Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Joe Bello
Dan O’Sullivan is entering his 6th season at the helm of the Mattituck baseball program. After a 2024 season which included a 6-16 record and a short playoff run, O’Sullivan and the Tuckers look to a younger team for success in 2025.
The Tuckers held their own in a difficult league during the 2024 season, which included many baseball powerhouses such as Bayport-Blue Point, Shoreham-Wading River, and Center Moriches.
“We battled and competed in a very difficult mixed league. We played predominantly against A schools and were up in class.” O’Sullivan said. “We were very senior-heavy last year and I was very proud of the group that never gave up, despite the challenges and tough competition.”
They graduated 11 seniors last year, 6 of which were every day starters for the team.
James Reidy, who graduated last year, won All-League honors representing the team. While senior Ben Voegel was also All-League, the second time he has won the title.
End of 1: Jimmy Reidy gets a strikeout to strand 2 runners but not before Center Moriches scores 4 runs
Center Moriches 4, Mattituck 0 pic.twitter.com/PEztcfMwoX
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 10, 2024
Voegel is going into his 4th year as a starter for the Tuckers, he is one of three veteran starting pitchers O’Sullivan will rely on to start games on the mound.
“He is our leader up the middle at shortstop, at the plate, and as one of our starting pitchers.” O’Sullivan said.
Voegel led the team with 37.2 innings pitched last season.
Junior Tyler Brown returns for another year as a big piece of the pitching staff. The 3-year starter pitched 35.1 innings last year and posted a 2.77 ERA.
6’3 RHP Tyler Brown (Mattituck 2026) displaying good command early on for Team Steel Osik pic.twitter.com/tNwqMI08SV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 13, 2023
“We will also rely more on Tyler and his power from the offensive side as well this year.” O’Sullivan said. “After allowing him to mostly only pitch his freshman and sophomore seasons as a starter and reliever.”
The third starting pitcher O’Sullivan will rely on this season is junior Trey Hansen, another 3-year starter. Last season, Hansen pitched 21.1 innings in relief appearances and spot starts posting a 1.64 ERA. Hansen will also provide power at the plate while hitting in the middle of the lineup.
Junior Mike Buckley heads into his 3rd season starting for the Tuckers, a name that O’Sullivan referred to as a “super utility fielder.” Buckley will be an important piece of the lineup due to his ability as a contact hitter who works counts to find a way on base, while also playing all over the field.
“Another two names I am very excited about are junior Jake Hutchinson who can play all over the field.” O’Sullivan said. “As well as senior Nick Chew who can play all 8 positions aside from catcher and has pitching experience over the last two years. They should provide some offensive spark, as well as the ability to help us in various roles in the field, or potentially on the mound.”
O’Sullivan has already got the ball rolling for the Tuckers 2025 season, as they began winter workouts in the first week of January.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for alumni to come down and help out or get their winter work in before heading back for their collegiate seasons, as well as a chance for all three coaches on staff to work with players in a more isolated role.” O’Sullivan said. “We are very excited this winter as we have been working with many underclassmen who have the chance to help out the program at various levels throughout the upcoming season.”
“We will again face a very difficult schedule in a mixed A/B league.” O’Sullivan said. “We will face playoff caliber teams such as Bayport-Blue Point and Center Moriches who both have a chance to win Class A. Southampton who is senior heavy and should have a great run this year, John Glenn who always gives us a battle, including several prior playoff battles. As well as our class B matchups against Babylon, Pierson, and Port Jefferson who are all annual playoff contenders such as us.”
The Tuckers will once again face a difficult schedule this season but O’Sullivan is confident that his team can be competitive and return to the playoffs once again. He will need to put a lot of trust into his veteran varsity pitchers like Voegel, Brown and Hansen, who have done well for the club in the past.
“We will be younger this year,” O’Sullivan said. “But are confident that several multi year returning starters can be leaned on to provide both the production on the field, but off the field as well. As we say every year, goal number one is get into the playoffs, and then it’s anyone’s game.”
Mattituck opens their season on March 31st against the reigning Suffolk County champions Babylon.
