(Editor’s Note: This is the final installment of the popular “Up Next” series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres, Richie Roberts, Joe Maxwell, Dom Muccia, Logan Lamberson, Fred Klauck, Jake Ostertag, Mason Gatchalian, Jagger Franco, Evan Frangas, Ryan Matson, Dylan Frers, Aidan Dobrie, Tyler D’Amico, Lucas Sweeting, Shea Corona, Van Johnson, SJ Garneau & Connor Bletsch. You can read them all by clicking here. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Aidan Devane (Sayville 2028) pic.twitter.com/lWZj16a8W6
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 17, 2025
In our season preview last week for Sayville HS, the main takeaway for the upcoming season is that they are an experienced, senior-laden group that is in great position to compete for a league championship.
Even so, there is a chance that freshman Aidan Devane will be not only making the team, but getting a chance to contribute right away.
As an eighth grader, he was called up to JV where he was their Golden Glove Award recipient. He is coming off an outstanding summer with the East Coast Lumberjacks where he was named MVP of the Northeast Summer Challenge at Lasorda Legacy Park. He is currently playing with the Body Armor Titans.
Devane has baseball in his blood, his father played Division-I ball at LIU. Already standing 6’1 and with tremendous baseball instinct and actions, he is sure to be a player to watch in the upcoming seasons.
His travel ball coach, Steve Cashman, had the following to say:
“Aidan may be the most coachable player I have had in 20 years. His understanding of the game from a hitting and defensive standpoint is at an extremely high level. He has an advanced understanding of hitting from the left side, driving early strikes and adjusting later in the county. Can play any spot in the infield and excelled on the mound in the fall. As a teammate, he is a rarity, he just wants to win. Although he plays the game at an extremely high level, he is just as good at supporting his teammates. A great overall attitude and work ethic, he will go far in his baseball career.”
To show how much his coaches appreciate his hard work, his former travel coach, Eric Strovink, was sure to include his thoughts on Aidan as well:
“Every team wishes they had an Aidan Devane. One of the very best, on and off the field. His ability to hit with two strikes separates him from the other big bats. He plays hard at all times and has a knowledge for the game that’s off-the-charts for a player his age.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play other sports?
Baseball has always been my first passion, and I used to play soccer and basketball but decided this year to put all of my time and energy into baseball.
Any family members that played college sports?
My dad played Division-I baseball at Long Island University.
Do you take private lessons with any instructors?
I currently take hitting lessons with Brian Anderson at Prospect. I also did the Prime Infield Clinic with Tom Downey. I do weight training at Xceleration in Hauppauge. I also do Arm Strength training with Ryan Horstman.
What was your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
My most thrilling moment was when I went to Cooperstown and hit 3 homers in the same game.
What were your goals entering the offseason?
My main focus this offseason was to get stronger and I have, so far, put on 20 pounds since the summer.
Goals for 2025?
My main goals for this upcoming season are to help the Sayville varsity team have a successful season and to help my Body Armor Titans 15u team to also have a successful summer. And then one of my personal goals would be to make All-County this season as a freshman.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve been on was when I went to a Perfect Game tournament in Alabama with my teammates and Coach Strovink, and compete with the best teams in the country, and ended up making playoffs in that tournament.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Sayville Inn, in my hometown of Sayville,
Favorite TV or movie?
My favorite TV show is First Take on ESPN and my favorite TV series was the Last Dance.
Favorite musical artist?
50 Cent
Any pregame superstitions?
My favorite pregame superstition is to close my eyes for 10 seconds and just relax and focus on my 5 senses to help me stay calm and get focused.
Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Dream Car?
McLaren
Favorite Player in Major League Baseball?
My favorite MLB players are Bobby Witt Jr, Francisco Lindor and Anthony Volpe because I like their work ethic, team leadership and how humble they are.
