Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Joe Bello
The Riverhead Blue Waves are looking to improve from last season as we quickly approach the 2025 season. Kevin Kerman is entering his 3rd year at the helm of the Riverhead baseball program, and is excited for what this season has to offer for the Blue Waves.
The Blue Waves finished with a record of 4-16 last year in a tough League 1.
“Obviously not the result we wanted but we are still very much in a retool mode.” Kerman said. “We saw improvement from the year prior and got varsity experience for a lot of our younger guys. At some points of last year we had an 8th grader and 3 freshmen in the lineup. We are looking for those guys to take a nice step forward this year.”
A key piece of the team from last season that will not be returning for Kerman this spring is Mark Gajowski. He is now playing Division-I ball at the University of Albany. “Mark was All-League last year and was a true ace, a leader, and just an overall great person. He will truly be missed this season.” Kerman said.
As for this year, Kerman has a group of seniors that will lead them. Camden Wallace, St. Joseph’s College-Brooklyn commit, Bryce Mackie, Western Connecticut State University commit, and Brady Hubbard, will all look to be leaders on the Blue Waves this spring.
Nice breaking ball here by Cam Wallace (Riverhead 2025) for strike 3 pic.twitter.com/1ZRpEQQNt6
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 29, 2024
Wallace was awarded All-League last season, and he can play practically all over the field. “He will be a key player for us on the mound and all over the infield.” Kerman said. “His versatility is key and his willingness to play multiple positions shows the type of player he is. Willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”
Mackie will be a key player on the mound this season, Kerman describes him as a “lefty specialist.” “We will look to him to log innings in different spots throughout our series against key matchups.” Kerman said.
While Hubbard will play all over the place for Kerman this spring. He will hit in the middle of the lineup, being a key offensive piece for Riverhead, while playing both infield and outfield positions.
While these seniors will lead the way for Riverhead, Kerman is also excited about a pair of sophomores that both will have a huge impact on the 2025 season.
First up is Matthew Zambriski, who was awarded All-League last year as a freshman. He was called up to varsity first as an 8th grader, and played every game last year at shortstop and also started games on the mound.
“Matthew has put in a tremendous amount of work over the years for Riverhead and with the East Coast Lumberjacks to improve himself on the mound and at the plate.” Kerman said. “Standing at about 6’3”, His fastball has topped out at 87 mph and we will look to him to become our ace. The sky’s the limit for Matt and we are so excited to watch him compete this year in League 1. He’s going to turn some heads.”
Kerman is also excited for Drew LeGrady’s sophomore year as well. LeGrady started every game last year at second base for the Blue Waves, but unfortunately didn’t pitch last season as he was coming off injuries. But this spring, he will be an important part of Riverhead’s rotation.
Drew LeGrady (2027 Riverhead) generating lots of swings and misses during his live bullpen
His fastball sits in the low 80s, he also mixes in a 75 MPH changeup and high 60s curveball pic.twitter.com/3oUrNHxNnh
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 10, 2025
“This past summer, also with the Lumberjacks, Drew took tremendous strides on the mound and was one of the top pitchers in his age group.” Kerman said. “Drew has a fastball that tops out at 85mph and he will be someone who we slot right into the starting rotation.”
Kerman also has his eyes on freshman Jason Davis to be an impact player for the club this year. Davis played in a few games with the varsity squad last season and hit .308. He is looked at by the coaching staff as someone who can be their leadoff hitter and being a big contributor on offense this spring.
Jason Davis (Riverhead 2028) pic.twitter.com/tmv1XmqC6k
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 29, 2024
Since January, Kerman and his team have been doing winter workouts at Lasorda Legacy Park in Yaphank to get ready for the season. Both the varsity and JV teams got their offseason work in for about 3 months at that facility, they wrapped up their workouts last week.
The Blue Waves will look to take that next step in 2025 and make improvements from their record in 2024.
“Going into this season we are looking to take another step forward.” Kerman said. “Nothing ever comes easy in League 1 and every game will be a battle. We will look to our young guys to take big steps forward and our seniors to be leaders. We are looking to grind out wins this year by doing the little things well. Catching and throwing, emphasizing balls in play, and simplifying our approaches at the plate and on the base paths will be our focus. We will look to bring a more grittier style to our game this season.”
Riverhead opens their season up on April 1st at Patchogue-Medford.
