Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Tucker Terranova
In an era where high school and collegiate baseball teams constantly battle roster turnover, Sayville Head Coach Joe Esposito enters his eighth season with a rare advantage—continuity. While many programs spend the early months of the season searching for stability, Esposito’s squad returns with experience, chemistry, and a proven ability to deliver in high-pressure moments.
Sayville has established itself as a Suffolk County powerhouse, consistently finishing among the top teams over the last six seasons, including a Long Island Championship in 2019. Now, with one of the most seasoned rosters on the island, expectations are high for another deep postseason run.
“All of the returning players have gained valuable experience in the playoffs and have been there before,” Esposito told Axcess Baseball. “It’s now their time to rise up and continue the tradition that past players have established. It’s all about getting hot at the right time, and hopefully, this team will be able to do just that.”
However, Esposito faces the challenge of replacing two key leaders from last season in Tyler Sebor and Gavin Acker, both two-time All-League selections (2023, 2024). The duo, three-year varsity veterans, played a pivotal role in Sayville’s success, providing leadership on and off the field.
Chris Spatenga (Sayville 2025) fired a perfect game with 8 Ks for USG in the Axcess World Series pic.twitter.com/dn1NdarPFm
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 7, 2024
Fortunately for the Golden Flashes, an experienced senior class is prepared to take the reins. Leading the charge is Kyle Messina, an All-County selection in 2023 and an All-League honoree in 2024. A two-sport standout committed to Colgate for football, Messina has been a key contributor since his sophomore season and will once again be a cornerstone of Sayville’s lineup.
Joining him are fellow All-League selections Andrew Law, Tyler Brown, and Chris Spatenga, along with Dylan Kent, each bringing valuable experience and a history of delivering in big moments.
“I have a group of seniors that have all had experience on the varsity level since they were in 10th grade,” Esposito said. “I am looking to them to be the catalysts for this team. All have had great experience going into the playoffs, and I am hoping for a strong season from them.”
Andrew Law (Sayville, 2025) with a couple nice Curveballs.
He’s an Uncommitted Senior up to 87 on his FB. pic.twitter.com/aOswDB6rWV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 23, 2025
Sayville’s pitching staff will be at the heart of its success, anchored by Law, Brown, and Spatenga, three seasoned arms who have been battle-tested since their sophomore seasons.
“We have a deep pitching staff that will help us compete in every game,” Esposito said. “Our starting pitchers have been on the bump since 10th grade and all had very strong seasons as juniors. We’ll be looking for them to keep us competitive every inning of every game.”
Beyond the mound, Brown will also be a key bat at the top of Sayville’s lineup as he prepares to continue his career at Utica University as an outfielder. Spatenga, a southpaw committed to Molloy, will be relied upon as one of Sayville’s top arms this spring, while Kent, another two-sport star, will head to Maritime for football in the fall.
Esposito also has high expectations for his junior class, identifying Brody Tellier, Shane Meehan, and Patrick Coan as key returners expected to play significant roles in the starting lineup.
Uncommitted Shane Meehan (Sayville 2026) pic.twitter.com/Mv4klcp22U
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 1, 2025
Meehan steps into a crucial role behind the plate, replacing Sebor as the team’s starting catcher. Esposito is confident in his ability, praising him as one of the top defensive catchers in Suffolk County, a high compliment from a coach who previously worked with Jack Quinlan, the 2022 CatcherMTRX Award winner for Suffolk’s best defensive catcher. Playing his summer ball with Body Armour Titans Vigeant, Meehan will be a vital leader for Sayville both on and off the field.
Tellier, a member of Five Star National, provides versatility that will be instrumental throughout the long season. Coming off a strong summer, the utility player is expected to contribute in multiple roles.
Meanwhile, Coan adds both size and athleticism to the outfield. At 6’4”, he brings a dynamic presence to Sayville’s lineup and is already garnering Division-I interest as a quarterback. The younger cousin of former Notre Dame and current CFL quarterback Jack Coan, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Messina and Law as Sayville’s next two-sport standout.
While New York State permits only two non-league games per team, Sayville will be tested early with scrimmages against Sachem East, East Islip, and Chaminade, strong competition that will prepare them for the grind of league play.
Sayville opens its league schedule on April 1 with a road matchup against Shoreham-Wading River, looking to set the tone for a season they hope will bring another LIC.
