by Mike Merolle
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.
Smithtown West is coming off of an impressive 2023 season going 15-7 and making a strong playoff run with two wins. The team is returning 13 players in 2024. Head coach Al Nucci is excited about what this year’s group brings to the table.
“Many of them competed at a high level and were major contributors in 2023,” Nucci told Axcess Baseball. “Having had success last year and understanding the grind of a varsity season, I expect them all to be more confident, exhibit more leadership, and bring an intense atmosphere to our daily practices.”
Some key fielders returning for their senior season are Jason Zeller (16 runs, 10 RBIs), Chris Theofield, and Connor Catania (11 innings, 18 Ks). Juniors Nick Friscia, Christian Chase, and Brady Austin will make impacts in their return.
Uncommitted Connor Catania (Smithtown West 2024) gets the start for Phenom against 5 Star pic.twitter.com/GXwTmEmBjz
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 16, 2023
Brady Austin is a hard-throwing southpaw that fired a no-hitter in the playoffs against North Babylon. He compiled a record of 3-2 with a 1.60 ERA over 31 innings. At the plate, he batted .386 with 15 runs scored. He was named All-League. Chase, another junior that was All-League last season, batted .345 with 18 RBIs and 10 runs scored.
College Coaches! 2025 LHP, Brady Austin. (Smithtown West HS). 6’0 165. Wiry Athletic frame. Low-Mid 80s FB. Competes and has an advanced feel to pitch. Had an excellent summer/fall season. Hard worker and good student. @axcessbaseball #TitanNation pic.twitter.com/gVRjc1DOx9
— Titans (@TitansBsb) February 27, 2024
Sophomore Michael Cascione will handle the shortstop position. The 6’0 sophomore batted .311 last season with 12 runs scored and 11 RBIs.
Smithtown West’s pitching staff could be formidable this season. Seniors Zack Marsh and Brian Hope (15 innings, 14 Ks, 1.80 ERA, 3 saves) will play a part in the starting rotation. Seniors Vinny Fallacaro Jr., Nick Briffa, and James Camilleri will play meaningful innings as well. Fallacaro Jr. is committed to Western Connecticut State University. Austin, Zeller, and Catania are expected to make contributions as well as sophomore Zach Aronson.
Catcher Zachary Aronson (Smithtown West 2026) with a max exit velocity of 89.2 pic.twitter.com/Er1sir3Cwq
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 19, 2024
“With the quality arms, bats, gloves, and, more importantly, people that we have on our roster, I believe we will hold our own and compete with everybody that we play,” Nucci said.
Nucci doesn’t have any worries about a specific aspect of the team but hopes that the injury bug will stay away from the roster this year. His team’s biggest strength is the togetherness of the core group that’s been together since Little League.
“They believe in each other, they trust each other, and will sacrifice for each other. Pitching, defense, and offense are all things that can be taught and worked on. Team camaraderie and a team’s desire to buy in really can’t be. You either have it or you don’t. I believe this group has it,” said Nucci.
Smithtown West’s league opener is at home against West Islip on March 25. Nucci described West Islip as “a thorn in our side last year.” West Islip handed Smithtown West four of their seven losses last season. Nucci believes the matchup will be a great test of where the team is at the start of the season. As for the rest of the series on the schedule, Nucci has every single one circled.
“Our league this year is different again and consists of teams that we are not very familiar with. As far as I am concerned, every team is dangerous and wants the same thing we want, to win,” said Nucci. “Every series is just as important as the next one. All of them are opportunities to measure up against other good teams, give us a measuri ng stick as to where we stand, and hopefully, a playoff run.”
