pitcher in the BCS National Championship in Fort Myers, FLA. In August, I hit my first Home Run on the 90′ fields at Diamond Nation to advance our team to the next round.
What have you been looking to focus on in this off-season?
I have been working all off-season to increase my strength and speed. I’ve been working out at Infiniti Performance since September and will continue to do so through out the winter. I have also been hitting regularly at All Pro Sports Academy in Bellport.
What are your goals in 2019?
For the 2019 season I hope to continue to improve my game as a hitter, pitcher and fielder. The East Coast Lumberjacks will be playing in several showcase tournaments through out the country including Georgia and Tennessee. For my upcoming school season with Bellport, we have a very strong JV team and I’m looking forwards to us all improving as a group and hopefully making some noise at the varsity level real soon.
What is a career you’d be interested in pursuing if baseball doesn’t work out?
A career I would be interested in pursuing would be law. I really enjoy learning about the history of our country and of the world and how it effects us in today’s world.
