Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
All eyes on Long Island will be on the Pat-Med Raiders in 2025. Speaking of the number 25, head coach Anthony Frascogna will be entering his 25th year in charge of the Raiders. In his 24th season, Frascogna looked back on what he believed was a strong season for his team.
“We played well.” Frascgona said. “We made the playoffs, finished 12-11 overall. We won a playoff game and then we got knocked out by William Floyd.”
Last year’s Raiders team featured six seniors who started on varsity, with a number of them continuing to play ball in college. Including Rob Melo who is playing at Army, David Granucci who’s at SUNY Maritime and Nick Cadolino who’s playing at SUNY Polytechnic.
This year, the Pat-Med Raiders are perhaps getting the biggest addition of anyone on Long Island. After attending Stony Brook Prep and IMG Academy, the Raiders are getting superstar Duke-commit Jayden Stroman. Stroman is the brother of New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman. He is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the state, and Frascogna is excited to have him back in the Pat-Med fold.
Duke-commit Jayden Stroman (Pat-Med 2025) up to 94.8 in his second bullpen of the year pic.twitter.com/40lTjrsyl8
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 31, 2025
“He does everything well.” Frascogna said. “Without playing an inning yet, is the most physically impressive player I’ve ever had. Between his size, strength and speed. So I’m sure he’s going to be the focal point of everyone that comes to play us, and I’m sure we’re going to get some interest from scouts. Every day and every game is going to be something to look forward to. I’ve never seen anyone as fast as him either. He came here and set the school’s 50-yard dash record.”
When it comes to the Raiders returning players, Stroman will have a strong supporting cast in 2025. At the top of the list is Frank Kentoffio will likely pitch and play infield for the Raiders.
“He’s been on the team since ninth grade.” Frascogna said. “He’s a guy that played with Josh Knoth, who was drafted by the Brewers, and he’ll get to be on a team with Jayden too. He’s been in our lineup since ninth grade which is a rarity, and he’s really improved defensively so I look forward to seeing how he finishes up his career.
Additionally, Frascogna mentioned Jace Rogers as a potential key contributor this year. Rogers is primarily a middle infielder, and his coach is excited to see how the seniors’ growth progresses this year.
“He kind of stepped up last year as a junior for us.” Frascogna said. “He was a big reason as to why we got to the playoffs. So we’re looking forward to seeing him have a big senior year.”
A player with perhaps the most important role for the Raiders this year is Brayden Davis. Davis, a junior, will be the team’s starting catcher in 2025.
Uncommitted catcher Brayden Davis (Pat-Med 2026) with a showcase best 1.91 pop pic.twitter.com/8GqVpxIloe
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 20, 2025
“He’s going to have a lot of pressure on him.” Frascgona said. “He’s going to be catching major league pitching pretty much. He’s been working hard all season and he looks pretty good. He’s got a great arm and played over the summer for us. I look forward to him taking over that spot.”
A key piece on the mound this season will be Conor Lockwood. Lockwood, a junior, has been on the varsity season each of his two previous high school years, and has provided consistency on the mound for Pat-Med,
“He’s consistent.” Frascogna said. “We need him to step up and have a dominant season and to get in there and get us more wins.”
Other players that Frascogna is excited about include Jacob Oakley, who is an outfielder who was lauded by his coach for his lightning fast speed. Also Dylan Vanderschuyt, who is committed to FDU Florham, as well as Farmingdale-commit James Minutillo and senior pitcher/OF Alberto Menniti.
Congratulations to MVP New York 2025 and MVP New York 2025 Orlando on capturing the Blue Chip Prospects Northeast Elite Blue Division
James Minutillo (Pat-Med) and Ryan Ortega (St. Mary’s) were named MVPs of the tournament pic.twitter.com/Ct0hMfvyPj
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 30, 2024
When it comes to his team’s biggest strength, Frascogna believes that it lies in the depth of his team’s pitching staff.
“We have a lot of pitchers.” I’m confident that we can roll out five or six guys that will be able to do the job for us, which is good. It’s a good place to start. After that, we have a nice balance on offense. We have some guys that can hit, as well as some guys that can run. And I think we’re going to be improved defensively. We’re going to hopefully compete for the league, and show up to play everyday.”
The Raiders will begin their season on April 1 against Riverhead.
