Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landcape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Joe Bello
Helms Bohringer is looking forward to the 2025 baseball season, which will be his 30th as the varsity head coach at Mineola High School.
The Mustangs went 7-6-2 last season, they made the playoffs and beat Seaford in the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Clarke in the semifinals.
“I thought we got better as the season went along, some of our juniors stepped up and our senior leaders played well.” Bohringer said. “It was a good season for the Mustangs. First time we had ever reached the semifinals.”
Unfortunately, Bohringer lost some good talent last season, losing 3 players who are all playing baseball at the next level. Andrew Basel is at Northeastern University, Matt Orena is now at Dominican College, and finally AJ Derose is playing at Baruch College.
The Mustangs had 3 award winners in the 2024 season. Basel was named All-County, Jesse Kostulias was named All-Conference and Jayden Sleeper was named All-League.
RHP Jesse Kostulias (Mineola 2025) commits to the University of New Haven pic.twitter.com/BOqrZquIIM
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 22, 2024
Mineola will have some talent returning for the 2025 campaign though. Kostulias is their ace and is committed to the University of New Haven. Sleeper is their starting catcher, Bohringer had some praise for his defensive ability and arm behind the plate. They also have pitcher and outfielder Luke Martinez, who is committed to Maritime College.
These three will look to lead Mineola back into the playoffs this upcoming spring.
Jayden Sleeper (Mineola 2025) rips an RBI single for Dodgers Nation pic.twitter.com/BBRyeBobtx
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 17, 2023
“Jesse will now be counted on as the number one in the rotation and to continue to develop into a force at the plate.” Bohringer said. “Jayden is an excellent defensive catcher who limits the running game with his strong arm and his clutch hitting at the plate will help us. Luke, who developed into a very reliable closer, will now have to step up and be a starter unless the incoming juniors and possible sophomores can help in that department.”
Luke Martinez (Mineola 2025) working on a gem for OC Titans pic.twitter.com/VA3NG1GYMV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 29, 2024
Some of the juniors and sophomores that will have a chance to make an impact this season are Joe Dunlop, Jake Pollicastro, Ryan Valente, Max Walters, and Fred Klauck.
Preparation for the spring has already begun in Mineola, as the team holds winter workouts every week. This process started back in the first week of January, as Bohringer looks ahead to 2025.
All 15 strikeouts from Fred Klauck’s no-hitter pic.twitter.com/eBMLf8gkF0
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 9, 2024
“My hopes going into 2025 is that we continue to develop a strong sense of togetherness and the want to at least get back to the playoffs and the semi’s.” Bohringer said.
Bohringer wants his team to find that team-first mindset as they head into another season of baseball at Mineola.
“The team needs to focus on playing for each other more than themselves.” Bohringer said. “With that, the team will achieve the success that is desired. Always playing for the name on the front of the jersey.”
The Mineola Mustangs open up their 2025 season against the Wantagh Warriors on April 1st.
