by Mike Merolle
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s season preview series.
Island Trees 2, North shore 1
WP- Kevin Kristyensen
Save- Christian TaylorJames Karras and Andrew Mule with multiple hits pic.twitter.com/sjlKSvekB2
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 13, 2023
Last season was a transitional year for Island Trees as the Bulldogs finished the year with a 5-13-1 record. There were many new faces on the team and Island Trees had a new coach in 2023. Now in his second season as head coach, Mike Valiando expects competitive baseball in Island Trees.
“Last season did not end the way we wanted it to… We had a lot of new faces. Last year’s team showed flashes of what it could be at times,” Valiando told Axcess Baseball. “I am expecting from all the reps they had last year and the hard work they have put in the offseason that it will translate on the field.”
Valiando has some core pieces on this year’s roster. Leading the way is senior Andre Mule. Mule is a three-year varsity starter and is committed to St. Joseph’s University Long Island. Valiando describes Mule as a “hard-nosed, hardworking” player and he expects another good year from him. He adds that Mule, along with other seniors, have done a great job in working with the underclassmen and showing them the way.
Andre Mule (Island Trees 2024) commits to St. Joseph’s University Long Island pic.twitter.com/tsx2FMMGcv
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 18, 2023
Island Trees will also be impacted by Jack Luckey, Nick Karras, and Christian Taylor. The three saw the field a lot in 2023 and will be expected to elevate their game this season. “They are hard-working kids who want to be successful and put the team first,” said Valiendo about the trio.
Although there is a core group, Valiando also mentioned the opportunity for available spots for other players to take. He mentions that Kevin Krystensen, Ryan Mabrouk, Collier Brown, and Richie Montalvo may surprise some and fill those spots this year. Valiando will evaluate the players competing for the open spots in the early season scrimmages.
Island Trees 2, North shore 1
WP- Kevin Kristyensen
Save- Christian TaylorJames Karras and Andrew Mule with multiple hits pic.twitter.com/sjlKSvekB2
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 13, 2023
In the offseason, Island Trees’ assistant coach Anthony Rinaldi put together a pitching program to warm up the arms for this season. Valiando said he’s seen a lot of great things over the past eight weeks. Valiando also praises the school’s part in developing players. He mentioned that Island Tree’s JV coach and former assistant coach for Molloy College James Messina has done a great job with all of the infielders. The Bulldogs’ defense will benefit tremendously with the knowledge provided by Messina, Valiando adds.
“I am very thankful to be surrounded by a bunch of coaches who love the game and are all about helping our players,” he said.
In 2023, Island Trees only rostered 13 players on the varsity squad and underwent a series of injuries hurting the team. Valiando is confident that with this 2024 team’s depth, not only is it not a problem anymore, it is their biggest strength. He is excited about his options on the mound and in the field.
Valiando has circled game one on this year’s schedule as his team’s game plan is to look to take one series at a time. “Our goal this season will be to make the playoffs and play our best baseball at the end of the season,” he said.
Island Trees’ 2024 league opener is away against North Shore on April 9.
