(This is the fifth installment of our weekly Up Next Series Powered by Eye Q Investigations in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we have featured Miguel Sime Jr., Matt Cruz, Luke Coats and Michael Gardner. Make sure to check out Eye Q Investigations by clicking here.)
Division Ave HS has a rich tradition of baseball. They have won an astounding 37 league championships, 14 Nassau Championships, 9 Long Island Championships and 2 NYS Championships.
They have done so with great coaching (beginning with the late Doug Robins to current coach Tom Tuttle), a deep talent pool in Levittown and a blue-collar demeanor when it comes to work ethic.
They had the 2021 League MVP in Nick Roselli – currently a sophomore at SUNY Binghamton, the 2022 Diamond Award winner in catcher Joe Yovino and they have plenty of talent in the pipeline. One player that may potentially fit that mold is freshman Tyler Scarry. He is a sweet-swinging lefty that had a big summer for Long Island Elite. Rob Savarese, who run the organization, stated that he batted over .400 for the summer and was named to a few Perfect Game All-Tournament teams.
He added, “He has a pure left-handed stroke with excellent balance, repeatability and fluidity to the swing with bat speed, advanced barrel control and ability to use the entire field. Good hands around the bag at third base, with a strong, accurate arm. Also pitches – he has the patented Levittown-Division knuckle drop. Leader with a passion for the game.”
I had a chance to speak with Tyler and here’s what he had to say…
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Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball has always been my number one sport from when I first picked up a bat.
Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your career?
The people that had a positive influence on my career are definitely my parents, family, teammates, coaches – especially my summer ball coach, Joe Guarisco, and all the coaches at Division Avenue.
Do you have any family members that have played college or pro sports?
My dad played baseball at Hofstra University and my cousin is currently playing baseball at SUNY Purchase.
Do you take private lessons from any instructors?
Yes, I go to Tom Caputo from Pro Game Athletics for hitting.
What has been your biggest thrill on a baseball field?
My biggest thrill on a baseball field was definitely this summer when my team came together in a must-win semifinal game against a very talented Pennsylvania team. I was put on the mound with a one-run lead and closed the game out with runners on first and second. I struck out two of the three batters I faced. The whole lineup contributed and everyone stepped up and did their job to help win the game. It felt like my teammates and I were finally coming together as a team.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve been on was last year when my team and I went to Ripken in Maryland. It was an amazing experience playing on the minor league field there and going to Camden Yards. The competition was really good as well.
Goals for 2023?
To get stronger and faster, to gain velo and command on the mound and to be an overall better ball player and person.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app is Madden mobile.
What do you like about playing for LI Elite?
What I love about Elite are the coaches – such as Coach Rob, who always helps me improve to be a better ball player at every chance he gets. Also, my summer coach, Coach Joe, for the last couple years, he has really shaped me into the player and person I am. He’s taught me a lot of things that I bring into every time I step in the box, every time I step on the mound and every time I step on the field. He has really allowed me to improve my baseball IQ.
Favorite meal?
Steak and loaded baked potato
Favorite TV show or movie?
Rambo 3
Favorite vacation spot?
My grandfather’s place in West Palm Beach, FL
Dream car?
A black Jeep Wrangler.
Earliest memory of Major League Baseball?
When I went to my first baseball game, it was a Yankees vs Orioles game when I was around 5 or 6.
