by Joseph Langan
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2013, THE CLARKE RAMS ARE COUNTY CHAMPIONS!!!!
FINAL: Clarke 7 Division 0 pic.twitter.com/pWdOtzXJB7
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 3, 2019
Coach Tom Abruscato and his Clarke High School Rams have been one of the most successful teams on Long Island since the late 90s. Since his start with the Rams 21 years ago Coach Abruscato has compiled quite the resume, 2 New York State Championships, 3 Long Island Championships, 6 county championships, and an overall record of 434-107.
After defeating Division for the Nassau Class A championship, Clarke was well on its way to winning their 4th Long Island Title. Sayville’s Brock Murtha had other plans in mind, throwing a no-hitter in a nail-biting 1-0 win to end Clarke’s joy ride.
Coach Abruscato’s expectations stay the same every season, “win the championship in front of us and make adjustments. The team that can adjust the quickest will always win.” With the sole goal of making it back to the County Championship, Clarke is implementing new programs to put them ahead of their Class A competition. “We have a mandatory weight program for position players and pitchers”’ says Coach Abruscato, one of the most important programs for young high school players.
Clarke graduated some key college talent last season that needs to be replaced by returners or the new coming wave of players.
Their biggest loss comes at the top of their rotation, both Brendan Turton (Dominican) and Chris Lydon (Concordia) were top competitors in Class A. Turton was tied for the division lead for wins (7) while Lydon was tied for third with (5), two guys that left behind big shoes to fill. Clarke’s lineup will look relatively similar with the exception of talented senior outfielder Derrick Smith (NCC), a key defender and hitter that Clarke will need to replace.
Coach Abruscato is certain he will find the guys to fill the shoes of his graduates and expects many others to step up and lead the charge. Tyler Cox (West Virginia) who was the closer and starting center fielder last season is expected to anchor the rotation this year. Clarke’s infield will be comprised of all college committed talent, four year catcher Chris Giardino (Molloy), shortstop CJ Cumbo (STAC), second baseman Nick Campagnuolo (New Haven), and first baseman Pavlos Papoutsakis (Dominican). Coach Abruscato has no shortage of talent and will continue to dominate in 2020 with the core of great talent that he has.
With another championship on their mind, Coach Abruscato and his Rams plan to open the 2020 season and hit the ground running, continuing to be one of the best schools on Long Island.
