Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
While he might be the new head coach of the John Glenn Knights, Billy Riedel is far from a stranger to his team. Having served the last six seasons as an assistant coach, Riedel takes over as the man in charge, and as he grows in his new role, his young team will grow with him.
“Last year was a learning experience.” Riedel said. “I think we were one of, if not the youngest team on Long Island. We had only one upperclassman start in the entire lineup. So it was a valuable learning experience for all of our younger guys for what to expect at the varsity level. Not only getting into games, but also knowing what it takes to be successful at that level.”
Much like last year, the core of the Knights will be made up of juniors, sophomores and freshmen. At the top of the returning players list is sophomore all-league returner Connor Bletsch. Bletsch raked for John Glenn last season, hitting .361 and hit a home run in his freshman season.
Connor Bletsch (John Glenn 2027) displaying his raw power pic.twitter.com/EsVeOUPTpf
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 10, 2025
“Connor is going to be an impact player in the field, in the batter’s box and on the mound.” Riedel said. “He’s going to be a guy we build around for sure.”
In terms of juniors, Riedel is excited to see what Andrew Dunn, Luke Brilliant and Hunter Klinger-Cooley bring to the mound in their junior seasons. All three are veterans of the varsity team, and Riedel believes that experience will play to their advantage.
“They’re looking forward to building upon their solid performances on the bump last year.” Riedel said. “Those three, including Bletsch, will anchor the rotation for us this year.”
On offense, the Knights will be led by Bletsch, Brilliant, Dunn and Dillon DeRiggi.
“They’re looking forward to a big year at the plate.” Riedel said. “We pretty much return the entire starting lineup both offensively and defensively from last season, which is definitely worth noting.”
Behind the plate, it will be returning catcher Luke Mullman manning the backstop for the Knights. Riedel complimented Mullman for his strong work ethic, and his ability to command the Knights young pitching staff.
“Luke has worked really hard all winter.” Riedel said. “He’s building upon his already solid skillset, and I’m looking forward to him getting comfortable in his role as a two and a half year starter for us, he got called up midway through his freshman year.”
Up the middle, freshman Armando Muniz and DeRiggi will make up with Riedel dubbed as a “smooth” infield combo. Muniz began his career on varsity as an eighth grader, and will look to get what should be a long, successful varsity career off to a strong start.
“He started at shortstop as an eighth grader last year.” Riedel said. “He was one of the better fielders on our team.”
While he hasn’t always been head coach, Riedel has worked with many of his players since they were kids, and in his first season in charge, Riedel wants to see his team come together and play for each other.
“It’s the second year this team is really together.” Riedel said. “We’re only graduating three seniors after this year so this team has the opportunity to be really together for the next three or four years. So I think playing collectively, holding each other accountable and having one mutual goal in mind to be successful. Both individually and as a team. We’re looking forward to seeing success here, and making a run in the coming years.”
The John Glenn Knights will open their season on March 31 against Bayport.
