After missing the postseason the last two seasons, New Hyde Park is ready to turn things around in 2019.
After being the JV Head Coach for 16 years, Joe Rotondaro will be the man in charge. Rotondaro attended New Hyde Park high school, where he was named All-County and went onto play baseball at Adelphi. The experienced ballplayer will look to bring a new spark of energy towards the varsity team.
In a conference that’s wide open, New Hyde Park expects to compete for a playoff spot. Their 2019 schedule consists of Carey, Garden City, Manhasset, Jericho and Bellmore JFK.
“If we execute and don’t give up any extra outs, we’re going to be right there in the mix for playoffs,” said Coach Rotondaro.
Offensively, the Gladiators return two seniors who will play baseball at the next level. St. Peter’s-commit (MINF) Joey Vitiello will be staple of their lineup offensively and defensively. Virginia Wesleyan-commit (OF) Dharyl Moon will be the catalyst for New Hyde Park. In 2018, Vitiello and Moon both batted over .300.
Sophomore (MINF) Luke Orbon will be the spark plug at the top of their lineup. This is his third year on varsity, meaning he will be a five-year varsity player when it’s all said and done. As a freshman, he batted over .300. Sophomore (OF) Joey Leonard hopes to make an impact offensively as well.
Defense is the clear strength for the Gladiators. Returning a number of athletic position players with varsity experience, expect them to be sharp in the field.
Although their offense and defense are expected to produce, there may be some uncertainty among their pitching staff. They have a bunch of young arms who will be getting their first taste of varsity this year. Mike DiMartino returns this year, hoping to make an impact on the mound.
Behind the plate, Mike Shechtman and Aaron Gitelman expect to battle it out in pre season for the starting job. Both players will be assets towards New Hyde Park’s success this season.
Although they are young, New Hyde Park comes into the season eager to compete. A new head coach and new faces on varsity means new opportunities for success.
New Hyde Park opens up their season on April 8th against Jericho. They hope to come out of the gates hot.
