Mount Saint Vincent’s-commit Jake Pierre (Sachem North 2019) getting his swings in pic.twitter.com/uDMTD7jfcC
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 8, 2019
Playing in League 2 is an incredible challenge.
Sachem North Head Coach Tom Gambino has been at the helm since 2005 and knows the league inside-and-out and he recognizes this as well.
“Connetquot and Commack are the heavy favorites,” said Gambino. “Connetquot is bringing back almost everyone from last year. Every team in the league is good,” he added.
Four teams were represented in the postseason, including these Sachem North Arrows, who finished the regular season with a record of 11-9, before dropping both playoff games to Commack and Longwood.
To add to the challenge, the team graduated their only All-County player, 1B Kyle Olson (Adelphi). They also graduated All-County/Gold Glove C Ryan Sullivan (SUNY Maritime) and All-League LHP Jack Gonzalez (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Their lone returning All-League player is OF Frank Letterese. That is not reason to wave the white flag, though.
Due to the pool talent in the league, several quality players were shutout from winning accolades; including some quality players who posted strong numbers.
One critical player for the Arrows is senior 2B Jake Pierre. The Mount St. Vincent–commit is known for his bat control and strong defensive abilities.
“He’s one of the guys we will be counting on to step up this year,” said Gambino.
Junior 3B Freddy Forgione is a terrific hitter who spent much of his sophomore year as the No. 5 hitter on a playoff team. He will be another returning player with significant varsity experience that could have a big impact.
Gambino also noted that they will be counting on OF Frank Arena to supply production.
The pitching staff will certainly be asked to stepped up after the graduation of Gonzalez and Joey Strazza.
“We don’t really have a No. 1 but we have four or five guys that should compete to pitch,” said Gambino.
Returning is senior Connor Pietrowski, who won two games last year including one against Commack early in the season.
They will open up their season at home on March 30 against Riverhead.
