Ian Schneider has a very strong coaching resume for a young, ascending coach. The 2010 Mount Sinai graduate has had assistant coaching jobs at Port Jefferson, Hauppauge and Harborfields. After Casey Sturm stepped down following the 2022 season, it was announced that Schneider would be promoted to head coach at Harborfields.
“I am incredibly excited and incredibly grateful for all the coaches that have helped me – Jesse Rosen, Josh Gutes and Casey Sturm. I’ve been shaped by a lot of great coaches that I played for such as Tom Caputo (Dowling) and Eric Reichenbach (Mount Sinai). I’m incredibly thankful for the time I’ve had with al the coaches that I’ve worked for and played for. I hope to take pieces from all of them to mold my own style.”
Uncommitted 6’3 Peter Houston (Harborfields 2022) pic.twitter.com/Et7jj4OU5j
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 28, 2020
Schneider was the assistant coach last year, and it was certainly a transitional year for a young Harborfields team that finished under .500. They had one All-League player and it was Peter Houston (.324 AVG) and he is now playing at SUNY Oneonta. They also graduated Ryan Shih (St. Joseph’s College of Maine), Michael Peters and Ryan Casano.
Sac fly by Brogan Olson and Harborfields takes a 1-0 lead in the second pic.twitter.com/Ud6nfelktn
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 22, 2021
This year’s team brings a little more experience. They will be led by New Haven-commit Brogan Olson who will play the infield and be a key piece in the lineup. They also return senior catcher Gavin Crawford. He has a very interesting story – he grew up in England and played for them in the LLWS. He endured a brutal injury after his sophomore season in which he broke his back but he is fully recovered and ready to contribute.
“He is a top-tier person. It’s like having an extra coach in the dugout. He has about a 105 weighted GPA, just a brilliant kid,” he added.
Anchoring the pitching staff is junior Max Hilsenroth who was up on varsity last season and they are hoping he takes the next step. He has been up in the mid-to-upper 80s with his heater.
Coach described 2023 as a “season of opportunities” for the program. They will have plenty of competition for starting positions.
“We are trying to get a look at younger guys. From 9th to 12th graders, you will all have a chance.”
Uncommitted RHP Aman Singh (Harborfields 2023) missed last season with a torn patella tendon but back to full health pic.twitter.com/sAYBjir76B
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 5, 2023
Harborfields will be looking to get back to their 2021 form, when they dominated most of the season and reached the County Finals before losing to East Islip. From that team, they sent Sean Keys (Bucknell) and Matt Torres (Farleigh-Dickinson) to play Division-I ball.
They will open up their season against Hauppauge and their league opponents are Kings Park, John Glenn and Islip.
