by Mike Merolle
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’ season preview series.
Jordan Drago gets out of the second inning with his third strikeout of the game pic.twitter.com/cxhi7AkLmV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 21, 2023
The 2023 season didn’t end as expected for Bay Shore as the team finished the season with a 6-14 record. This season, the team is running with a smaller group after graduating 14 seniors last year. Head coach Chris Schiro is looking to get the team back in the playoffs in his third season managing Bay Shore.
“Last year we saw some growth from our younger players. We had some unfortunate injuries losing three pitchers early on and two key defensive/offensive pieces for several games later in the season,” Schiro told Axcess Baseball. “Our goal is always to be a playoff-caliber team and we fell short of that goal. We remained competitive and lost a few close games to some very good teams.”
Bay Shore is returning several four and three-year varsity players despite the massive loss of seniors from last year. Schiro describes this year’s squad as hardworking and showing growth.
“We have a strong core and we will be looking for our seniors to be leaders in helping our younger group develop,” said Schiro.
One of those seniors is Jorge Rosario, a Westfield State University commit. Rosario, listed as a pitcher and outfielder, can play at a high level anywhere on the field. He won two games against Whitman last season on the mound while also playing strong defense on the field. Schiro mentioned Rosario was sidelined a few games last season due to a lingering neck injury which might’ve made the difference in a few close losses.
Senior Cole Fesefeldt, a Westfield State University commit, makes an impact in the infield and on the mound. In his previous three varsity seasons, Fesefeldt has had quality innings in his share of games on the mound. Schiro notes Fesefeldt’s strong command of three pitches and good mound composure under pressure.
Senior Andrew Schaaf led the teams in runs last season as the leadoff hitter. He’ll be returning to a starting role and will be looked to for his defense as well. Senior Brendan Knapp is also a strong defender for Bay Shore. The outfielder provides good bat skills and great speed making him a tough out for the opposition.
Senior Noah Rosario is one of Bay Shore’s offensive weapons. Rosario had a .396 batting average and a .500 OBP in 2023. Besides having a good bat, he is a strong defensive catcher and has given the team quality innings on the mound. He also is a Westfield State University commit.
Junior Roberto Valdes batted .370 in the middle of the order against a tough conference last season. He will be taking over the shortstop position this year with his defensive skillset.
Schiro has some players to keep an eye on for a potential breakout year. Senior Jose Duran has been putting in a lot of work, according to Schiro, and will look to build off of a strong offensive 2023 season. Sophomore Jordan Drago is a lefty pitcher who sits in the upper 70s. Drago has been working on new grips this offseason. He also plays a good outfield and is a rare lefty catcher. Junior Armani Smith is entering his third year as a varsity player. Smith shows a good mix of pitches on the mound and a good fastball while also playing the infield.
Schiro hopes to plug these players into the holes left by graduating players. Jason Carrion, a freshman player for SUNY Old Westbury, was a massive defensive piece for Bay Shore at SS/3B and was their only true power hitter in the past two seasons. Schiro also lost Mattaeus Boschen, an All-League outfielder who batted over .400 and led the team in RBIs, doubles, and walks. Defensively, Bay Shore lost Matt Durussel in the outfield and Liam Knapp at first base.
Bay Shore’s biggest strength is team chemistry. Schiro mentions how many of them have been together for multiple varsity seasons and push each other on and off the field.
Bay Shore will open their 2024 league schedule against Commack, the reigning Class AA Long Island Champions. “We know going into the season, we will be in a very tough conference. We look forward to the competition,” said Schiro.
