It’s hard to fathom, but Division HS has not missed a postseason since 1974. Simply put, they are one of the elite programs on Long Island and much of that has to do with the coaching. Dating back to the late Doug Robins, they have always been a well-disciplined and prepared team. Now under Tom Tuttle, the same can be said.
If you didn’t have time to listen to the 26 minute interview with him, here’s a recap of what he had to say..
Regarding 2019 season
-Really proud of his guys, played great all year.
-Played worst two games at the most critical part of the season after taking 1-0 series lead over Clarke in County Championship. They committed 13 errors and walked 9 guys in those two games.
-Clarke was tremendously well-coached. They compound on your mistakes.
Wantagh’s 3-peat
-Three guys (Jimmy Joyce, Anthony Fontana and Anthony D’Onofrio) were all Division-I scholarship players which was the biggest reason.
-Keith Sachs does a really good job, successful coach in football and baseball for over 20 years.
-Community backs them very well. Not shocked at all that they won three in a row.
-There are over 30 teams in Nassau Class A, which makes their accomplishment even more impressive.
-Winning Nassau Class A is more of an accomplishment than winning a State Championship since there are only four teams in it.
2015 Championship Team
-They were really good from the time they were 8 years old. They had a passion to play and practice.
-Fun to coach. Great parents that supported them.
-They beat Andrew Misiaszek despite many people writing them off. Ran the table after that
-Lost State semifinals to Byram Hills in 10th inning, bases loaded in bottom 7th with one out and didn’t score. Faced Frankie Vesuvio, who was throwing 90-91 MPH with an 84 MPH slider.
1990 Division Team
-7 Division-I players
-Faced a player from Syracuse that got full ride to Miami that shut them down.
-That Division team averaged 10 runs per game.
-Back then there was only Bayside Yankees and LI Tigers so most of the guys played together all year round.
Levittown’s Incredible Amount of Talent
-Thankful for growing up there and playing for Robins
-Between Division, MacArthur and Island Trees there’s a lot of talent.
-With success comes pressure, .500 is a bad year.
-“There’s a misconception, I’ve only had one Division-I player so it’s more of the work ethic of the players. That’s what Levittown is all about.”
Levittown vs MaCarthur Atmosphere
-I wish I was still playing.
-1,500 people in the stands.
-Unless you play at a big-time Division-I school down south you won’t play in front of more people than that.
-Anybody can hit .500 in summer league, but who can get the big hit in front of that many people.
-We don’t talk about pressure, we embrace it.
-If you fear pressure,you won’t play your best. Pressure is only what you bring onto yourself. Your preparation will eliminate the pressure.
2020 Season
-Jake Lombardi struck out 10, allowed two hits against Clarke will be leading rotation.
-Michael Sullivan did a great job at 1st base.
-Nick Roselli did a tremendous job as a sophomore shortstop.Not easy to do that at his age.
-Returning some experience but losing 65 percent of innings.
-It’s going to be tough with 34 teams. Still haven’t broke up the divisions yet.
Regarding the imbalance between Class AA and A schools
-We are all hoping the state steps in and lowers threshold.
-We are the only section with over 30 teams in one class.
-Can only play the schedule you are given.
On his involvement with his players college recruiting process
-Starts at a young age, hosts camps and clinics
-Build relationships from players from a young age.
-Too much information is given to players
-I try to be a father figure. Sometimes guys listen to too many opinions.
-Does this for free, comes from the heart.
-Always monitor his players workload after the season.
-Offseason workouts have changed over the years, keeps track of all pitches he makes during the year.
-Nobody should throw over 2,000 pitches in a calendar year.
-The priority is to be ready for our season
Multi-sport athletes
-Big believer in multi-sport athletes.
-Makes them more competitive.
-Playing in front of 3,000 people in football County Championship helps.
-Shooting a foul shot in front of people helps.
-Cuts down on injuries.
-Cuts down on boredom.
On playing career
-Offered NY Tech scholarship, but grades weren’t great so he chose to go to Farmingdale.
-Went All-American and played in College World Series.
-Transferred to St. John’s to play for Coach Joe Russo (who coached from 1974-1996, winning 612 games and getting to two College World Series, he passed away last March at the age of 74).
-Offered scholarship to Lamar University in Texas
-Played independent ball in the Frontier League before getting into the teaching profession because wanted to pursue coaching.
Doug Robins Coaching Tree
-Legacy of Doug Robins is incredible.
-Tuttle, Steve Costello, Doug Robins Jr, Scott Lineman, James Hickey, Stevie Robins, James Bailin are all coaches that played for him.
-Robins is the most influential coach of my life.
-Credited with starting winter workouts.
-Very progressive with in-game coaching strategy.
-Positive reinforcement for players.
-Practiced from 8-2:30 on Saturdays.
Technology
-Not a believer in the radar gun at the high school level.
-Believe in technology and would like to raise funds to get some more devices for the players.
-Concerned about launch angle revolution, nothing to do with the fundamentals of hitting.
