by Mike Merolle
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.
Smithtown East took a step back in 2023, missing the playoffs with a record of 5-14. In 2022, however, Smithtown East was the Suffolk Conference II champions and reached the Suffolk County Class AA Finals. In his third season as head coach, Robert Christensen looks to flip the script this season.
“Every season is a fresh start where we have to bring the lessons learned from the previous season to a new group of guys,” Christensen told Axcess Baseball. “Anytime a season ends, you reflect on how the season was, what worked well and [what] didn’t work, what do we need to get better, who graduated, and who can step in to help us the following season.”
From the past two years, they have sent a total of 8 players to play at the college level – Chris Goohs, James Ackerman, Matt Wild, Owen Shortell, Guy Conte, Tyler Pennisi, Dom Weidtman and Chris Volino.
Catcher Luke Ciminiello (Smithtown East 2024) commits to Stony Brook University @LITitanbaseball pic.twitter.com/XOxa9dmE51
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 5, 2023
Christensen notes the adversity that this season’s group of seniors has been through during his tenure. From a County Championship appearance in their sophomore year to missing out on the playoffs as juniors, he believes their journey has made them stronger leaders. Seniors Luke Ciminiello and Ben Kennedy have the most experience on the team as four-year varsity players. Ciminiello, a Stony Brook University-commit, has been strong as the catcher behind the plate. Kennedy, a SUNY New Paltz commit, leads the way as a starting pitcher.
Ciminiello batted .345 with 2 HRs and 7 doubles on the season.
Mid 5: Ben Kennedy strands the bases loaded with a strikeout. Smithtown East holds a 3-2 lead pic.twitter.com/kQALJlTHAf
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 18, 2022
“They have gone through three very different seasons and know what it takes to be successful. It is always amazing to see the development of your players and we are looking forward to seeing the senior season that they put together. They understand the hard work and commitment it takes to be successful and hold everyone accountable. They set the standard and challenge their teammates to be better each day,” said Christensen.
Christensen mentioned the opportunity for underclassmen to gain playing time this season. The Smithtown East JV program has been successful over the past two seasons.
He looks forward to bringing the group up to varsity along with the dedication and mentality they showed at the JV level.
Smithtown East has a new league this season with “all tough opponents,” according to Christensen. He expects low-scoring games and believes games will come down to capitalizing on opportunities. “The mindset does not change, battle until the last out of the game. Execute when called on and strive to help the team. Never get too high or too low and battle your emotions,” said Christensen about the team’s mentality.
Christensen looks to build on some pieces on the mound from last season. Senior James Lanflisi was a starting pitcher last season who performed well. He struck out 36 batters over 34 innings.
Sophomore Aiden Rosen was a starter as a freshman last year. Christensen is excited about the pair’s development and their chance to win games on the bump. Rosen struck out 32 batters over 26.1 innings as a freshman.
The team is not looking at any series in particular on the schedule this season. The plan is to take each game one inning at a time. Christensen feels that if you look ahead to a specific series, you lose sight of the season. “Our league is going to bring out the best in everyone and we need to be ready to face that challenge every game and every series,” he said.
Smithtown East will open their 2024 league schedule away at Newfield on March 26.
