by Tony Genualdo
For the last six seasons, Babylon’s Mike Birnbaum has been coaching at every level. He’s coached junior high, JV, and has most recently been an assistant to the varsity team. But this year, he has a new role: head coach. Despite the new challenge, Birnbaum says that not much will change.
“Player (and character) development has always driven my coaching,” said Birnbaum. “There’s a new degree of emphasis on winning. But as a competitive person, I can’t wait.”
His last two seasons as varsity assistant saw success for Babylon. This season as a head coach, he knows that nothing is guaranteed.
“Baseball is a game of inches, as cliché as that is,” Birnbaum said. “You can’t dwell and carry things over.”
The team has been preparing for this season since the beginning of December. There are a lot of familiar faces on the team – some of whom are seniors that have played for Birnbaum at nearly every level. Bobby Molinaro is a two-way player looking to follow-up on a strong 2019 season. Jack Layton should continue to be the anchor for the pitching staff. Other players to be on the lookout for include Christian Pillitteri, Aidan Brown, and Nicholas Tuccillo – the latter of whom Birnbaum says is “a throwback player who I call our Jeff McNeil.”
Among the underclassmen on the team are junior John Valinoti and freshman Cristino Tufano. Tufano, a second-year varsity player, is a hard-working player with a high ceiling who looks to once again contribute.
The challenge has been put on the table for Babylon. And they know that the season ahead is not going to be an easy one. But they are excited for this season to start.
“This team has a common goal: they’re ready to do this together,” said Birnbaum. “They’re hungry. They trust the process. Above all else, we’re a team.”
They finished last season with a record of 11-6 in league place. They will open up league play on April 6 at Southampton. Before that, they will play Shoreham-Wading River in a non-league game on April 1.
