by Thomas Cregan
Comsewogue beat Happauge 2-1
WP: Jacob Pedersen (6IP, 10 Ks, 5 H, 4BB, 1 ER)
S: Dom SchuchChris Valesquez hit a HR and Dom Schuch hit the go-ahead RBI single. Comsewogue moves on to face West Islip tomorrow pic.twitter.com/A6xxo9R5Gt
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 15, 2021
Coach Joe Caltagirone of Comsewogue Varsity Baseball hopes to build off a strong 2021 season and make another run at the playoffs in 2022.
Following the loss of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Comsewogue Warriors came back strong in 2021 with a 10-10 record, clinching a playoff berth in their final game of the regular season. In that post season they defeated Hauppauge in the first round and in the County Semi-Finals lost to West Islip. However, Coach Caltagirone was not discouraged by his team’s efforts and stated that “we are looking to build off that experience and make another run at the post season in 2022.”
Comsewogue had four prominent graduates (all pitchers) in 2021 who are going on to compete at the collegiate level, including 2021 All-County selection Jacob Pedersen (Adelphi), Dom Schuch (SUNY New Paltz), Aaron Feldman (Suffolk Community College), and Connor Voelpel who recently transferred to SUNY Plattsburgh. Caltagirone says the loss of four members of their pitching staff will have a major impact on their upcoming season though he has faith in the pitchers who will be filling those roles in this year’s group.
Comsewogue will be looking for big performances out of their impact players in 2022 and will be heavily relying on the big bat of senior first baseman/catcher/outfielder Chris Velasquez (SUNY Maritime). Velasquez posted an excellent 2021 campaign in which he hit 5 homeruns. Joining him will be 2021 All-League selection Shortstop/Pitcher Nick Zampieron and Sophomore Catcher Kevin Schnupp. Along with Third baseman/Pitcher Matt Nowlan and versatile Infielder/Pitcher James Genovese. Caltagirone is confident about the top of their batting order and will be relying on their ability to get on base and drive in those base runners to have success in the upcoming season.
Comsewogue catcher Chris Velazquez with his fifth HR of the season pic.twitter.com/GyhAYArmeB
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 16, 2021
Comsewogue is welcoming two newcomers this season in Left-handed Pitcher Carson McCaffrey who played the previous year with the Junior varsity team. Also adding Senior Outfielder Kenny Bolbac. With these additions Caltagirone is looking to bolster both the batting order and pitching staff in order to post another strong campaign in 2022.
Caltagirone feels his team’s two biggest strengths are their defense and their ability to get runners on base and drive them in. While also stating that pitching is their biggest question mark coming into the new season. As with the graduation of four of the prominent members of their pitching staff, Comsewogue will be heavily reliant on the performance of the pitchers who will be filling those roles in 2022. Caltagirone stated “Our success will depend on how the pitching staff performs and the innings that they go out there and give us.”
Comsewogue will be facing heavy competition this year and Coach Caltagirone emphasized the strength of their league. He mentioned Rocky Point, East Islip, Half Hollow Hills West, and Eastport/South Manor all being competitive teams that will present challenges for them to overcome in the 2022 season, though he is confident that his team will be ready to go out and compete with them. He further emphasized that “We are looking for improvement from our younger players and are depending on our senior leadership group to guide our team through the playoff experience they have gained.”
The Comsewogue Warriors will open their season on March 28th against Kings Park.
