Prior to each game, Sam Kay and Luke Krzemienski have a catch. Being superstitious like most baseball players, they have to finish it in a particular way. They throw the ball back-and-forth three times with the final catch having to be behind-the-back.
Kay and Krzemienski are both sophomores on Commack’s varsity baseball team that were called up as freshmen. In addition to the challenge of playing against kids three years older than you, they both share the burden of living up to the expectations that their older siblings have set playing for the Cougars.
Sam’s older brother, Evan, just finished up one of the best careers we have seen in Suffolk County history and especially for Commack’s program. He owns the Long Island record for consecutive scoreless innings at 60, he won Axcess Baseball’s Cy Young Award and the Paul Gibson Award, and helped lead Commack to winning Long Island Championships in both 2023 and 2024. He is currently a freshman at Stony Brook University.
He was called up to varsity last season with two series left. In that game, he had the distinction of saying he not only played third base while his brother was pitching, but caught a pop up and converted a 5-3 put out.
That feeling of excitement was amplified when he was subbed in for defense and made the last two plays of the game while his brother delivered a complete game gem against Sachem North in the Suffolk County Class AAA Finals.
“We are really close,” he said in regards to his brother. “I’ve always looked up to him, and watched him play baseball and wanted to be like him,” he added.
Kay, who is entering his sophomore season, noted that he put in a lot of work in the offseason in an attempt to get stronger both in the gym and at the plate. He took private hitting lessons with Chris Sipp and pitching lessons with Neal Heaton when he’s not playing basketball.
He is a Met fan, who cited Mark Vientos and Jacob deGrom as his favorite players – which aligns with his two positions of 3B and RHP. Same with the Mets, 2024 was a great season for Commack that ended just shy of their ultimate goal.
While it won’t be easy, Commack will be looking to duplicate that success – if not take it a step further and win the State Championship.
Krzemienski
Like Sam Kay, Luke was a freshman with his older brother also on the team last season.
The Krzemienski family has been a part of Commack baseball for years. In fact, both of his parents attended Commack, his father (1989 graduate) played baseball as well as his uncle. His older brothers, Jake and Travis graduated in 2019 and were a part of Bryan Bonin’s County Championship winning team in 2017.
“Everyone in my family graduated from Commack so it just motivates me a little more.”
Luke was called up to varsity halfway through the season in 2024. In his first game, he played LF and batted 8th. He also played LF in the first round of the playoffs and played CF in the state semifinals as a defensive replacement.
He got his feet wet, getting to experience winning a County Championship and Long Island Championship – just as his three older brothers did. Ryan, who graduated last year, is currently playing at St. Thomas Aquinas.
If all goes according to plan, Luke will become the fourth brother to play college baseball.
“Me and my brothers are all very close. They had a good reputation at Commack. I’m hoping I can finish the job and win States in one of these years. Ryan went to States twice.”
Winning has been a part of Krzemienski’s DNA. He’s beginning to create his own legacy on the diamond as well. Back a few years ago, he was a part of the Long Island Rebels, one of the best town teams in the country. They were ranked No. 6 in the nation and they had a big rivalry with the Jersey Storm. Krzemienski recalled one game in particular in which he pitched five innings and his team won a walk-off.
He was named to 7 PG All-Tournament teams that year and 6 more in 2022.
Matt Salmon said he’s joked since Luke was a little kid that he would be the best Krzemienski they’ve ever had.
The lefty’s fastball tops around 82 MPH and he utilizes his change up as his primary off speed pitch. His command of the zone is really what makes his future so promising.
His goal in the offseason was to “get stronger and get ready for the season.”
Commack’s future appears to be in good hands, in large part to a couple last names that have been very impactful to the program.
Additional Q & A with Sam Kay
What summer team do you play for?
USG National
What does it mean to you to wear the Commack jersey?
It’s definitely an honor to wear the jersey. Every year the expectations are high. I want to do the best I can to make a deep playoff run.
Did either of your parents play sports?
My dad played baseball in high school.
Any personal goals for 2025?
I hope to pitch some big innings this year and I’d like to play 3B and be a big part of our lineup.
Favorite genre of music?
2010s Country
Walkup song for 2025?
Live Your Life by Rihanna
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Izumi
Favorite baseball trip you’ve ever been on?
Cooperstown and Binghamton for States.
Additional Q & A with Luke
What summer team do you play for?
MVP
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown
What does it mean to you to put on a Commack jersey?
Obviously, Commack’s reputation is very good and had a lot of success. It does feel good to put on that jersey. Other teams know they’ll be in for a tough game.
Favorite player in Major League Baseball?
Aaron Judge
Favorite musical genre?
Big country fan – I love Luke Combs and Post Malone’s country album.
Favorite restaurant?
Mabella. I love Italian food
What were your goals for this offseason?
I wanted to reach 80 Mph and overall get a lot stronger. I’ve been going to the gym a lot and getting ready for the season
Goals for 2025?
Try and hit near .300 and have an ERA under 2.00. As a team, I want to make a run.
What trips are you excited for this summer with MVP?
Definitely Georgia. That’ll be exciting
Martin
We are very proud of your accomplishment s