by Andy Smith
Hayden Leiderman’s father accepting the Cy Young Award Powered by The Arm Academy. Leiderman went 6-0 with 6 CG shutouts (0.00 ERA) this season for Roslyn pic.twitter.com/QE6SzWegsi
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) November 14, 2021
Roslyn’s varsity head coach Dan Freeman, now in his 11th year, is ready to build off the success of the last season. In 2022, the Bulldogs entered the season having lost ten recent graduates from 2021’s conference winning team that featured Diamond Award winner Hayden Leiderman. However, the young team pulled together and fought hard all season long. According to Coach Freeman his team, “Exceeded all expectations.” The Bulldogs clinched their second consecutive playoff berth and went on to win a thrilling play-in game against Long Beach. In the bottom of the ninth, Roslyn staged an incredible rally to seal the victory. They were defeated against South Side in the next round.
Coach Freeman noted, “Everyone contributed. We always fought hard every game. It was very motivating for our players and staff.”
Roslyn does not have any recent graduates playing at the college level but they will be without two key pieces from last season. Starting catcher Luke Tullman hit .360 and was great defensively behind the plate. The backstop also qualified for All-League honors. In addition, closer Jared Simpson was an elite option out of the pen and finished with a team-high total in saves and was at the top of the county standings.
Much of the success from last season will be carried over by returning players. Coach Freeman expressed his thoughts about the current state of the roster. “We are looking to solidify the middle infield.” Freeman continued, “Corner infield and outfield have a lot of depth.”
All-League leadoff hitter Matt Fliegler will serve as the centerpiece of the roster. Entering his senior year, Fliegler will make appearances both in centerfield and on the mound. The two-way player hit .340, recorded a .916 OPS, and 33 punchouts on the bump.
Tyler Giordano (Roslyn 2023) was All-Conference batting .333 with 23 RBI this season pic.twitter.com/ma90OYUy37
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 2, 2021
Junior and 2-time All-Conference player Tyler Giordano held down the hot corner for the Bulldogs. The third baseman hit .430, knocked in 18 runs, all while striking out only four times after hitting .333 as a freshman.
Lucas Weisser was a two-way star during his sophomore season. The current junior finished last season with a .414 OBP, and 22 hits. He also threw a one hit shutout against Bellmore and finished with a 3-1 record.
In addition, Western Connecticut commit Harris Reinstein (senior) who hit .340 and registered 19 hits last season will once again have an important role on the team.
Coach Freeman also noted catcher Zach Herman (junior), Jacob Zwerling (junior) who hit the game-winning RBI in the playoff game and infielder/pitcher Spiro Matarangas (junior) as key returning players.
Speaking about the rotation, Freeman emphasized the importance of Fliegler and Weisser. “Fliegler and Weisser are our one and two.” Due to the nature of competitive tryouts, the other spots in the rotation are not currently set.
In 2023, Roslyn will be competing against league opponents such as Southside, Garden City, Bellmore, Glen Cove and Great Neck North.
Freeman reflected on how he believes his team holds up against other teams in the league. “We should be able to compete. We have a lot of returning guys, some third-year starting, they have to believe that they should be right there. We must continue fighting.”
Roslyn begins their 2023 campaign against Sewanhaka on March 27th.
