By Michael Malaszczyk
Brock Murtha’s no-hitter sends Sayville to the N.Y. state championship for the first time in program history! pic.twitter.com/HOYA7iindr
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 9, 2019
Coach Joseph Esposito of Sayville is ready to take on 2022.
Sayville had a solid season in 2021. Coming off of the 2020 season which never began, Sayville ended their 2021 season in third place in their conference, losing 2-1 to East Islip in the semifinals.
There is absolutely no shame in losing a close playoff game to East Islip; who ended up sweeping the Long Island Championship. Sayville’s defense still managed to hold a high-octane offense to two runs.
Going back even further than 2021, Sayville won the Long Island Championship in 2019, also under Coach Esposito.
But despite Sayville’s success in its first season under ‘the new normal,’ Coach Esposito doesn’t want to spend too much time thinking about 2021. When asked if there was anything from last season that he wanted to bring into this season, his answer was short and clear: “Not really.”
Sayville saw a number of players graduate last year; Coach Esposito took special note of Dom LaFroscia (plans to play for Queens College), Nick Buffardi (playing for West Point), and pitcher Jack Turner (now playing for Felician College). Outfielder CJ Messina (‘21, SUNY Cortland) and pitcher Jack Cheshire (‘21, SUNY Brockport) are playing football in college.
“This year’s team is young with many first-year varsity players,” said Esposito. Among returning players to look out for are second baseman Tommy Marino (‘22), third baseman Mike Argenziano (‘22), center fielder Mack Murtha (‘22), and catcher Jack Quinlan (‘22).
Final: Sayville 11, Islip 9 (8 innings)
Jack Quinlan 2-R HR pic.twitter.com/LWfrg6TKsd
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 12, 2021
Of the players mentioned, Jack Quinlan is committed to West Point. He is arguably the top defensive catcher in the class and played in the Leiderman Cup to represent LI. Coach Esposito had only positive things to say about Quinlan.
“He is a fantastic young man who puts the time in to be the best he can be,” said Esposito. “He is a coach’s dream and I am looking forward to his senior season.”
Coach Esposito feels this team will be very well-rounded; strong on both offense and defense.
“I think this team’s strengths will be their speed, defense, and hitting,” said Esposito. “We have a lot of good athletes that can do many of the little things needed to win games.”
While confident in his team, Esposito isn’t overlooking anybody. “I feel like our league and the ‘A’ schools are always very competitive,” said Esposito. “It will be a grind to make the playoffs.”
Leading a younger team to victory won’t be an issue whatsoever for a coach with the baseball pedigree of Joseph Esposito. Coach Esposito has a vast knowledge of both the gritty side of baseball and the sentimental side.
“I have been coaching HS baseball since 2005,” said Esposito. “This will be my 6th season as the head coach of Sayville. Baseball has been a major part of my life ever since being introduced to the game as a young child following my older brothers. My father played in high school and always coached me throughout the little league years and it is a love that I have tried to pass on to my two sons.”
As mentioned above, Esposito has already led Sayville to the Long Island Championship back in 2019. When the 2020 season was cut short, it didn’t deter Esposito; he led his team to a strong third-place finish in 2021. With all this experience and a good blend of both experienced varsity players as well as young prospects, Coach Esposito is poised to have another great season.
Sayville’s opening day is set for March 29th. They will be playing against Mount Sinai – the reigning Conference V Long Island Champs.
