by Andy Smith
Postgame interview with Shoreham-Wading River RHP Billy Steele who fired 6 no-hit innings in a 4-1 win pic.twitter.com/dzwO45Ztze
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 4, 2022
Shoreham-Wading River had a very successful season last spring. The Wildcats qualified for the playoffs once again, a feat they have continued to accomplish for 36 straight seasons and finished the regular season with a 17-2 record. They were upset by Bayport-Blue Point in the postseason.
Head Coach Kevin Willi is entering his ninth season as the skipper. Willi may sound familiar to fans of Stony Brook University, as he was both a pitcher and outfielder for the Seawolves. Willi credited his mentor, Sal Mignano, as a major catalyst to his success. Mignano, a member of the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame and the first ever coach at Shoreham-Wading River, had a long and successful 38 -year career at the helm.
A lot of the credit for the success Shoreham-Wading River enjoyed last season was due to four graduates who are now playing college baseball. The Wildcats will be without two captains from last season, Liam Bowes and Billy Steele.
Shoreham-Wading River senior RHP Billy Steele captures the Paul Gibson Award given to the top pitcher in Suffolk County pic.twitter.com/dAAGOZHiCl
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 14, 2022
Bowes, the now Fordham Ram, hit for an average of .529, an .882 slugging and five home runs in his senior year. The backstop served as a strong leader for the Wildcats. Meanwhile, currently at Army West Point, Billy Steele pitched to a perfect 0.00 ERA last season. Steele was recognized as Suffolk County’s Most Outstanding Pitcher and was awarded the Paul Gibson Award for his dominance on the bump. Needless to say, it will not be possible to fill that level of dominance.
In addition, Shoreham-Wading River will be without potent bats Joey Marchese and Greg Friedman. Now playing at Cobleskill, Marchese brought in 17 runs and hit 3 homeruns during his graduation season. Friedman, now a Mercy Maverick, hit .413 and brought in 18 runs in 2022.
Shoreham-Wading River 7, Center Moriches 5
Joey Marchese walk-off 2 run homer
Liam Bowes hit a 3 run shot to tie it earlier in the inning pic.twitter.com/TkuissE9iq
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 4, 2022
Shoreham-Wading River has several impact players who are returning and are ready to carry on the success of the program. Senior Kyle Engmann, an elite defensive outfielder, will lead the way for the Wildcats. Engmann hit .379 and swiped seven bags last season.
There are three returning pitchers who have significant experience under their belt and will be a major part of the rotation. Senior Ben Grodski finished last spring with a 3-1 record. The SUNY Cobleskill commit totaled 37 punchouts in 27 innings pitched. Juniors Gordon Votruba and Nick Stella are being counted on to continue their contributions from last year. Votruba totaled 42 strikeouts while Stella added 23 Ks.
Looking at the current roster, Willi reflected, “Six starting seniors have graduated, and with all nine positions available, two outfield positions and three infield positions will most likely be filled by new players.” As a result, it is “most likely” that underclassmen will be playing on the varsity team, according to Willi.
Shoreham-Wading River will be in a competitive league this season featuring Mt. Sinai, Miller Place, Sayville, Bayport Blue Point, and Hampton Bays. Willi reflected, “It is a tough league this year with 4 other perennial playoff teams, but we should be able to compete for a playoff spot.”
