Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
Following a season in which the Newfield Wolverines didn’t make the playoffs, the Wolverines will be welcoming in a new head coach in the form of Danny Walsh. Walsh, who previously served as an assistant coach for Newfield, looked back on a bittersweet playoff-less season for his team.
“We didn’t make the playoffs which is ultimately the goal going in.” Walsh said. “They stuck together and worked hard. Overall, I think it was a good year.”
While the Wolverines did have a strong senior class last season, they will be without that core group. Of the seniors who played for Newfield last season, two of them are playing in college now. Matt Hesselbirg is playing at Mercy University and J.C. Gamble is playing at a junior college in Florida.
Top 6: Matt Hesselbirg strikes again – this time a 2-run double to open up a 6-3 lead for Newfield pic.twitter.com/hlTr35nkjV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 15, 2024
At the top of the Newfield returning players list is Farmingdale State-commit Dylan Alberto. He is the team’s starting first baseman and will be an anchor in the middle of the Wolverines lineup this season.
“He started out last year really hot.” Walsh said. “We hope that him being a senior and a leader will help guide us to the playoffs this year.
With the departure of as many seniors as Newfield, new opportunities will arise for players to surprise people, and Walsh believes that senior pitcher Albert Morel can be just that for the Wolverines.
“He’s a righty that throws kind-of sidearm.” Walsh said. “He’s in the low to mid 80s and he’s going to be really tough to hit. Last year he was our closer and this year we want to transition him into more of a starter role. We’re hopeful that his stuff plays as good as a starter as it did as a reliever last year.
Hector Colon is expected to serve as the swiss-army knife for the Wolverines this year. Being able to feature in both the infield and the outfield, Walsh also thinks that Colon has the ability to be an effective pitcher as well.
“He’s extremely athletic, strong and dedicated.” Walsh said. “He’s very versatile where we can play him in the outfield, infield and he’s been training on the mound and started to look better. He’s a kid that’s willing to do anything to help the team be as successful as possible.”
After a breakout All-League season, Brandon Seddio, now a junior, is looking to have an even better season than 2024. Seddio is expected to slot in right at the top of the rotation for the Wolverines this year.
Newfield will send freshman Brandon Seddio to the mound today pic.twitter.com/zIIgXhDlpa
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 13, 2023
“He’s a strike thrower.” Walsh said. “He won’t overpower you with stuff, but he’s a gamer and he competes on the mound. He’s also a good outfielder and a top of the order hitter for us from the left side.”
End of 5: Brandon Seddio helps himself with a 2-out RBI double
Newfield 2, Centereach 0 pic.twitter.com/C3Dx9e66CW
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 8, 2024
Also a junior is Caiden Davis. Walsh complimented Davis for his dedication, good glove and leadership and his strong baseball IQ. Having formerly played at Mount Sinai, Daniel Gruenthal joined the Wolverines a month ago where he will immediately slot in as the teams catcher.
“He stepped in and fit right in with the team.” Walsh said. “It’s going to be nice having a senior catcher that can be put in the middle of the lineup everyday. I think he’s going to help us a lot.”
While Gruenthal will likely serve as the starter, he will be backed up by sophomore Benny Lamberson, who started a number of games last season for the team. After being a midseason call-up in 2024, Walsh is excited to see the growth from sophomore first baseman/outfielder Anthony Ricchetti. Ricchetti, also a pitcher, made the most of one of his few relief appearances last season.
“We threw him in a relief appearance against Hauppauge, which is one of the best teams we played last year.” Walsh said. “He threw a change up to one of their better hitters, and we all looked at each other on the staff and we’re like ‘that’s the best pitch in the program.’ So he’s somebody we’re definitely going to rely on on the mound. And he’s going to make us more athletic in both the outfield and at first base.”
A pitcher and outfielder for the Wolverines is Jayden Ramirez. Ramirez suffered an injury over the summer to his throwing arm. While he may have to steer clear of pitching in the early parts of the year, Ramriez still has value in his switch hitting ability.
When Walsh arrived as the head coach of the Wolverines, he made it apparent that he wanted his team to be tougher and stronger, and that has paid off immediately, as Walsh sees that toughness as the strength of his team.
“These kids have dedicated themselves and we’ve asked a lot of them.” Walsh said. “I think we’ve taken maybe three weeks off since I got the job in the fall. Our numbers stay very consistent. We plan on outworking everybody around us. I think that toughness allows us to think that we are.”
Newfield will begin their season on April 1.
