This is the thirteenth installment of the popular ‘Up Next’ series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island.Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres, Richie Roberts, Joe Maxwell, Dom Muccia, Fred Klauck, Logan Lamberson, Jake Ostertag, Mason Gatchalian, Jagger Franco, Evan Frangas & Dylan Frers. You can view all of them by clicking here. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Dylan Frers (‘27 NY) has been dominant on the mound today, up to 84 mph and picked up 7 Ks in 5 scoreless IP. Tons of projection remaining in towering frame, overall ease to the operation w/ plenty more in the tank #NESelectChamp@PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/D0bMGsJktV
— PG Mid Atlantic (NY, NJ, PA, MD,DE,DC) (@PGMidAtlantic) August 10, 2024
The jump from middle school ball to JV is a pretty significant one. As is the jump from JV to varsity ball. Now imagine not only skipping the jump from JV but also being on the mound in the Class A Long Island Championship against perennial powerhouse Clarke.
That was the situation that Kings Park RHP Dylan Frers found himself in last year. He was a part of one of the most talented pitching staffs on Long Island headed by Carl Yastrzemski Award winner Hunter Colagrande. On June 1, he was put in the game with a trip to Binghamton on the line. All he did was enter with a runner on 2nd and 0 out in the 9th inning in a 1-1 game. The run came around to score on an error, he escaped without further damage and notched a strikeout. Kings Park wound up tying the game and winning on a walk-off balk to capture their first LIC since 2001.
For the season, he pitched 8.2 innings in relief allowing 6 hits, 4 walks, 11 strikeouts and 2 ER (1.61 ERA) while notching 2 saves. At the plate, he went 6-for-17 with 3 RBIs, 3 runs scored, 5 walks and went 2-for-3 with 3 RBIs in the County Championship.
His school ball coach, Andrew Abreu had the following to say:
“As an eighth grader, Dylan was part of a skilled middle school team that lost only one game. He was the team’s ace, a top of the order bat and a starting 3rd baseman. He was projectable for sure as a middle school player. His arm action was loose as he was sitting in the mid to high 70s.
He opened our eyes the following year we he faced out returning varsity players and completely overmatched them. Very rarely do you see a player make the jump from middle school straight to varsity (We have seen it with now senior catcher Vincenzo Buffolino). but undoubtedly he belonged on a varsity field. His confidence grew as it became more apparent each day that he could compete at the varsity level. He possessed a low 80s fastball with a sharp breaking ball. He began the year as a relief pitcher, a defensive substitute and pinch hitter. But with each opportunity, Dylan made the most of it, eventually becoming a go-to guy out of the bullpen, starting every 3rd game at 3rd base and eventually becoming out DH. He had 3 RBIs in the County Championship and was the winning pitcher in relief for the Long Island Championship.
Having the opportunity to be around the upperclassmen we had such as Hunter Colagrande, Anthony Altobelli, Brandon Hauk and Mitchell Landau on a daily basis was such an enormous deal. He learned so much, but most importantly, I think the biggest lesson learned for him was that to be great, the work ethic aligns with your goals.
He made the decision to train at Velo U this offseason alongside Everett Zarzicki. He is working to get stronger and continue to develop his game to the next level. His fastball sits in the mid-high 80s and he’s worked to continue to develop feel for a 3rd pitch. He’s an A+ dude, who has a great head on his shoulders and brings the fun to every practice, workout and game. We’re excited to see him compete this Spring and continue to develop.”
Taking the hill for Beast Molinaro is Dylan Frers (Kings Park 2027) pic.twitter.com/xvYPfFCZvA
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 22, 2024
Over the summer, he pitched for 2027 Beast National, going 3-1 with a 2.90 ERA. He struck out 43 batters over 33 innings. He’s currently ranked #17 2027 RHP in NY by Perfect Game. He was named to 4 All-Tournament teams by PG. At the dish, he batted .353 with 7 doubles, 12 RBIs, 12 runs scored and 9 walks. He’s now on Body Armor 2027 for this upcoming summer.
Baseball is in his blood. His father Brian, a 2003 graduate of Division HS, played for legendary coach Doug Robins. His uncle, Vin Causeman, was a member of the undefeated 1994 MacArthur squad and was the all-time hits leader at Stony Brook for many years.
Brian, along with Mike Zarzicki (Everett’s father) and Rob Rizzo (Carl Yastrzemski Award winner in 1997) coached him with the Kings Park Pride from 7u-14u. Together, those two form a dynamic 1-2 punch atop the Kings Park rotation for the next three seasons. They are both hard throwing sophomore with a year of experience pitching in the pressure cooker of the postseason.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
What was the experience like winning the LIC as a freshman? Were there any upperclassmen that helped take you under their wing?
Winning the LIC was a surreal moment for me. From playing middle school baseball a year before to playing in one of the biggest high school games you can play in was awesome. Every upperclassmen was great to me and helped me develop as a player. Being around guys like Hunter Colagrande and Vincenzo Buffolino showed me how to be a great teammate and show what it takes to win.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Yes, baseball has always been my number one sport. I do not play any other sports.
Any family members that played college sports?
Yes, my uncle Vincent Causeman. He played baseball at Stony Brook University. He is someone I always looked up to and has always been there for me.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite player right now is Gerrit Cole because I am a Yankee fan and I love seeing him dominate in big games. Tim Lincecum is also a favorite of mine and I try to model my pitching after his.
What were your goals for this offseason?
Some of my goals this offseason was gaining weight, lifting more and throwing harder.
What are your goals for 2025?
Go back to Binghamton and win States.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Yes, I work with VeloU. My coaches there Paul Franzese and Sam Byrns have helped me a lot as I’ve gained 8 MPH in 7 months.
What was the best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best trip I’ve been on for baseball was going to Binghamton in June 2024 for the NYS high school tournament.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite TV Show?
Ted Lasso
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Ciro’s in Kings Park
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
There are many people who have impacted me during my career. My family has always supported me through my career. There have been many coaches who have helped me improve my game, especially Coach Andrew Abreu, my high school coach. Other coaches that have helped me are Coach Eric Weiner of the Titans, Coach Bobby Molinaro of Team Beast and Coach Erik Cabrera who is another one of my high school coaches.
Favorite vacation spot?
Charleston, SC
Dream Car?
Ford Truck