By Michael Malaszczyk
2022 could very well be the year that Long Island baseball finally breaks free of the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Coach Rob Christensen, the new head coach of Smithtown East’s baseball, seems to agree.
“Last season was everyone’s first season at the varsity level due to Covid,” said Christensen. “This experience should definitely benefit us for the season.”
Smithtown East has nothing to be ashamed of in terms of how last season went considering the circumstances; they made it to the playoffs before ultimately losing to Northport.
Christensen himself has many years of experience in the game of baseball; he was an assistant coach at Smithtown East for eight years and learned the ropes of coaching from former coach Ken Klee.
“I learned an incredible amount about preparation and mindset on a day-to-day basis. This game does not always come down to the most talented team, but the most prepared,” said Christensen. “I am excited for this year, this senior group is the freshman group I had my first season. They know what to expect from me and I know what they are capable of.”
Coach Christensen is bringing a good philosophy to the team this year: to treat all opponents equally. While some coaches may be eager to view some opponents as more dangerous or more important matchups, Christensen doesn’t believe in that.
“I have learned throughout the years, you cannot look at a schedule and think ‘this is what the season will come down to,’” said Christensen. “Two teams show up to a field to play and any team that wants it and is prepared can always walk away with a win. Taking each series game by game is going to be the key to our success this year. The minute you overlook a series or think you have a game won, is when you find yourself in the most trouble.”
By his own words, Coach Christensen is taking this philosophy to both practice and games.
In practice, Smithtown East will not be overlooking anyone in favor of focusing on a particular opponent. In game, Smithtown East will never settle until the game is over; even if they’re ahead in the bottom of the final inning, the game is still going.
Christensen is confident that Smithtown East has a good blend of both experienced and new players. “In terms of returning players from last year’s roster, our team is split pretty evenly. We have 15 returning players, with eight of them being seniors,” said Christensen.
When it comes to standout players, being that it is his first year Christensen feels it is too soon for him to specifically name anyone. “I can’t say I know enough to be fair,” he said. “But we have a great group that’s ready to do whatever it takes.”
Luke Ciminiello (Smithtown East 2024) with a very smooth swing. Good genes in the family, father won Yaz Award and brother is at Seton Hall pic.twitter.com/B9ahie44wi
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) November 7, 2021
Of current seniors on the team, James Ackerman is committed to the University of Bridgeport, and Christian Villacci is committed to Mitchell College. Christensen said he is expecting more seniors to announce their commitments soon.
As far as Smithtown East’s biggest strengths this season, Christensen feels it will be experience.
“Many of the returners were starters last season,” said Christensen. “You can tell the chemistry and work ethic is in place. They went through many different experiences last season together, only helping them grow together. They know the talent that is on the team and how hard they are going to have to work to maintain that starting spot. This group is determined to be successful.”
Of his love for baseball, Christensen said “baseball is a passion that I have always had and coaching is a way to spread that passion and love for the game, while using the game to help prepare our athletes for whatever the future may hold for them.”
Smithtown East’s future looks bright with Coach Christensen at the helm, with an always-be-prepared philosophy and passion for the game.
With half of Smithtown East’s team being returning players, they will bring last season’s experience into this season and have a strong chance at winning the County Championship. With the other half being rookies who will gain experience from this year, we could see Smithtown East become a perennial contender for the championship for many years to come.
Smithtown East opens on March 28th against Copiague. They will be playing at the Medford Complex.
