by Nick Cipolla
The Hauppauge Eagles had a rare down season in 2022. They finished with a record of 4-14 in league play. It was always going to be a challenge as they had to replace their top 5 hitters from 2021 due to graduation.
Coach Josh Gutes seems to look towards the future after the tough 2022 season. “I think the bad taste of last year will actually be a positive for us heading into this year”, said Coach Gutes, “Last year was the youngest team we’ve had since I took over in 2014. We started five sophomores and a freshman. We had plenty of talented younger guys but we just didn’t have quite enough overall to be as competitive as we normally are. Our lack of experience last year will undoubtedly help us this year. We have 14 returning players. We don’t have a senior pitcher on the roster”.
Despite being a relatively young team, they will lose two of their leaders, Sam Rella and Anthony DeModna, to graduation. “They were true leaders and people that were looked up to. Their work ethic and team first attitude has certainly rubbed off”, said coach Gutes.
John Margolies (Hauppauge 2024) with a nice clean arm action. Fastball 80-81. CB: 71 CH: 73 Great athlete. Led team in hitting as freshman. Div-I prospect pic.twitter.com/UuwtEFlsvT
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 22, 2022
Returning for the Eagles, John Margolies and Matt Neglia are both going to be depended on to be leaders and centerpieces of the team. Both are entering their third year as varsity starters for Hauppauge and look to help return the team back to their glory of winning 4 league titles in 5 years. “They have been the left side of our infield since their freshmen years”, said coach Gutes, “They both are phenomenal defensively and are each key contributors on the mound for us”.
Catcher Chris Diesso was arguably the Eagles best offensive player in 2022, but he missed the second half of the season with a broken hand. “He’s our top run producer and puts in as much time into his game as anyone we’ve ever had” said coach Gutes. Sophomore Michael Oliveto looks to make a big step after a nice freshman year. “He (Oliveto) had a wonderful freshman year last year”, said coach Gutes, “he is primed to have another big one for us this year. His best value is his versatility. There’s a good chance he’ll play all four infield positions this year, as well as see some time on the mound and behind the plate”.
Chris Diesso hit a walk-off HR in the bottom of the 7th to give Hauppauge a 4-3 win over North Babylon pic.twitter.com/mldNedVh6H
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 18, 2022
Coach Gutes has some goals in mind for his young squad in 2023 and it only appears that things can get better for the Eagles. “The goal every year is to make the playoffs”, said coach Gutes, “That never changes. Hopefully we can get hot at the right time in May but we have to get there first. We had made it six straight years prior to last, so that would be goal number 1. We are in a very tough league with some big time players – especially pitchers. Every game will be a battle but we like what we have on our side and these guys are ready”.
The Hauppague Eagles begin their 2023 season on March 27th at Harborfields.
