by Nick Cipolla
2022 was a step in the right direction for the West Babylon Eagles baseball program as they made the playoffs for the first time in 6 years. They finished with a 9-9 league record where they had to face some tough teams that contend for the playoffs every year like West Islip, Smithtown West, and nearby North Babylon.
The Eagles are led by head coach Victor Manzella, who took over in 2020 after a stint at Babylon High School. Manzella is certainly responsible for the quick turnaround that saw this team improve drastically since he was hired.
“I was extremely proud of my team last year”, said Manzella, “As an ‘A’ school, we qualified for the playoffs for the first time in 6 years in a very competitive league mixed with AA schools. When I took over the program in 2020, I made the decision to call up a lot of underclassmen and start them. In 2021 we went 7-11, 2022 9-9 (Playoffs) and now in 2023 we are ready to take the next step. We were made up of mostly freshman, sophomores and juniors back then but this year I am returning 8 out of 9 starting positions plus my entire pitching staff”.
Penn State-commit and All-League selection Jace Alvino (‘24) will be anchoring the Eagles pitching staff. As sophomore, Alvino went 2-2, with 39 strikeouts and a 3.75 ERA. He also batted .423 with a homer and 24 RBI. “Alvino is entering his fourth season on varsity and has been on the varsity team since 8th grade”, said coach Manzella, “(Alvino) brings intensity to every game”.
Jace Alvino (West Babylon 2024) with a long HR in last night’s PG Northeast Fall World Series pic.twitter.com/unKumun0Bq
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) November 3, 2020
Backing Alvino in the rotation is senior Dominic Gerbasio (‘23) who has been a starting pitcher since his sophomore year. Last year, Gerbasio went 4-1, striking out 32, and having a 3.52 ERA. “He has been our bulldog on the mound”, said coach Manzella. Rounding out the staff is Junior Brandon Hancock (‘24). Hancock started 3 games last and went 1-1 with 20 strikeouts.
Offensively, they will be returning their only player who was selected All-County in 2022. St. Johns commit Ryan Adams is arguably one of the best catchers in Suffolk County, you can’t miss him when talking about the West Babylon Eagles. Adams batted .315 with 3 HR, 14 RBI, 23 runs scored, and was intentionally walked over 10 times in 2022. “Not only is Adams an offensive threat but in my opinion slated to be one of the best catchers in the county”, said Manzella, “He is defensively sound and has a rifle as an arm. He is a leader/glue that keeps our team and program moving in the right direction. His leadership is seen both on and off the field”.
Ryan Adams (West Babylon 2023) goes deep at 16u PG WWBA Northeast Championship pic.twitter.com/aTOVHL4Hy4
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 25, 2022
Joining Adams in the everyday lineup will be All-League senior and Plattsburgh-commit Ricky Fasitta (‘23) will be returning for his 4th and final year as the starting shortstop. will also play a major role in the offense. In 2022, Fasitta batted .320 with 2 HR and 20 RBI. “He will hold down the middle of the infield with his good range and above average arm”, said Manzella. In the outfield, the Eagles are returning 10th grade center fielder Elijah Outlaw (‘25) who started every game and batted .250 as a freshman. Rounding out the outfield will be Sean McGuire who coach Manzella has described as a “spark plug at the top of our lineup for the past 3 years”. The Eagles will also lean on Sophomore Anthony Gerbasio (‘25) and senior Chris Critchly (‘23) to give them valuable time in both the outfield and on the mound.
Chris Critchley (West Babylon 2024) with clean mechanics, sitting in the mid 70s with a really nice change up pic.twitter.com/LjP0BNWfG1
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) November 7, 2021
The West Babylon Eagles look poised to make a deep playoff run in 2023 and they look to get started on the right foot as they open up on March 27th at home against Islip. “The strength of this team will be its experience”, said Manzella, “They were able to taste the playoffs last year and now we are ready to take the next step and win one”.
