by Tony Genualdo
Last season was nothing short of a roller coaster for Pierson. Despite the ups and downs, they were competitive with their league right until the very end, where they lost three close games to Babylon. The postseason saw them represent Long Island in the Class C state tournament. They defeated a then 21-3 Tuckahoe in the regional finals and made it to the final four where they lost to Cooperstown. Coach Jon Schwartz reflects on the experience.
“I couldn’t have been more proud of our team for the way we competed, and the confidence we displayed during the postseason games,” Schwartz said. “It was clear that despite our league record, we deserved to be there amongst the best in New York.”
Their offseason started in September with voluntary long toss sessions and winter workouts twice a week. The team focused on nearly every aspect of the game to try to improve and take care of unfinished business.
For the first time in many years, the team is loaded with seniors. The ace of the team, Matt Hall, is an All-League pitcher who is “ol’ reliable” whenever he takes the mound. Another player with All-League honors is Nick Egbert, the speedy outfield leader for the team. He will be joined in the outfield by Henry Brooks, who looks to bat in the middle of the lineup with Harry Cowen. Pierce Summers looks to bounce back from injury and have a strong year on the mound. Outfielder David Pedersen is making strides on the mound and hopes to pitch more this year. And rounding out the pack is Gabe Ramundo, a transfer who will be making his varsity debut this year.
“[The seniors] will be outstanding role models, setting the tone for how this season will go,” said Schwartz. “We will most likely have multiple seniors captains this year, which is only done when someone deserving of that honor shows that they’re ready for that responsibility.”
Although he’s an underclassman, junior catcher Tucker Schiavoni possesses the quality of leadership. He also carries with him a solid bat and a rocket for an arm. Dan Labrozzi and Christian Pantina should be able to get some time on the mound this season.
The depth of arms, the stellar defense, and the aggressive and speedy baserunning should be strengths for Pierson this year. The sky is the limit for how far this team can go. But Schwartz has his eyes set on the ultimate prize.
“Our first goal is always to win the county,” Schwartz said. “But I’d be lying if I said our sights weren’t ultimately set on getting back to where we left off last year: Binghamton.”
For those unaware, the school is located in Sag Harbor, NY and have gained added credibility with Kyle McGowin (Pierson 2010) in the big leagues with the World Series champion Washington Nationals.
