(Photo Credit: Bethpage Baseball)
by Tony Genualdo
FINAL: Bethpage 15 VSN 1
Bethpage is headed to the semifinals! pic.twitter.com/Mm65QFvns5
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 21, 2019
Last year, Bethpage were on the verge of heading to the Nassau County Class A championship in what was one of the program’s most successful seasons. The only team standing in their way was a team who has made perennial playoff runs; Division. Unfortunately for Bethpage, they could not sneak past them as Division would move on to their second straight Class A championship game. In a cruel twist of fate, the game went 14 innings with the teams fighting tooth-and-nail until Division broke through with a four-spot in the 14th.
Despite the season ending prematurely, that should not diminish what they accomplished during the year. They won 14 games including impressive playoff victories against Calhoun and two against Valley Stream North. Coach Rob Fisher says that he loved his group of kids from last year.
“My biggest takeaway from last year was just how important team chemistry is,” said Fisher. “We went on a trip to South Carolina last year and I feel like it played a big part in bringing us together. [The kids] seemed to feed off each other all season.”
The preparation for this season started in September and October with normal workouts – with the number increasing in the winter months. Fisher also uses these workouts to pair the upper classmen on the team with the younger kids to set the tone for the rest of the team. However, Fisher says that it can be difficult to find time to work out during the cold winter.
“With only one gym in the school, it can be difficult,” Fisher said. “We work around it as much as we can by coming in late after basketball practice.”
The seniors on the team include what Fisher calls his “double-play combination” of Bryan O’Boyle (LIU-commit) and Chris McGuggert (New York Tech-commit), along with Lucas Seely – who’s competing for a spot in the rotation, Alex Purchick and Alex Rubin.
Aside from the senior class, there’s the potential to be some huge contributors to the team. Junior ace Pat Dalton has been on the varsity team since he was a freshman and garnered interest from a number of schools at our showcase. He will be joined by his fellow classmates Phil D’Aguanno, James Martin, Zach Schaneabel, Brandon Lombardo, and Nick Schimmel. Sophomore catcher Chris Downes and new transfer Joe Lynn look to also make an impact.
The league is always competitive. But Bethpage believes they have what it takes to make another playoff run.
“I think our biggest strength will be our experience and depth, especially in our infield,” said Fisher. “I think we have a good team and I believe we will be very competitive.”
