After a tough 5-4 loss to Farmingdale in the first round of the playoffs last year, Syosset is heading into 2019 with optimism. For many reasons, they believe they can compete this year.
Not only do they posses a strong core of seniors who experienced last year’s playoff defeat, but they bring in a new coaching staff. After spending eight years as an assistant, Tom Morritt will take over as head coach. He brings in Dan Barcavage from the JV team as an assistant.
“We’ve had a very strong off season that’s helped us get ready for what is now turning into our pre season,” said Coach Morritt. “The tone this senior class sets is gonna leave a huge impact on the program for years to come,” he added.
If Syosset wishes to make another postseason run, they must rely heavily on their senior leadership.
On the mound, Tufts-commit Cameron Mayer will be leading the way. Last season, he finished with a 2.77 ERA and had 38 punch outs over 35 innings. The hard throwing 6’4″ righty will undoubtedly be their ace.
Behind Mayer in the rotation is Ben Harmon. As a junior, Harmon had a 1.6 ERA coming out of the bullpen. Working out of the rotation will be a change of scenery, but Coach Morritt is confident Harmon will be successful. Although last year’s ace Jordan Rappaport will be difficult to replace in the rotation, expect Mayer and Harmon to lead the way for younger players that will eat a significant amount of innings.
Defensively, Syosset returns fantastic athletes that will be crucial towards their success this year. Handling the pitching staff will be senior Stephen Fanelli. As a junior, he started in almost every game behind the plate. He’s a high energy player who possesses great relationships with all of his pitchers.
Aside from Fanelli, Syosset also returns (SS) PJ Daniels and (UT) Dillon Banks to their starting lineup. As a sophomore, Daniels was a standout player for Syosset. Not only is he extremely athletic, but he has a great glove. Senior Dillon Banks enters the season with high expectations, along with great leadership skills.
Along with their strong core of seniors, Syosset will look to have players that were successful on JV make an impact on varsity this year. Their most significant additions are twins Peter Safirstein and David Safirstein, who will play their first full-year on varsity.
“They are great all-around ball players and are expected to contribute a lot this year,” said Coach Morritt.
Although Syosset has returning starters and young players ready to make an impact, there will still be a good amount of holes to fill. There is some uncertainty as to who will start in their outfield, along with searching for new arms to be effective out of the bullpen.
Not to mention, Syosset plays in an extremely tough conference. Their schedule consists of Massapequa, Farmingdale, Oceanside, Freeport and Hempstead. Three of these teams were in the Class AA final four last season.
If Syosset wishes to compete with these tough teams, they must play to their full potential. They will have some practice before the season begins, as they are set to scrimmage powerhouse Wantagh on March 18th.
Syosset officially opens up their season on April 8th against Freeport. It will be interesting to see how this young team full of energy pans out.
