It’s always exciting to team up with Prep Baseball Report on a Long Island event. Between their talented staff, state-of-the-art technology and our social media presence, it’s a perfect fit.
Yesterday was their Top Prospect Games: Long Island held at Medford Athletic Complex and it featured 40 players from the region.
Players were tested on their 60-yard dash times, they ran through infield/outfield drills and a round of batting practice before getting into a game.
There was plenty of talent in attendance. Here’s a few of the Long Island players that caught my eye:
Vito LaRosa, Northport 2024
.@JaspersBaseball ‘24 OF Vito LaRosa (Northport)
No. 12 ranked OF in NY among rising seniors at a long 6-4, 180 with room to fill out. Ran an absurd 6.52 60YD, peak EV 94MPH with 81MPH arm strength.#TopProspectGamesLI | @VitoLaR1 | @AxcessBaseball pic.twitter.com/wnXYTgs9ho
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) August 16, 2023
The Manhattan-commit is an impressive physical specimen at 6’4 190 lbs. LaRosa first got on my radar at the Maritime showcase back in early July when he crushed a long HR and had the fastest 60 time. He announced his commitment to the Jaspers shortly after that. LaRosa generates great power at the plate and had one of the top exit velocities at 94 MPH. Additionally, he was tied for the second best outfield arm velocity at 81 MPH. He is athletically gifted and ran – by far – the quickest 60 time at 6.52. He will be a player to watch this upcoming season for the Tigers.
Christian Cox, Shoreham-Wading River 2024
‘24 SS/2B Christian Cox (Shoreham Wading River) back spinning LD’s through the middle & pull side w/ a short to-long through fluid stroke. TEV 89 MPH
Athletic 5’8, 161 Lb’r – 80 MPH arm across#TopProspectGamesLI pic.twitter.com/MUYaF6La9N
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) August 16, 2023
Cox has one of those smooth left-handed swings that jumps out at you. His exit velocity of 89 MPH was among the highest of all participants. Consistently made solid contact to right center field. I’ve seen him enough in games to know it translates to live pitching. Performed very well in defensive drills, showed a good penchant for turning double plays and had an 80 MPH throw across the diamond. I have a Division-II grade on him.
Luke Villella, Oeanside 2025
2025 2B/OF Luke Villella (Oceanside) athletic 5-10 175lb makeup. Direct path to the baseball allows him to turn on the inside pitch. 90 MPH max EV. Also added an 80MPH arm from the infield#TPGLongIsland @axcessbaseball pic.twitter.com/9d7QhULdZP
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) August 16, 2023
Luke is coming off an All-County season for the Oceanside Sailers and he was up on varsity as a freshman in 2022. I was very impressed with his offensive prowess and I could see him even taking a step forward next year and being in contention for League MVP. He peaked at 90 MPH exit velocity, but was consistent. As you can see in the video, he has great balance at the plate and that will lend itself well to handling velocity. I think he can stay at shortstop as well. High-end Division-II at present with Division-I upside.
Matthew Podesta, Sachem North 2025
‘25 C/2B Matthew Podesta (Sachem North)
Strongest arm of the day up out of the crouch, registering 78MPH down to second with pop times ranging 2.08-2.17. Switch hitting backstop at 5-9, 165lbs.#TopProspectGamesLI | @MattPodesta_2 | @AxcessBaseball pic.twitter.com/w2XWGAMLUr
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) August 16, 2023
Podesta stood out as the best catcher at the event with not only a strong and accurate arm to second and third base, but also showed an advanced feel for receiving and blocking the ball. At the plate, he showed his pop with a few well struck deep fly balls in BP. Possesses some exciting tools and could see him becoming one of the top catchers in the class. High-end Division-II player at present.
Ethan Ramirez, Syosset 2025
‘25 OF/LHP Ethan Ramirez (Syosset)
Well-rounded athlete is a fluid mover in the OF. Ran a 6.91 60YD with arm strength topping 81MPH. Offensively – recorded a sweet spot percentage of 84.6% via @TrackManBB. Could benefit from additional balance in his base.#TopProspectGamesLI |… pic.twitter.com/7KTC2eZlyP
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) August 16, 2023
An incredible athlete with the ability to stick in center field. He was tied for the best outfield velocity, he was second in the 60-yard dash and he generated some loud contact. Will just need to improve balance at the plate in order to hit at the collegiate level but certainly has the exciting tools to garner college interest.
Isaiah Gibbs, Stony Brook School 2025
OF/2B Isaiah Gibbs (The Stony Brook School 2025) with a max exit velo of 96 – highest among all participants @PBRNewYork pic.twitter.com/8qGp8tXEea
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 16, 2023
Gibbs goes up to the plate looking to do damage. It’s the type of aggressiveness that you love to see at the high school level. The 96 MPH exit velocity jumped off the page and was the highest among all participants. Ran a 7.09 60-yard dash with 73 MPH velocity from the outfield.
Anthony Carlo, St. Anthony’s 2025
‘25 OF Anthony Carlo (@SAFriarsBase)
Driving a 2-run double to straightaway CF. Pulls into second, utilizing his 6.90 foot speed. Peak EV 89MPH during BP.#TopProspectGamesLI | @TheBigDog593 | @AxcessBaseball pic.twitter.com/hD2C4iYfig
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) August 16, 2023
Listed at 5’9 160 lbs, he has impressive strength for his size. Carlo ripped a two-run double in game, showcasing his strength and balance at the plate. Last month, he went an incredible 9-for-10 in the PBR National Championship. He also was one of the sub 7.0 runners in attendance. He is a high-intensity player and someone you want on your side.
Daniel Defonte, Long Beach 2024
2024 C/OF Daniel Defonte (Long Beach) proportional 5-10 160lb frame. High, two-handed finish produces natural increase in launch angle. 90 MPH EV max. Also clocked in a 7.08 60yd dash.#TPGLongIsland @axcessbaseball pic.twitter.com/g38OyVuxFl
— PBR New York (@PBRNewYork) August 16, 2023
Defonte stood out as a two-way player behind the dish and at the plate. Very strong kid and produced loud contact at the plate. Will be a key piece to Long Beach next season. He can certainly play at the next level, I have a Division-III grade on him,.
