by Max Edelman
(Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.)
In his 22nd year as head coach of the Farmingdale High School Dalers, head coach Frank Tassielli enters the year coming off what was yet another successful season for his team. The Dalers finished the 2023 season with an 18-3 record that saw them finish second in their league during the regular season. Despite winning their opening round of the playoffs over Syosset, the Dalers eventually fell short of their goal, falling to Plainview in three games.
“We had a great season.” Tassielli said. “We started off pretty hot, we handled our crossover games pretty well, which set us up for our league play. Our division is a pretty tough division and we were 12-0. But we ended up losing the league title on the final day of the season to Massapequa. So our crosstown rivals got us again.”
Many of the key players for Farmingdale graduated and are now playing college baseball. Those players consist of Bryan Birkl at Western Connecticut, Joe Burriesci at Molloy, Michael Craig (All-County) committed to Hofstra, Carmine Scardina at St. Thomas Aquinas, and Anthony Vinitari who’s now at SUNY Polytechnic in Albany.
Despite the many losses, Farmingdale is loaded with returners. Two of them were All-County players a season ago. Joe Tagliavia, the team’s starting second baseman, will also pitch for the Dales in 2024. He batted .412 with 18 RBIs and was 3-1 on the mound.
Farmingdale 5, Port Washington 1
WP: Jordan Welch (6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 Ks)Welch also went 2-for-3 with an RBI
Joe Tagliavia: 3 RBIs pic.twitter.com/zgq85R0RQo— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 8, 2023
Also, an All-County member last year was Jordan Welch. He pitched and played third base for the Dales in 2024. He batted a robust .462 and drove in 21 runs. On the mound, he compiled a 2.00 ERA over 28 innings.
“[Welch] was an absolute monster for us.” Tassielli said. “Since he was a sophomore he’s been a starter for us. He was also the AA League MVP for our conference last year as well.”
🚨 Sophomore Jordan Welch hits an opposite field walk-off HR to complete the comeback win for Farmingdale and deliver Massapequa their first loss of the season 🚨 pic.twitter.com/FK8STX7jor
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 2, 2022
While not All-County, the Dalers did have one other All-League player, as the team’s right fielder, Dean Pasolini, also received All-League honors.
Other returners consist of Jack Molloy, who started games last season for Farmingdale as a sophomore and is expected to also feature at third base at times, along with retaining his starting pitching duties.
Angel Cartagena, a junior Iona-commit, spent time last season behind the plate. Tassielli spoke to Cartagena’s importance to the team this year.
“He’s a big kid.” Tassielli said. “He’s six foot, 205 pounds, hit .292 with 12 RBIs with a couple home runs. It all goes through our catcher, so hopefully he can step up this year with one year of experience under his belt and really do well with our pitching staff and try to keep the runners at bay on the bases.”
Tassielli also mentioned John Franco, who, despite playing limited innings, did get time in the middle of the infield. This season, Tassielli plans to use Franco as a Swiss army knife for the team.
“He’s gonna find a spot somewhere,” Tassielli said. “Could even be at first base. He’s gonna pitch for us as well in some capacity.”
Pat Sebber, an outfielder, also played sporadically last season for the Dales. But when he did play, he performed well. He hit over .300 in his limited varsity at-bats.
While the returners will be impactful for the Dalers, it is the newcomers who are taking the spots for those who left. Tassielli is very confident that the new members of his team will have no issue making an impact if called upon. Sophomore Lorenzo Cimino drew praise from his coach.
“He’s a big, tall lanky lefty,” Tassielli said. “He came up for the playoffs with us and pitched a couple of innings in relief.
Tassielli also mentioned Ive Mills, a sophomore who will be competing for time at shortstop. James Sebber, also a sophomore, will be competing for time in the outfield.
Mateo Morales is another player who drew high praise from his coach. Morales, who also plays football as a wide receiver and defensive end for his school’s varsity football team and a starter for the school’s basketball team, was lauded by his coach for his athletic ability.
“This kid is a freak.” Tassielli said. “He has tremendous athletic ability and we look forward to seeing him at the varsity level.”
Tassielli sees the strength of his team as his pitching staff. Tassielli plans for his starting rotation to consist of Jack Molloy and John Franco. But Tassielli also believes that Lorenzo Cimino can compete and succeed as a starter as well.
“Our pitching should hopefully keep some of these Massapequa and Oceanside bats at bay.” Tassielli said. “Which is what we’re hoping for.”
Farmingdale will open the 2024 season with three crossover games the week of March 25.
