by Andy Smith
Bethpage 9, Valley Stream North 2
WP: Conor Burns (5 IP, 4 K and 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R)Joe Lynn: 3-4, HR, 2B, 2 RBI pic.twitter.com/FD6jk46tPU
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 1, 2022
Bethpage entered 2022 with high expectations. The Golden Eagles won the County Championships in 2021 and were prepared to repeat their accomplishment. However, their playoff hopes were cut short in the quarterfinals following a loss to Division. Entering his 19th season as the head coach, Rob Fisher reflected on how their postseason hopes ended and what lessons were learned from it. “We were a strong team. We pitched well, defended well, and always came up with big hits. We just ran out of gas after knocking out South Side.”
Fisher continued, “We learned about the importance of chemistry. Everyone must play together. As a result you will achieve what you want or even better. This will always continue to be a major focus in our program.”
Bethpage will be without three key contributors to their program in 2023. All-County Conor Burns was a two-way star for the Golden Eagles. The now Ithaca Bomber, Burns held down center field and the lead off spot during his time at Bethpage.
Bethpage 4
Manhasset 1
WP: Conor Burns (CG, 0 ER, 4 H, 5 K)Joe Lynn: Walk-Off 3-R Home Run pic.twitter.com/897KbG2yhK
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 5, 2022
Joe Lynn, who is pitching for Florida Eckerd College, served as the number one pitcher for the Golden Eagles. The All-County ace also provided power in the lineup and hit for power during his senior season.
Rounding out this group is Chris Downes. The backstop was a mainstay behind the dish. Fisher noted that, “I rarely called pitches. Downes took over the game and was an outstanding defender.”
Bethpage returns a strong group of seniors to lead the program in 2023. Lockhaven-commit Kyle Brindisi will be a feature in the mound and in the batter’s box. Brindisi punched out 33 across 27 innings of work to the tune of a 2.33 ERA. Brindisi also brings a potent bat to the lineup as well. Micheal Tierno will also be featured as a two-way player. The current senior hit .385 with 10 RBIs and threw 17 innings on the mound with a 2.94 ERA. Outfielder Sean Seeley will be viewed as the “table setter” and will be featured as the lead off bat.
A member of the rotation, Dom Galeotafiore will be playing at St. Joseph’s College next year. Galeotafiore notched 2 saves with 13 strikeouts and finished with a mid-3.00 ERA.
A feature at second base and on the mound, Anthony Faggiano, will be taking his talents to St. Joseph’s in Brooklyn. Fisher elaborated, “Faggiano is outstanding defensively and handles the bat very well.” His brother Chris Faggiano was a big surprise for the Golden Eagles last year. He hit over .300 and earned his way into the lineup as the season progressed.
Christian Considine and Ben Pilgrim will also be featured, and are two names to watch as the season goes along.
Regarding the potential call-ups of underclassmen, Fisher added. “After a week of tryouts, there are always a few who might get the call. There is nobody as of right now but kids may come up throughout the season if we face trouble.”
Bethpage will be in a league with Carey, Division, Valley Stream North, Floral Park, Hewitt, and Manhasset. The Golden Eagles take the diamond on March 27th against Carey.
