Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
In 32 years as the head coach of the MacArthur Generals, Steve Costello has compiled 570 wins in a tenure that has spanned four decades. And while last year’s team wasn’t able to accomplish the ultimate goal of a championship, only four seniors graduated from Costello’s program, leaving plenty of returning players in 2025.
“We only had four returning seniors on the entire roster last year, which is very unusual.” Costello said. “All of those seniors did a great job. We were really unsure with how last year was going to go. We ended up winning the league before getting eliminated in the County Quarterfinals to Carey in a three-game series. We lost one game in the regular season.”
While MacArthur did lose only four seniors to graduation, the Generals lost four key players to their team, as all four graduating seniors are now playing college baseball. Tyler Bonsignore (Adelphi), Ryan Zegers (Molloy) and both Eric Sharp and Dan Reynolds (Nassau Community College).
Despite the losses, the Generals are still loaded with talent. At the top of the list is senior infielder/catcher and Barry-commit Dylan Tripi. Tripi was an All-County player last year. Tripi led the team in both home runs (five) and RBIs last season.
“He’s an excellent hitter.” Costello said. “He led our team in homers with five, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but in high school it is. Especially in our park which is huge. He’s the only one that hit a ball out at our park last season. He’s certainly going to be a mainstay in the lineup.”
On the mound, the Generals are returning Alex Darzano. Last season, Darzano was the MacArthur number two pitcher and will be promoted to the ace of the Generals staff this season.
All Conference LHP Alex Darzano (MacArthur 2025) gets the start for South Shore Elite in their first game of the Axcess World Series against Showtime Select pic.twitter.com/wv2bIQXp6C
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 7, 2024
“Alex did a really nice job for us last year.” Costello said. “He will probably pitch the first game of the week. He’s a lefty pitcher and a very talented kid.”
An All-Conference player last year, Michael Joyce is primarily a middle infielder, but also features as a pitcher on occasion. Joyce is expected to slot into the middle of the MacArthur lineup. Chris Lonergan, who was part of the rotation last season, is expected to continue to feature on the mound for the Generals in 2025.
At shortstop, MacArthur will have returning senior All-Leaguer Chase Palma, who Costello praised for both his glove and bat. Palma is expected to bat in the middle of the lineup for his team. At first base, the Generals are bringing back lefty hitting senior Nick Albert. Albert, who batted third for MacArthur last year, is expected to do so again this year.
When it comes to newcomers to the varsity team, Costello has high hopes for junior Matt Kerr. After an injury gave Kerr a shot in a crucial spot for the varsity team, Kerr made the most of his opportunity, and will look to occupy third base yet again for the Generals.
Matt Kerr (MacArthur 2026) with a good 2 strike approach for a 2 run single pic.twitter.com/jIxkAP4FMn
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 29, 2024
“Last year, Dylan Tripi, who was our best hitter last year, pulled his hamstring during the playoffs, so he was forced to DH just to limit his wear and tear,” Costello said. “So we brought up Matt and he ended up playing third base throughout the playoff run and did a really nice job. So we’re excited about getting a long look at him.”
What Costello believes will make this year’s MacArthur team strong is its well roundedness. Although the Generals aren’t spectacular at any area, they are a complete team that will be difficult to play against.
“We’re not spectacular at any one place.” Costello said. “When I look at our pitching, lineup and defense, I think we’re very strong in all of those places.”
