Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Joe Bello
Final: Smithtown East 5, Hills East 0
WP: James Lanflisi (6.2 innings relief, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 Ks)Ciminiello: 1-3, 3B, 3 RBIs
Smithtown East clinches postseason berth pic.twitter.com/3g30UNRryz
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 7, 2024
Rob Christensen is entering his 4th season as varsity head coach for Smithtown East. After a strong 2024 season, Christensen and his team are looking forward to the upcoming season.
“2024 was a great season,” Christensen said. “We felt like we finally hit our stride in the final two weeks of the season, leading into playoffs. The team played extremely well down the stretch, taking the momentum into the playoffs. The losses were heartbreakers, but valuable experience for our returners.”
The Bulls finished with a 12-6 record last season, they won out during their last two series’ of the year to finish tied for first place in League III. Their playoff run featured a round one loss to Commack, a walk-off win against North Babylon and they ended their season with a loss in extra innings to Connetquot.
Christensen lost 6 of his seniors due to graduation last year, including two 4-year varsity players. Catcher Luke Ciminiello won the Suffolk County for catchers last season and is now playing Division-I baseball at Stony Brook University. RHP Ben Kennedy, who was also a 4-year starting pitcher, is now playing at SUNY New Paltz.
Smithtown East 2 – North Babylon 1
WP: Jimmy Lanflisi CG 1ER
Luke Ciminiello Walkoff HR pic.twitter.com/zuk5MnmYfV— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 18, 2024
“Luke and Ben’s experiences throughout their first three years on varsity really helped the team finish strong.” Christensen said. “They went through many different experiences on varsity, fighting to make playoffs as freshmen to a county finals appearance as sophomores, then missing playoffs their junior year.”
“Ben always wanted the ball in the toughest moments and the team knew he would deliver.” Christensen added. “No matter the situation Luke would always find a way to make an impact, whether it was on the defensive side or offensive. None bigger than tying the game against Commack in the 7th inning with a 2 out triple and taking home on a passed ball or his walk off homerun against North Babylon to keep his senior year alive.”
Two of the seniors were 3-year varsity players, in James Lanflisi and Ryan Diffley. Lanflisi is now playing college baseball at Utica University and was a part of the starting rotation at Smithtown East for the past 2 years. Diffley was the team’s designated hitter last season.
Rounding out that group of seniors is Ben LaRosa, who was Christensen’s “go to bullpen man” and the team’s closer last season, he now is playing at the University of Bridgeport.
The Bulls had 5 award winners in the 2024 season, an impressive feat. Ciminiello won All-League, All-County, and the Gold Glove for catcher, also receiving All-League and All-County was Kennedy. The final three award winners all received All-League honors, which were Andrew Carbonara, Evan Schickler and Lanflisi.
Evan Schickler (Smithtown East 2025) with a 2-R single for LI Crew pic.twitter.com/WkEw6v7hUd
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 29, 2024
Christensen has high hopes for 2025, returning to the team for another year are 16 players all of whom he expects to make an impact throughout the season. The experienced filled roster features 12 seniors, only 1 junior, 2 sophomores and a freshman, meaning this will likely be another season filled with success for the Bulls.
“We are excited for all of our returners.” Christensen said. “Everyone is going to have a big role throughout our season. We have a tremendous group of guys who are excited for the year and have been putting the work in as a group and individually.
Winter workouts are in full swing as well. They hold an open gym every week for anyone that has interest in trying out for the team, allowing all players to get their work in and be prepared for the season.
“There is always a high standard and expectation in our program and this year is no different.” Christensen said. “We have a majority of returners that went through many different ups and downs last year that should make us closer as a team. We say this every year, but just because we have starters returning it does not automatically mean we will win. You cannot look past anyone in baseball and this year will once again be no different. If everyone understands their role and does their job, we will have a competitive baseball team every day. Having so many returners, they understand the expectation and will all be leaders for our team and those who make it this year.”
The Smithtown East Bulls open up their 2025 season against the Huntington Blue Devils on April 1st.
