Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Adrianna Armani
After a challenging 2024 campaign, Friends Academy is set to take the field with renewed energy and a deeper roster under second-year head coach Nick Attardi. With key players returning and new talent emerging, the Quakers are aiming to turn last season’s struggles into a playoff push in Class B.
Reflecting on his first year at Friends Academy, Coach Attardi acknowledged the ups-and-downs but emphasized the team’s love for the game.
“We had some positives and negatives throughout the season, but we have a great group of kids who love the game and want to learn. Last year was a big stepping stone for what’s in store this year,” he said.
The Quakers finished with just two wins in 2024, often struggling with depth and consistency. “We were always competitive in the first few innings, but we had one bad inning where the wheels fell off, leading to a snowball effect,” Attardi explained. This season, however, things look different, with the roster nearly doubling from 12 to 23 players.
One of the biggest additions isn’t new it’s sophomore catcher Damian Balkcom, who returns after missing last season due to hip surgery. “Having him back in our lineup and behind the plate is a huge improvement. He brings so much baseball IQ and has an impact no matter where he is on the field,” Attardi said.
Damian Balkcom (Friends Academy 2027) registered an impressive 1.9 pop time behind the plate pic.twitter.com/bKIm6KdTQZ
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 22, 2025
Senior pitcher Jackson Brook will lead the rotation after tallying 30 strikeouts over 21 innings last season. His fastball reaches 86 mph, and with improved defensive support behind him, Attardi believes Brook could be a “dark horse for pitcher of the year in Class B.”
Junior Mason Linken, an All-Conference selection, adds versatility to the team, playing catcher, shortstop, and pitcher when needed. “Wherever I put him, he knows where to be at all times,” Attardi noted.
Seniors Matt Rubin, Noah Siebel, and Ben Notaris will also play critical leadership roles. Notaris led the team with a .394 batting average and eight stolen bases last season, while Siebel hit .400 and played elite defense. Rubin, a key infielder and pitcher, was the team’s top run producer and is expected to be a major force in the lineup.
Friends Academy is also looking forward to contributions from two standout freshmen, Marco Smith and Jordan Radosti. Both have strong arms and will be key pieces in the bullpen, adding much-needed depth. “Being able to piece together our pitching staff with what we have and now the depth we’ve added should help us actually compete for a playoff spot in Class B,” Attardi said.
With an experienced core, increased roster depth, and a clear vision from Coach Attardi, Friends Academy baseball is poised to take a big step forward in 2025. “The fact that it’s my second year here and a lot of the guys understand what type of brand of baseball I want to see is something I’m really looking forward to,” he said.
As the season approaches, the Quakers are eager to prove they’re no longer an underdog.
With a stronger roster and a determined mindset, Friends Academy is ready to make some noise in Class B.
They will open up on April 1 against Oyster Bay.
