RHP Ben Brown (Ward Melville 2017) facing Shohei Ohtani pic.twitter.com/85xz9GtxtO
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 18, 2025
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
Lou Petrucci has been the head coach of the Ward Melville Patriots for the last 18 seasons. They have not only been one of the most consistent teams in Suffolk County but have also sent three pitchers (Steve Matz, Anthony Kay and Ben Brown) to the big leagues.
Unfortunately for them, League II was a powerhouse in 2024 and it was not their best season.
“It was a wake up call.” Petrucci said. “For me and my players. We didn’t do very well, but we had five freshmen and sophomores starting. So we gained a lot of experience.” They finished with an overall record of 10-10 (9-9 League II).
Last year’s Patriots team featured four seniors, with right handed pitcher Dalton Rutt continuing to play baseball at SUNY New Paltz.
This year’s Ward Melville team will look to continue their growth from last season, and that will start with returning seniors Jason Stiles, who was an All-Academic team member, as well as Matthew Poxon. Poxon came up in big spots for the Patriots last season, and he could very well find himself in more big spots this season.
When it comes to the juniors, Petrucci has high expectations for Nick Faella. He is the team’s shortstop, will look to kick off the back half of his high school career in a big way, and Petrucci believes there is plenty in store for him.
“We’re going to count on Nick a lot.” Petrucci said.
Also a junior, Petrucci plans to use Daniel Cornish as a swiss army knife for the Patriots. Cornish can play different positions all over the diamond, and will be called upon to put his versatility to good use in 2025. Additionally, the Patriots will be returning starting second baseman and junior Liam McGovern.
For sophomores, clutch hitter Andrew Poxon will be a key piece in the Ward Melville lineup in 2025. Poxon came through with a number of key and clutch hits last season, and will be looked upon to do the same this year. They’ll be hoping to get him back on the mound for his junior year. Petrucci also mentioned Joseph Karpowicz as another key sophomore on the Ward Melville team.
“We have a lot of returning players this year.” Petrucci said. “A lot of them played significant roles last year. I think we lost a couple of close games last year due to our inexperience and I think this year we’re looking forward to letting the first pitch be strike one.”
When it comes to his team’s biggest strength Petrucci believes that it will be something unconventional, listening. Petrucci believes that with a young team, there will be plenty of room for growth and development, and it starts with listening.
“Our strength is going to be listening.” Petrucci said. “Last year we didn’t do a good job of listening, this year we’re going to be better listeners.”
The Ward Melville Patriots will open their league schedule against Commack on April 8.
