by Tony Genualdo
Last season was a positive one for Sachem East. The league was very competitive, and they were able to qualify for a postseason berth. In fact, they entered the last week of the season with a chance to tie for a League title. They would eventually lose in their third game against Ward Melville. William Floyd was another team that Sachem East battled with all season long, including twice in the playoffs. The season would come to an end with a loss to the eventual county champions in Connetquot by the score of 8-4. Coach Kevin Schnupp says his team will be prepared for every game this season.
“This year, we are continuing to build on our past successes looking to take the season one game at a time and to be prepared as possible,” said Schnupp. “We are very lucky to have kids that love to work hard and are embracing the grind.”
The senior class this year is very strong and one that the program has been waited a long time for. Ryan Micheli (Stony Brook) and Don Wille will split time behind the plate–they are the rare team with two premium backstops. Max Weinstein (Mount Saint Vincent’s) is looking to build on his pitching success of last season, as well as help in the outfield. Joining him on the mound is Jake Klamm, who also saw some success last season. Zach Hafner had a strong year last year as a junior and helped the team with some big hits. Other seniors returning include Sean McHugh and Anthony Urbancik (both committed to SUNY Plattsburgh), along with James Saladino and Nick Stelling.
“[The seniors] are a very mature group that understand the importance of teamwork and making sacrifices in order for the team to be successful,” Schnupp said.
One of the biggest reasons people are confident in their chances this season is the emergence of junior southpaw Rafe Schlesinger (Miami). He burst onto the scene last year and had a stellar sophomore year and Schnapp says to be on the lookout for him to become one of the top pitchers in the county this year. The lefty with a fastball in the upper 80s has already garnered some pro looks.
“His stuff is electric, and he has been working very hard this offseason to gain strength and fine tune his pitches,” said Schnupp.
Another junior is Ty Acker, the team’s starting shortstop who will look to become a force to be reckoned with at the top of the lineup. He recorded the walk-off hit on Opening Day last season against William Floyd.
Sophomore Richie Heyder should help round out the outfield and could possibly help with pitching. He’s a player with a high-ceiling as well.
“This group loves to work… the level of our winter workouts this year [were] through the roof,” Schnupp said. “Our senior leadership and team chemistry is very strong this year. We hope to continue to build the culture here at Sachem East.”
They will open up their season on March 30 at Brentwood.
