by Max Edelman
Despite a strong season for the Kellenberg Firebirds in 2023, which saw the team finish with an overall record of 17-8, the Firebirds ultimately fell short of their goal of winning a Catholic League championship. Although the ending wasn’t ideal, head coach Pat Miles, who is entering his 4th year as the head coach of Kellenberg’s varsity team looked back on what he believed was a strong season for his team.
“We had a really good season.” Miles said. “We won a playoff game against St. Dominic’s in the losers bracket which sent us to a game against St Anthony’s. Unfortunately for us, it was the only time we lost to them last season. Obviously, 17-8 is a great season, not what we wanted, but that’s how we wrapped it up.”
The big loss for Kellenberg comes in the form of Andrew Koshy. Who graduated from Kellenberg last year and is now playing at Wake Forest.
Wake Forest-commit Andrew Koshy (Kellenberg 2023) was lights out for the Firebirds as he scattered four hits with four strikeouts in five innings against St. Anthony’s. Fastball T90 with a wipeout slider pic.twitter.com/9ArgaG2sDQ
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 30, 2023
“We lost Andrew Koshy.” Miles said. “That was a big one obviously. It will be a bit of a group effort to replace a guy like him, or at least try to replace a guy like him.”
Also departing from Kellenberg to go play college baseball was the teams starting shortstop last season, Paul Napolitano, who is now playing at High Point University.
However, not all is lost for Kellenberg, as they are loaded with returners, 16 of them to be exact. Miles cited this returning class as the strength to his team, and the key to success this season.
“We have a very solid returning class.” Miles said. “We have 16 returning players, we were very junior heavy last year, and as a 17-8 team that’s very good. Nine or 10 of those returning players were either starters for us last year or played more than half the games for us.
Monmouth-commit Kenny Noe (Kellenberg 2024) going yard in the Dominican Republic pic.twitter.com/RUuoItUSMP
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 25, 2023
Many of those returners are either college commits, All-League players or both. Moving from third base to shortstop this season is All-League senior and Monmouth-commit Kenny Noe. Noe is one of several Kellenberg Seniors who will be playing Div-I or II baseball following the conclusion of the 2024 season.
Uncommitted catcher Jimmy Ernst (Kellenberg 2024) pic.twitter.com/i0XabTUutn
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 1, 2023
Tommy Pasqua is committed to play at Queens college beginning in 2025. Catcher Jimmy Ernst, who is committed to play at LIU beginning next season. They were both All-League. Although not All-League, senior Will Cowan is also committed to play Div-I baseball with the St John’s Red Storm.
Will Cowan (Kellenberg 2024) reaching 90 MPH with this throw pic.twitter.com/ChTUEk28bU
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 20, 2023
Two pitchers for the Firebirds will be staying on the island to pitch Division II. Matt Reiter, who Miles cited as the team’s senior leader, is going to Molloy next year. And reliever Will Celentano will be pitching at Adelphi.
Of the 16 returning players, a whopping 15 of them are seniors. Jack Durso, a 6’4” 210 pound left handed pitcher, the lone returning junior, was touted by Miles as one of the “Top left handed pitchers in the league.” Although Durso missed much of the season last year due to an arm injury, he is fully healthy and ready to go for the Firebirds.
Uncommitted 2025 Jack Durso (Kellenberg HS). Great to see him back healthy. At 6’4 almost 200 pounds.. Jack attacks hitters with 3 pitch mix. Was up to 85 before injury. Baseball family. Very good student! College coaches reach out for contact info! @axcessbaseball… pic.twitter.com/AkE6R9R2Mj
— Titans (@TitansBsb) January 9, 2024
“He actually got injured halfway through the season last year.” Miles said. “We were one of the top teams in the league and then he goes out and gets arm surgery halfway through the season. So to have to replace a guy like him in the rotation last year kind of sucked. But it happens, it’s baseball.”
Although the lack of youth could be alarming to some, that is not the case for the Kellenberg Firebirds. Miles cites this experience as a huge strength for the team, and a large reason why Kellenberg could make some major noise this season.
“Obviously, all these kids have experience, and that’s probably our biggest strength right now.” Miles said. “All these kids have competed in big time playoff games, big time series and they’ve all had their share of big time moments. They’re very seasoned.”
Kellenberg will open their non-league season on March. 16, against Monroe. And they will open their league season on March. 26, against St. John the Baptist.
