Deer Park Looks to Rebound With Large Returning Class

Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series

by George Caratzas

Deer Park 5
Bellport 0

Brian Ugalde threw a 2 hit complete game shutout striking out 12. He was also 2-2 with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 6, 2024

After missing the playoffs by a game in the midst of an 8-10 season, the Deer Park Falcons are bringing back a large chunk of their roster as they hope to improve in 2025. Head coach Ryan Argenziano expects nine players from that roster to return, creating a much more experienced core at the forefront.

Of the nine returners, the Falcons are returning six seniors that Argenziano expects to lead the way.

“We’ll have some younger guys but it’s really going to be those six seniors that we rely on,” Argenziano said in an interview with Axcess Baseball. “Starting with Kyle Coppola and Tyler Lynch. There’s a few others that got playing time last year that we’re expecting to step up for us but those are the big two.”

A big piece that Deer Park is missing is last year’s ace, pitcher Brian Ugalde, who is now pitching at SUNY Cortland. Without Ugalde, the Falcons will need to replace a 0.66 ERA and 62 strikeouts. At the plate, Ugalde was also a major run producer, hitting .327 with 10 runs batted in and three extra base hits. 

“He was the ace of the staff,” Argenziano said. “Ugalde will definitely be missed. He dominated the competition and completely led us on the mound. We are hoping guys step up and become as dominant as Brian was for us last year.”

Lynch is the frontrunner to head the Falcon’s pitching staff, as he pitched to a 1.35 ERA last year. Entering his fourth season as a varsity player, Argenziano will be relying on him to take the next step and fill the void left by Ugalde.

“We’re hoping that Tyler can step into the role of a number one starter,” Argenziano said. “He dominated for us last year alongside Brian so we’re confident that he will be able to be successful again.”

Another option in Deer Park’s staff is senior Jack Azzaretto. Azzaretto will also log significant innings at first base.

“He got in some games on the mound last year as a reliever,” Argenziano said. “He will definitely get a shot to pitch this year but as is the case with all these guys, we are relying on their experience from last year to continue their success this year.”

The biggest returner for the Falcons is Coppola — who is committed to the University of Bridgeport. Coppola last year, hit .344 with a home run, six doubles and 22 runs batted in. He figures to be a significant threat in the middle of Argenziano’s starting nine while anchoring the team from behind the plate.

“As a catcher, he really is an extension of our coaching staff but on the field,” Argenziano said. “We relied on him heavily last year and he’s certainly a big bat in our order. He’s got great leadership and over the last few years has shown what it takes to be a proven leader. He truly is another assistant coach for us and knows what we like as a program and how we run things.”

Azzaretto is another key hitter, as he hit .327 a year ago with a home run. Additionally, junior Chris Mazzola will patrol centerfield for Deer Park. Mazzola hit .353 last year with seven runs batted in, a double and a triple. 

Up the middle, Lynch will man shortstop when he is not on the mound while senior Frankie Caldone will join him in turning double plays. Caldone struggled with the bat last year, but still managed to drive in eight runs. 

“He got in the lineup a little bit last year but never got consistent playing time,” Argenziano said. “We’re really expecting a lot from him and relying on him heavily in the middle of our infield. I’m excited to see what we get from him as a senior.”

Overall, the Falcons will need to be contact-reliant in one of Long Island’s best pitching leagues. 

“We’re trying to avoid the strikeouts,” Argenziano said. “In High School baseball, you’ve got to be able to put the ball in play and make teams play defense.”

Argenziano is also expecting a smaller roster, something that he thinks will benefit Deer Park in his 17th season as the varsity coach. 

“We’re definitely going to have a smaller roster than we have in the past which will allow everyone to contribute,” Argenziano said. “I think the guys are getting acclimated to that smaller roster. You look around, and there’s not a lot of guys, which is a good thing for practice because it means more reps for everyone. This is an exciting team for sure.”

However, the smaller team does come with some drawbacks.

“There is the added challenge of having fewer guys,” Argenziano said. “The biggest thing is keeping our guys healthy because we’re going to be relying on a few guys to do a lot for us. Just managing their health and treating those injuries is going to go a long way for us.”

Argenziano believes that despite being potentially slightly shorthanded, and losing Ugalde, his squad is up for the challenge in 2025.

“Something that sticks out to me is just the overall experience that these guys have,” Argenziano said. “We’ve got multiple guys that have been on varsity for multiple years that we are bringing back. It’s not often that you have two, four-year starters in the lineup so just having a couple guys with that experience in that senior class is what comes to my mind the most.”

The Falcons will start their 2025 campaign on Monday, March 31 on the road against West Babylon.