by Andy Smith
Lynbrook took some steps in 2022. Newly appointed head coach Jon Zaccaro, who served as the assistant coach for six years under Al Marrazzo reflected on last season and what improvements were made. “Last year was tough, but we felt we were finally bouncing back from losing one of our best teams we have had in years from the canceled COVID season.”
The Owls were “in a very tough league and were in every series except one (South Side).” Lynbrook finished with a 4-15 record but four of these losses were just by one run.
“We had a great group of seniors that came to play hard every day and grew more confident against the toughest competition. We did not make the playoffs, but we also didn’t lay down for anyone.”
The Owls will be without a few strong players who had a noticeable presence in the program. The Owls will be down three starting pitchers and have other major holes to fill. Two-way player Sean Mylan who “worked harder in the off-season than anyone I’ve ever coached” is now pitching at SUNY Maritime. Fellow graduate Anthony Macchia, another two-way player tallied three out of the four wins on the mound. “He played with an intensity that I’m hoping was contagious due to the large group of underclassmen that are now returning.”
Uncommitted RHP Sean Mylan (Lynbrook 2022) showing good command, T80 pic.twitter.com/Sed2QvSy1R
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 17, 2022
Lynbrook will feature a very young roster that will be led by a few experienced seniors. Leading the group is Western Connecticut commit, Brian Mansfield. He will serve as the primary shortstop and will compete for innings on the mound. Fellow senior Nathan Santoli will play multiple positions defensively and will battle for a role in the rotation. Esteban Salazar who is committed to Muhlenberg College will also be in contention for a position in the starting rotation. Salazar will also be the anchor in center field and brings a potent bat to the lineup. “Besides these three Seniors, the remainder of our line-up will be filled through competition from a couple of upperclassmen and a very strong sophomore and freshman class.”
Esteban Salazar (Lynbrook 2023) pic.twitter.com/LOAii2cfMj
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 28, 2022
Sophomore Jameson Morrissey will be the primary backstop for the Owls. Morrissey was called up early to take over catching responsibilities following an injury to starter Gabe Sultana in 2022. Morrissey is, “big with raw talent and has been working weekly over the winter with a local catching expert.” Another name to note is freshman Paolo Palleschi, who has been “outstanding during winter training.”
Looking at the roster, Zaccaro noted, “All positions are up for competition. That’s one of the nice things about coming in as a new Head Coach with a new plan. The boys understand there are no passes given and they will be competing in every practice and every game. We are not looking at grade levels this year. The best players will play varsity, and we could see more than half of our roster filled with 9th and 10th graders.”
Zaccaro continued, “We are coming off 5 years of barely having enough players come down to fill a varsity and junior varsity squad so depth is something we have never had. There is a great feeling of excitement in the building and during winter workouts this year, as we have over 50 players trying out for both teams. So, we hope to build depth at all positions for years to come.”
Lynbrook is in League A-4, grouped with Mineola, Wantagh, Plainedge, North Shore, Island Trees, and Clarke. “There are no easy passes in this conference. I know we have the talent, now it’s our job to develop them in our team concept to believe they can win.”
Zaccaro added, “Although the teams in our division are some of the best in the county, they know we will come to compete. I know we are young and have a long road ahead, but our focus will be on us, not other teams, and the development of our players in our system.”
Lynbrook takes the diamond to open their season on March 27th when they take on Clarke.
