by Aaron Diaz
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.
Here at Harborfields HS for “Corey’s Promise” fundraiser game between Harborfields and Cold Spring Harbor which will fulfill Corey Phelan’s wish of supporting families struggling with pediatric cancer. Phelan, who tragically passed away from cancer last year, is a 2020 graduate… pic.twitter.com/DF7rQtGunl
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 22, 2023
Harborfields had a tough 2023 season. With just two wins on the year, head coach Ian Schneider is poised to bring the best out of his young team and try to compete in 2024.
“It was a down year for us,” Schneider said. “We only had two wins on the season total. It was a young, new group that gave guys more opportunities. They battled through a tough season, I’ll give them that, it wasn’t easy. We played in a tough and crossover league, but I was proud of how they carried themselves throughout the season. By win total, it wasn’t a successful season but it was something we learned and grew through.”
Although their future with a young team is uncertain, coach Schneider is still optimistic about where this team could go if they compete through a hard-fought season. “I’m optimistic in the fact that we are having a young group come through right now. I think it will be a really strong group. It’s going to be a season opportunity, guys are going to be battling for spots so I’m excited for them to compete.”
Harborfields didn’t lose much veteran power on the team with only two graduating seniors in 2023. The Tornadoes lost All-League catcher Gavin Crawford and shortstop Brogan Olsen, who will play the 2024 season at New Haven.
Crawford was the starting catcher having a steady bat in the middle of the lineup every day. “He was a true leader,” Schneider said. “He’s gonna be a tough one to replace. He was all-league last year and could lead the guys.”
Olsen was also a middle-of-the-lineup guy and played well up the middle for the Tornadoes. “He was a staple in the starting chain for us and some of the younger guys are going to have the opportunity to replace him as well,” Schneider said.
The 2024 season is fast approaching, and Schneider will take the lead for Harborfields with four key returning players.
On the mound, Joe Deceglie will try to have a bounce-back year after injury in 2023. “We’re getting him back on the mound after an injury but we’re excited to have him on the mound this season for us,” Schneider said. He will be one of our main arms.”
Coach Schneider also mentioned senior pitcher Max Hilsenroth, who will anchor the pitching staff as their main guy. Schneider emphasized his excitement for Hilsenroth this season. “He’s got a ton of upside and potential. I feel like it hasn’t been up to speed yet and I’m ready to see what he’s going to do in his final season.”
Uncommitted 2025 RHP Max Hilsenroth up to 87.6 in January @coachgibby3514 @mvpbaserecruits @axcessbaseball pic.twitter.com/aunShhuwPt
— Pete Kritikos (@mvpnewyork) January 27, 2024
With their offense, sophomore Chris Palermo has a significant role on the team after an impressive freshman season in the outfield. “He started every game as a freshman last year,” Schneider said. “He ended up as our leadoff hitter and centerfielder.”
Alex Ruisi will also see some playing time as a sophomore this year after starting half the games for the Tornadoes last year. Ruisi and Palermo round out the youngness in this 2024 team.
Some of the goals Schneider wants this team to have is to go out and compete every day knowing the type of team he has this season. “I’m always going to go back to that word ‘Compete.’ I’m not gonna put a win total on the season or a league title, that’s what we all strive to be but if you’re not going out there to win every day then there’s no point. You got to go out there and compete every day and I think this group is capable of doing that.”
Harborfields will start their season by playing their first game against Hampton Bay seeking a bounce-back year.
