by Mike Merolle
(Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.)
Long Beach 4, New Hyde Park 2
WP: Dylan Cantwell (complete game, 4 hits, 1 ER, 8 strikeouts) pic.twitter.com/M249yTzNJ6— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 10, 2023
Last season didn’t go as planned for Long Beach as the team went 7-10-1 with a quick exit in the playoffs. Head Coach Jason Zizza expects a better outcome this time around with some changes in the roster.
A key player that Long Beach lost to graduation last year is RHP/OF Jake Scafa (2023). He currently plays for Francis Marion University in South Carolina. Scafa was a four-year varsity player for Zizza. In his 13th season as the head coach, Zizza understands how to adjust when players come and go.
The Marines will lean on their seniors this year. Leading the way is SS/RHP Christian Parisa (2024), a Mount Saint Mary’s College commit. He was an All-Conference player last season making him the only player from Long Beach to win an award in 2023. He batted .424 with a .500 OBP (1.022 OPS). He also led Long Beach in RBIs (18) and hits (25).
“He came into some unfortunate pitching situations last year but he’s our leader. We’re going to go as he goes. He’s a guy that we look to and it’ll be his third year at the varsity level,” said Zizza about Parisa.
Competing for a spot in the infield will be RHP/INF Donald Commisso (2024), a Western Connecticut State University commit. Zizza says Commisso will be given the chance “to earn a spot whether that be second base or third base.” He will also be impactful coming out of the bullpen. Commisso is Zizza’s first choice when it comes to bringing in a reliever.
Long Beach 15, Jericho 13
Dan Defonte tied the game at 8 in the top of the 7th inning with this 2 run homer. Long Beach totaled 15 runs and 17 hits pic.twitter.com/rR1EVG3vJR
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 25, 2023
“In our program, we value that [reliever] position highly. As that first guy who can enter multiple games in a week [and] who can get very important outs for us when called upon. A guy who can come in, throw strikes, and shut the door in a situation where we need that to happen. He’s going to fill that role pitching-wise,” said Zizza.
Starting in right field for Long Beach will be OF/RHP Alonso Espinet (2024). Espinet, a Manhattanville College commit, will bat in the middle of the order to provide power to the Marines’ lineup. He is also expected to perform as a pitcher but his role is still uncertain. Zizza says it may be as a reliever, a closer, or in the starting rotation depending on how they choose to strategically go that week.
Playing in center field next to Espinet will be OF Troy DeFrancesco (2024). Zizza felt that he was snubbed from winning a county award last season. Behind Parisa, DeFrancesco was 2nd in RBIs (17) and hits (24). To further add to the resume, DeFrancesco is the Long Beach High School Class of 2024 valedictorian and was the recipient of last fall’s News 12 Scholar-Athlete Award. “Troy is a mainstay as a center fielder in our outfield. He saves runs every inning. Troy can catch the ball from the right field line to the left field line and everything in between. He covers as much ground as I’ve ever seen a high schooler cover,” said Zizza.
Daniel Defonte (Long Beach 2024) with a strong showing behind the dish. 73 mph velo pic.twitter.com/6HmuePlnFr
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 16, 2023
C/OF Dan Defonte (2024) is 100% healthy to play the season behind the plate. He spent the majority of 2023 batting as a designated hitter due to an injury he discovered in the previous winter. Zizza describes him as a speedy, dynamic, gap-to-gap hitter. He will hit from second to fifth in the lineup. INF/C Paddy Henry (2025) exceeded Zizza’s expectations last season after taking Defonte’s place behind the plate. Both players will benefit the team by rotating the catcher position.
Zizza anticipates a successful season ahead. “Our expectation is to make the playoffs and make some noise. We feel we have the team to compete with some of the more competitive teams in Nassau County this year and we are looking forward to the opportunity to do so,” he said.
Long Beach will open their 2024 league schedule at home against Metham on April 8.
