Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
In his third season as head coach of the Bay Shore Marauders, head coach Chris Schiro’s team struggled to a 5-15 record. While the record might not be the best, injuries played a large part in the team’s struggles. With the injuries came opportunities for younger players, who Schiro is hopeful can play larger roles in his fourth season in charge.
“The last couple seasons we’ve definitely been a little bit down.” Schiro said. “We had a younger team last year which will lead to good leadership this year. We had the unfortunate injury bug last year where we had a lot of seniors go down before the season even started and during the year which led the way for a group of sophomores to come up who really battled a lot.”
Eight seniors graduated in 2024, with two now playing college baseball. Jorge Rosario is playing at Westfield State University and Jose Duran is playing at Old Westbury. On the team this upcoming season, Roberto Valdes, a St. John’s commit, was an All-League player last season and has started for the Marauders each of the last four seasons.
SS Roberto Valdez (Bay Shore 2025) commits to St. John’s University pic.twitter.com/pPXSo9FYsK
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 9, 2024
“He really nestled into the shortstop position last year.” Schiro said. “He saw time at third base as a freshman and a sophomore. He was right on the verge of being an All-County player last year. He batted .400 and had a tremendous season and we’re looking for him to be a standout. He’s just a great, coachable kid that plays well at any position he goes to, as well as a natural leader.”
Jordan Drago wasted no time launching into the Bay Shore team. After being called up last season due to injuries to the team, the then sophomore lefty shined, earning All-League honors in his rookie varsity season.
Make that seven strikeouts for Drago pic.twitter.com/jWVF0TiS8u
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 21, 2023
“We were hoping to just get some innings out of him in the bullpen and he ended up being our ace for the season.” Schiro said. “Last season he pitched to a 2.40 ERA in 35 innings. He battles with the top pitchers in the county, he’s not afraid of who he’s playing or who he’s up against. His work ethic is second to none, and when he’s out there, he does his job.”
Senior infielder and pitcher Armani Smith is expected to take on a big role in both the field and on the mound for Bay Shore in 2025. Smith, who was coming off of an injury last season, was able to still produce both defensively and offensively.
“He played very good defense for us.” Schiro said. “He was also an offensive threat at times. He’s going to probably be our number two on the mound. He’s throwing in the low to mid 80s with some really good offspeed stuff. He has good command and is a tremendous athlete.”
After missing the entirety of the 2024 season due to injury, Schiro is excited for the return of Auburn University of Montgomery commit Mike Renwick. Renwick will feature both on the mound and in the outfield for the Marauders. Schiro also mentioned Casey Opatovsky will serve as the super utility man for Bay Shore, as well as competing for the third spot in the Marauders rotation.
“He had some valuable innings last year as a sophomore.” Schiro said. “He came up after a bunch of injuries and really filled the role. He became the starting left fielder for us as well. He pitched about 20 innings on the mound and showed some really good stuff in a very tough league. We expect him to keep developing and really help out our staff this year.”
With a team of mostly juniors, experience will be paramount. With a lot of guys coming back from last year’s young team, Schiro believes that his team has an amazing work ethic, and will continue to work hard this season and beyond.
“This is the first time I have a full team of true ballplayers.” Schiro said. “I’ve had some tremendous athletes in the past that did a good job for us but baseball wasn’t their primary sport. I have a group that’s really committed to baseball. They’re in the gym in the offseason, they’re playing high end summer ball. They’re relentless in the weight room trying to be the best players they can be.”
Bay Shore will open their season against Commack on April 1.
