While it came as quite a surprise to many when longtime St. John’s Head Coach Ed Blankmeyer stepped down to manage the Brooklyn Cyclones, the Red Storm couldn’t have chose someone more prepared to fill in.
Mike Hampton, who has been Blankmeyer’s assistant for 18 seasons, is well-suited to fill the shoes of the legendary skipper. Hampton is a 1994 graduate of Clemson University – named All-American in 1994 and drafted in the fourth round by the Cincinnati Reds.
The program has reached great heights under the guidance of that duo, including nine 40-win seasons, four BIG EAST Championships and an appearance in the NCAA Super Regionals in 2012. Under his guidance, the offense was ranked third in AVG in 2017 at .323 and finished top-10 in 2006, 2007 and 2009.
The Red Storm are coming off a 31-23 season in 2019 but were eliminated by Xavier in the tournament.
They open up the 2020 season on February 14 at Kennesaw State in Georgia.
I had a chance to speak to him and here’s what he had to say…
First off, congratulations! How do it feel to be the Head Coach of St. John’s University?
I am very excited. I’ve been here for 18 years, 19 seasons and I’m ready to take on this challenge.
What kind of impact did Ed Blankmeyer have on the program and on you personally?
Ed is a legend – not just at St. John’s but through all of college baseball. He’s been coaching for 35 years, 24 at St. John’s and 10 at Seton Hall, his alma mater. He’s the President of the American Baseball Coaches Association. He’s a great leader, a great mentor and a great friend. For me, I’ve always been able to throw ideas back-and-forth with him and he’s always willing to listen. He’s just a great baseball mind.
What’s the outlook for the 2020 season?
I think we’re going to have a decent team. Obviously we sent 11 guys to pro ball the past two seasons. We lost five players from last year’s team with the majority being pitchers. When you lose that amount of innings I think it’s always somewhat of a concern. But we have really good talent. The young guys are working hard and the veterans are getting better.
Can you tell our audience about the Long Island guys?
Well, I think we have more Long Island guys this year than ever before.
Jake Lazzaro is a really talented and athletic kid. He has to go through his growing pains but I think he will see some time at shortstop this year. He’s working really hard, and like I mentioned – he’s really athletic.
Nick Schwartz is a catcher that’s a freshman. He’s going to battle for playing time, but he’s showed some good things.
Chris Stefl came in as a two-way guy. We’re going to stick with him as a left-handed pitcher. He’s showed some good progress with his pitches and he’s been in that 87-90 MPH range.
Brian Morrell is a transfer student from Notre Dame. I’m not sure yet how we are going to use him. The immediate need is on the mound. He had a good fall – he threw 87-91 MPH and touched 92. He has good stuff and he’s also been swinging the bat decent.
Paul Orbon is a freshman. He’s a very bright kid. He’s going to have to fight for playing time, he’s battled injuries with his back. He did a good job in the fall.
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