by Andy Smith
Final: South Side 13, Manhasset 1
WP: TJ MaherMaher also hit a grand slam
Game 3 tomorrow at Manhasset pic.twitter.com/qea8TMnybU
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 17, 2021
South Side had a very successful 2022 – which followed up winning the County Championship in 2021. The Cyclones finished with an outstanding 16-2 record, but their playoff run did not go as planned.
They suffered a couple of big injuries that made them vulnerable, and it unfortunately ended their season. Entering his eleventh season as the head coach, Tom Smith reflected on how the campaign ended. “We were playing teams in our bracket in the round robin who were in our conference. The more you see a team the easier it is to find ways to beat them especially without key players.”
Two recent graduates are leaving large roles that have to be filled for the next group of Cyclones to continue the success of the program. Headlining this group is Conference Pitcher of the Year Andrew Fingleton. On the mound, the now Binghamton Bobcat gave up only 27 hits and three earned runs across 39 innings. Fingleton had a miniscule 0.54 ERA in his senior year. He was just as dominant in the batter’s box and posted an impressive .413 AVG with 24 RBIs, and launched three home runs. Smith emphasized, “His leadership on the mound was something these guys looked up to. He really set the tone for us.”
Another graduate, Thomas (TJ) Maher, now a college football player at Utica University, played an important role not just as a player, but also as a leader on the team. Maher suffered injuries throughout his time at South Side, but Smith applauded his perseverance. “Just him being out there really motivated the team. He encouraged the younger guys to buy right into the program, and this is why we return as a very strong core.” Maher finished with a .285 AVG, 20 RBIs, and two long balls in a limited role.
Other players that will be missed are Danny Russell, and Danny Fuentes. “Both of these guys possessed strong leadership skills and a powerful presence on the mound.” Russel was the winning pitcher in game 3 of the County Championship against Manhasset in 2021.
South Side will be returning a large group of seniors who look to continue to build on the successes achieved, both last year and in previous years. This core was a County Champion squad when they were sophomores in 2021.
Leading this group is backstop and two-time All-County Sean Britt. Britt was a finalist for the Caulfield Award, which is given to the county’s best catcher. The Towson commit is, “A tremendous leader, and someone who everyone wants to coach. He is a great young man and wants to make everyone around him better.”
Sean Britt (South Side 2023) displaying his power in Friday’s scrimmage against East Rockaway. He batted .411 last season with 31 hits – third most in program history pic.twitter.com/frvjxK2dXZ
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 27, 2022
Robert Pericolosi was a force in the batter’s box during the playoffs. The All-County third baseman and outfielder went 9-11 in the playoffs with a .507 AVG, 38 hits, 27 RBIs, and scored 24 runs. Pericolosi also has a great eye and only struck out six times across 102 plate appearances.
Justin Peralta will be a feature on the bump and serve as a leader of the rotation. Smith explained, “Justin truly emerged and bought into and listened to what we were teaching.” The Queens commit finished right behind Fingleton as the number two in the rotation. Peralta posted a 3-1 record, an ERA of 1.73, and only surrendered 20 hits across 26 innings.
Uncommitted RHP Justin Peralta (Southside 2023) pitched 1 inning to close the game out for LI Elite Prospects Black. He was up to 87 mph to compliment his 12-6 curve ball. pic.twitter.com/iyLPuIzCMP
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 15, 2022
Thomas McCarthy had a limited role last season due to injuries. However, he still had a major impact and will look to improve in his senior season. In thirteen innings of work, McCarthy went 2-0, tallied two saves, gave up five hits, struck out thirteen, and posted an ERA of 0.59.
A centerpiece of the lineup, Chris Rosenbaum, has a big year in store. Rosenbaum will see time in the outfield and also as a reliever. The current senior hit .320 with an OPS of .878. Rosenbaum had a “coming out party” with a big home run against Manhasset early in the season which gave South Side the lead in that game. Rosenbaum would then take the mound and secure the save.
Another valuable contributor is shortstop Drew Aromiskis. The strong defender only committed one error in over 70 fielding opportunities. Smith noted, “The field general tried to do a little too much on that error. His leadership will take us far.”
The Cyclones’ league opponents in 2023 will be; Great Neck North, Bellmore JFK, Glen Cove, Sewanhaka, Roslyn, and Garden City. South Side begins their season on March 27th against Great Neck North.
