(This is the first installment of the popular “Up Next” series. We will highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island every Monday during the offseason. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Dylan Weinstein (‘28, NY) cranks this loud bomb to LCF, plating three. Minimal moving parts in his operation, with a quick leg lift and quick hands that fire the barrel through the zone w/ authority. #NewEngElite @PGYouthBB @PG_Tourney pic.twitter.com/fBSQahqTVJ
— PG Mid Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA, MD,DE,DC) (@PGMidAtlantic) May 18, 2024
Like the New York Yankees, St. Dominic HS last reached the mountain top in 2009. That was when they last captured the Catholic League Championship, during that golden era of the CHSAA when every team seemingly had 5-6 Division-I players. They’ve gotten close since then, most notably losing in the finals back in 2015 against Chaminade and 2018 against St. John the Baptist.
This past year, despite fielding the youngest team in the league they had an exceptional regular season; finishing as the No. 1 seed entering the postseason. They came up short, however, so they will enter the 2025 looking to end their drought.
The silver lining, however, is that they have not only a young team that will be more experienced, but an extremely talented of incoming players that give them plenty of reason for optimism.
One of those players is Dylan Weinstein. He’s among the most talented freshmen on Long Island and is coming off an outstanding 2024 season on both sides of the ball.
He played in 90 games and came to the plate 281. He batted .359 with a .510 OBP, 1.241 OPS, drew 54 walks, hit by 5 pitches, hit 24 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs and drove in 56 runs while also scoring 74 runs. On the bases, he was a difference maker as well, stealing 39 bags. On the mound, he struck out 59 batters over 37 innings.
Dylan Weinstein (‘28 NY) allowed only 1 H in 4 IP today for Showtime Select, ran the FB up to 83 mph and picked up 5 Ks. Really works into the lower half and creates extension, sinking action to heat #NESelectChamp@PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/N12sYHiN0M
— PG Mid Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA, MD,DE,DC) (@PGMidAtlantic) August 11, 2024
His high school coach, Joe Fusco, had the following to say:
“Dylan is one of the most exciting players I’ve ever had the pleasure of coaching. He has an incredible amount of talent and his work ethic supports that ability. He can take over a game on the mound and at the plate, but he also can cause havoc on the bases and is a great defender. Out of guys I’ve coached, on the mound he reminds me of Sebastian Lippman. His fastball is so explosive especially for a freshman in high school. At the plate, he reminds me of a right-handed version of EJ Cumbo. He has lightning quick hands with power, but also is a 6.7 runner and can beat you with his legs. I’m very much looking forward to seeing him progress over the next few years.”
If he is able to continue to progress and reach his potential, it is the type of player that the Bayhawks can build around for the next 4 years.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball has always been my number one sport but I also play basketball and soccer.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
The people that have had the most positive impact on my career are my parents. They provide motivation and give me every resource available to help me improve. I also have looked up to Aaron Judge since I was little. When I was 7, I got to go on the field at Yankee Stadium before a game and do drills on the field. When it was over, they let us hang out before that night’s game in the bleachers and while we were there, Aaron Judge came out with the hitting coach and hit off of the tee for 20 mins or so before batting practice working things out. Seeing him do that stood out and showed me that even the pros work on the basics.
Why did you choose to attend St. Dominic HS?
I chose to go to St. Dom’s because I really liked the school and the people there made me feel very welcome when I visited. I wanted the challenge of playing in the Catholic League and I love playing for Coach Fusco.
Do you take private lessons from any instructors?
I hit with Greg Thompson at Common Sense Baseball for many years and he helped me become the hitter I am today. This season, I began hitting with Jack Parenty at Max Effort Baseball. He’s helping me take the next step and prepare to try and win a spot in the spring on the school team.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite MLB players are Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. I wear 99 for Judge because he is the hitter I want to be and Ohtani proves that you can pitch and hit at the highest level – which is what I want to do.
What has been the most thrilling moment of your playing career?
The most thrilling moment of my career was closing out the Championship game of the first Perfect Game tournament I ever played in with the TC Blackhawks in 12u.
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
The Main Event in Farmingdale
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve been on was playing at Lakepoint in Georgia last summer where we got to see some of the best competition in the country and play on beautiful fields.
Dream Car?
My dream car is a BMW M4
