Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
A sacrifice fly for Eliane extends Syosset lead, 7-5 over Oceanside. Game now heads into the bottom of the sixth. pic.twitter.com/qRPyckycPH
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 24, 2024
In his sixth season as head coach of the Syosset Braves, Tom Morritt was happy with the season his young team put together in 2024, and looks to build upon it in 2025. Although the season didn’t end in a championship, Syosset was able to reach the third round before ultimately losing to Port Washington.
“We had a young team with only a few graduating seniors last year.” Morritt said. “We only had a few seniors on the team. The season started out with some atypical performances, but we found a rhythm as the season went on and we found our way in the playoffs. There was a lot of learning that went on last year.”
Of the seniors that graduated, two of them are now playing college ball. Steven Klein, who is now playing at Saint Michael’s College as well as Vincent Favata, who is now playing at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland.
Luckily for Syosset, they have plenty of returners coming back who are primed for an impact season in 2025. At the top of their list is Ethan Ramirez. Ramirez was an All-League player during his junior season in 2024, and hit .404 with a .500 OBP, and shined in the outfield for Syosset.
Ethan Ramirez (Syosset 2025) with a real solid round of BP. Max exit velo 84 MPH @PBRNewYork pic.twitter.com/mMYmbH0xVx
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 16, 2023
“He has tremendous range in the outfield.” Morritt said. “He is an all-county sprinter in winter track. He’s incredible out there, and found his way on base all season long.”
On the mound, Syosset is returning junior David Lieberman. In his sophomore season in 2024. Lieberman pitched to a perfect 7-0 record with a 1.40 ERA, a 1.1 WHIP and struck out 31 batters in 40 innings.
“I love watching David pitch.” Morritt said. “The guys love playing behind David because he attacks the zone. He had a high strike percentage and threw a ton of first pitch strikes. He was very efficient and got outs.”
Entering his third varsity season is Tommy Martelli. In Syosset’s 1-0 loss to Farmingdale, Martelli pitched a near complete game shutout that capped off a solid season for the then sophomore. In 31 innings pitched, Martelli struck out 31 and pitched to a 1.35 ERA. Also a second baseman, Martelli will be playing at Scranton next year.
“He really popped for us.” Morritt said. “He had ‘bulldog’ playoff performances for us. He had a huge playoff performance against Farmingdale. But he went the distance in that game. Just a tremendous leader for us that embodies a lot of what we value around here. He’s hardworking and really motivated to win.”
Dylan Santucci 2026 OF/1B (Syosset, NY) is a fierce in game hitter & competitor! Dylan posted a .500/.583/1.385 slash line 58H 6HR 60RBI & only 7 SO in 116 ABs!! Against premium arms too! Dylan’s a bat that can change a program! – HIGH FOLLOW! @dylansantucci19 @BUncommitted pic.twitter.com/Xu84emn9ii
— ShowTime Select Recruiting (@ShowTime_Select) January 30, 2025
Junior Dylan Santucci, who has served as the starting first baseman for Syosset, will look to build upon a strong sophomore season in 2025.
“He’s got great pop.” Morritt said. “He’s got a slick glove. He’s really a corner infielder but has played first base for us. It always feels like when a first baseman makes a big play it’s in a critical moment and he’s made a bunch of great defensive plays for us. He’s someone we’re looking forward to having this season.”
Christian Eliane, who started as the Syosset left fielder, also featured on the mound and is expected to step into a larger role as a junior in 2025.
Dylan Santucci 2026 OF/1B (Syosset, NY) is a fierce in game hitter & competitor! Dylan posted a .500/.583/1.385 slash line 58H 6HR 60RBI & only 7 SO in 116 ABs!! Against premium arms too! Dylan’s a bat that can change a program! – HIGH FOLLOW! @dylansantucci19 @BUncommitted pic.twitter.com/Xu84emn9ii
— ShowTime Select Recruiting (@ShowTime_Select) January 30, 2025
“He played a pretty critical role for us.” Morritt said. “Coming in as a sophomore and being our starting left fielder in pretty much every game. He ended up being one of our more reliable bats. He’s expected to have a really big year. “
Much like Eliane, shortstop Ryan Steinberg was complemented by his coach for his glove, and Morritt sees more success in Steinberg’s future.
“He’s kind of the prototypical shortstop.” Morritt said. “He’s got everything going the right way. He finds his way on base, he’s a very good baserunner. As a sophomore starting at shortstop every day is a big spot to be put into and he didn’t flinch. Always a big smile on his face, he was always a steading force.”
When it comes to the biggest strength of his team, Morritt believes that the athleticism and experience of his team will shine through in 2025.
“To be in three playoff games against a really good AAA team in Port Washington with four, five or even six sophomores on the field at a time, that has to be a strength.” Morritt said. “We’ve rolled into some years where we’re turning in a whole new lineup and that may not be the case. The fact that they have a lot of innings under their belt collectively, that feels like a huge strength.”
Syosset will open their season with a non league game against Garden City on March 31.
