This week we hosted the sixth annual MLK Day College Showcase in conjunction with 17Sports at Max Effort. It is something I truly look forward to as the kids and college coaches have a rare mutual day off where they can be seen and hopefully find their future college.
The event was well-attended as we had roughly 70 players and 21 college coaches, even with the threat of some daunting winter weather.
The players went through a pro style workout of running the 40-yard dash, the outfielders and infielders went through their standard drills and the catchers were tested on their blocking and throwing to second base.
From there, we went into BP which was the bulk of the afternoon as 60+ players needed to hit. We were fortunate to have the Rapsodo hitting hooked up so that the metrics were displayed in real time on a monitor for the college coaches to see.
After a short break, the pitchers through their bullpens to conclude the event. Additionally, the players were encouraged to introduce themselves to the college coaches and express their interest in attending the school or simply ask questions to find out more about their programs.
Here are some players that stood out.
Alex Abi-Zeid (West Islip 2025)
West Islip is among the top towns on Long Island when it comes to churning out college athletes. While much of that has to do with great coaching that gets the most from their players and preps them well for the college game, it cannot be discounted the great talent pool that they work with. Abi-Zeid is a West Islip kid that is a well-rounded ballplayer. On the mound, he was mainly 79-80 and flashed a couple 83s. He had good control and spun a breaking ball for strikes, although with an alteration in grip it could add more bite. In the field, he was one of two players that threw over 80 MPH across the diamond. He should be an impact player at the varsity level this year, with a good shot to be a pitcher at the next level.
Zachary Aronson (Smithtown West 2026)
Catcher Zachary Aronson (Smithtown West 2026) with a max exit velocity of 89.2 pic.twitter.com/Er1sir3Cwq
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 19, 2024
Aronson was on the short list of the best hitters in attendance. He was also one of the youngest players, which makes it more exciting. With a max exit velocity of 89.2, he should provide plenty of pop in the Smithtown West lineup this season. He was also able to consistently barrel the ball and hit it up the middle, not simply selling out for power. Behind the dish, he had one of the better arms (2.16 pop) and not many catchers can provide great offensive production.
Nolan Comerford (Bellport 2025)
Comerford was easily the hardest thrower at the event. Impressively, he saved his best for last as his velocity jumped on each of his last 3 pitches from 83 to 84 to 85. Free and easy arm action. Feel for his slider, which should be a swing & miss pitch. I expect big things from him this year. Still has two high school seasons to go, but I see him being a Division-II starting pitcher.
Tyler Koenig (St. Francis Prep 2025)
Koenig was the best defensive player at the event and it was not particularly close. His actions were advanced and he played the shortstop with confidence that you love to see. He started on varsity last year and he should be a 3-year starter for them. Max exit velocity of 84.5 during his round of BP. Ran his 40-yard dashes in 4.98 and 4.99 seconds. Infield velocity was 79 MPH.
Thomas Machin (Westhampton Beach 2026)
Thomas Machin (Westhampton Beach 2026) had a 92.3 max exit velocity from the left side and 83.6 from the right side. Impressive showing pic.twitter.com/8KUFPzPFKT
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 16, 2024
Machin, only a sophomore, posted one of the best exit velocities of the day at 93 MPH. Loud, aggressive contact is how I would describe it. Machin turned around to the right side and posted exit velocities in the mid 80s, not something you often see. That type of pop will make him an enticing player to college coaches regardless of any other tools.
Matthew Podesta (Sachem North 2025)
Catcher Matthew Podesta (Sachem North 2025) with a max exit velocity of 94 pic.twitter.com/ypySU8lvHP
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 19, 2024
Podesta was the best overall player in attendance when you factor in his defensive abilities, athleticism and his bat. He recorded a 2.06 pop time, he ran a 4.88 40-yard dash and a max exit velocity of 94. Nice, balanced approach that generated line drives. I have a Division-I grade on him.
Luke Walsh (Seaford 2025)
LHP Luke Walsh (Seaford 2025) sitting 77-79 MPH pic.twitter.com/6ZCZTUEJWv
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 19, 2024
Walsh is a LHP/OF although his future is likely on the mound from what I saw. He was sitting in the 77-79 MPH range but with great feel for his pitches. When you consider that it’s January of his junior year, I fully expect he will also probably 2-3 MPH during the season and will be mid 80s by this time next year. Showed real feel for his breaking ball that had 12-6 action. Think he could be a Division-II starting pitcher.
