Ryan Degnan struck out 14, allowing just one hit and one walk and Carey won on a walk-off infield single in the bottom of the 7th pic.twitter.com/bgpt0MdTQG
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 25, 2022
In just about any other year, perhaps Carey is the Conference-II Champs, but last year they were forced to deal with a powerhouse in Calhoun who came away with the Conference Championship, and ultimately the Long Island Championship.
Carey finished the league with a record of 15-2-1 and handed Calhoun their only conference loss on a game in which we covered. Overall, they finished with a record of 16-4-1.
They had some outstanding performances, including the League MVP – CF Teagan Graham. He batted an even .500 for the season, stole 14 bases and coach said he had the only “30-30-30 season” that he is aware of – which is 30 hits, 30 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Teagan was rewarded with League MVP. He is currently at Stony Brook University, although he is not playing baseball.
They also had ace RHP Ryan Degnan graduate and is now playing at Pace. He went 7-2 with a 2.38 ERA. He was named All-County and was a huge part of their success.
Mid 6: Degnan is through 6 no-hit innings with 12 strikeouts and just one walk. Carey looking to get their first hit as well pic.twitter.com/Zrw1kqjpU1
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 25, 2022
“Both kids led by example and set the tone for the younger kids getting acclimated to the program and what we expect,” said Head Coach Doug Robins.
They had a third All-County player and that was junior SS Jake Perlowitz. Jake batted .391 for the season with 4 HRs, 21 RBIs and coach noted that he has “good range and a good arm” at shortstop. He will be back this season and will be one of their senior leaders.
Another outstanding performer was 8th grader Jayden Gigante who is now a freshman. He batted .393 out of the leadoff spot, he had 29 hits and scored 29 runs. He stole 17 bases and will now be shifted to CF to replace Graham. Coach Robins noted that he has already garnered interest from the local Division-I programs. He has plenty of athleticism and will be a huge player for them, even as a freshman.
Jayden Gigante (Carey 2026) pic.twitter.com/i2CRWVheMX
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 16, 2023
Coach Robins mentioned two other 3rd year starters and that’s Matteo Tufano and Justin Babiak. Both are juniors that have been up since freshmen year. Tufano plays third and is a pitcher. He batted .327 last season with 17 RBIs and 15 runs scored and was named All-League. Coach described him as a “tough and gritty kid.” He also pitched 14 innings to a 0.93 ERA. Justin Babiak is a junior RHP that they have high hopes for this season as well. He batted .273 last season.
Matteo Tufano (H. Frank Carey) gives Next Level an early 1-0 lead with a 2 out RBI triple to Center pic.twitter.com/EsreUjmpD5
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 6, 2022
Replacing Ryan Degnan atop the rotation will be senior RHP Jake Beringer who will anchor the rotation. Last season, he went 4-2 with a 3.54 ERA although that was skewed by one bad start.
When asked about the team’s strength, coach said “we are athletic, we have good team speed” which they will use to put pressure on their opponents.
They open up at Bethpage HS. Other teams that they will face this season are Division, Bethpage, Manhasset, Floral Park, Hewlett and Valley Stream North.
