Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
In a win-and-in game that either sent the Eastport-South Manor (ESM) Sharks to the playoffs or ended their season, the Sharks unfortunately were defeated, and saw their season end. Head coach Jim McGowan, who is entering his 11th season as head coach of the Sharks in 2025, looked back on the disappointing end of the season for his team.
“It was extremely disappointing.” McGowan said. “We had to win the last game to get in, but we lost 5-4 and missed the playoffs on the last day. It was an extremely disappointing finish for us.”
Although ESM graduated a large number of seniors following last season, not all were starters. However, there were a number of key players, including three that are now playing college baseball. They are Drew McGowan who is playing division baseball at Marist, Cole Johnson who is pitching at Purchase and Luca Occhiogrosso who is playing at Suffolk Community College.
Noah Kirwin, a Queens College commit, was the Sharks ace last year and will look to take yet another step forward for the team this season.
“He was our best pitcher last year from start to finish.” McGowan said. “He’s a strike thrower, throwing multiple pitches for strikes. Everything has movement and a good run to it. He’s throwing in the mid 80s now and is a good competitor. He should be at the front of our rotation again.”
In the middle of the infield is junior Brady McGowan. Much like his brother Drew, McGowan is committed to play at the University of Marist following the conclusion of his senior season. McGowan has been part of the ESM lineup since his eighth grade season, and his head coach is excited to see what McGowan has to offer this year.
SS Brady McGowan (Eastport-South Manor 2026) commits to Marist College pic.twitter.com/cJmzWteCMm
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 28, 2024
“Brady is as smooth as they come.” McGowan said. “He played high-level travel over the summer for one of the top teams in the country. He had a great summer and we’re looking for him to take that next step. He’ll bat at the top of the lineup for us just like he did over the last two years.”
Entering his third season on the varsity team is Logan Walsh. Walsh was a staple of the ESM pitching staff last year, and coming off of a strong and productive summer, McGowan believes that there’s plenty more good things coming from Walsh.
“He pitched well last year.” McGowan said. “We had a great fall. We played a lot together and he really stepped up his game and showed a lot of improvement. So we’re looking for him to bat in the middle of the order and probably to be one of our starters on the mound.
A sophomore this year is Mason Gatchalian. Last season as a freshman, Gatchalian featured on the mound as a high leverage reliever, as well as batting either third or fourth in the order. After a strong summer, Gatchalian is another young player that could elevate his game this year. McGowan also mentioned senior Ralph Betner and Memphis Lanier as other potential impact players.
1B Mason Gatchalian (Eastport-South Manor 2027) displaying his power with a homer at Diamond Nation pic.twitter.com/UEUt8aHKMn
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 30, 2024
When it comes to the biggest strength of his team, McGown sees both the effectiveness and depth of his pitching staff as the big key to the Sharks success.
“We have a lot of guys back with experience.” McGowan said. “We should have our three starters all being strike throwers. They’re guys with some velocity and can throw their secondary pitches for strikes. We also have some guys we can bring in relief.”
The Sharks will open their league season on April 7 against East Hampton.
