Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by George Caratzas
The Bellport Clippers went 10-10 in 2023, leading many to believe that they would begin to take the next step with a young roster in 2024. However, things went completely sideways for head coach Joe Murphy, as the Clippers went just 1-19 in a difficult year for the program.
Bellport did not have any seniors last year and did not field a JV roster for the second time in three years.
“The enrollment in our program has been down for several years,” Murphy said in an interview with Axcess Baseball. “We have a lack of numbers so that definitely puts us behind the eight ball. Our goal last year was to forget about wins and losses. We wanted to play hard and try to compete in every single game. For the most part we did.”
The lack of the senior class was a key reason that the Clippers were done in a year ago.
“We lost some games to teams that were just flat out better than us,” Murphy said. “We got blown out in some, but with a small program it’s difficult because by the end of the week when the pitch counts start to creep up, you simply run out of arms.”
This year, Murphy is hoping for change. Much of last season’s team was comprised of a deep junior class. With 12 juniors now becoming seniors, an extra year of experience will go a long way for Bellport.
“It will definitely help that across the board, we’re a little bit older and a little bit stronger,” Murphy said. “Those guys all got to play and got game experience last year. They’ve gotten to feel the speed of the game and have gotten more comfortable all around the field. There is less of a learning curve this year, and it should let us compete a bit better this year.”
RHP Nolan Comerford (Bellport 2025) sat low 80s, T85 with command of his slider at 71 MPH pic.twitter.com/u7b6e89dzR
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 16, 2024
Leading the charge of those seniors that are returning, is shortstop Nolan Comerford, who also serves as the Clippers’ ace. Comerford is committed to play baseball next season at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, and struck out 58 batters in 35 innings. Additionally, Comerford drove in six runs, walked 10 times and 60% of his hits went for doubles.
“He battles in every game basically until he hits his pitch count,” Murphy said. “He’s one of our better hitters, he’s our shortstop. We are going to rely on him a lot and hopefully he can get that win every week when he pitches and move us towards the playoffs.”
Bellport is also strong up the middle in center field, as Murphy is returning senior Michael Frankie. While baseball is not his first sport, Frankie is set to continue his athletic career beyond high school as he is playing football at Wagner College.
As a junior, Frankie was the Clippers best offensive weapon as he hit .325 for them. Once aboard, he wreaked havoc on the bases, stealing nine bases in 10 tries. Frankie reached base at a .465 clip and also chipped in on the mound, picking up the victory in Bellport’s only win of the season.
“Now he’s a year older, he should be able to handle that step up,” Murphy said. “He’s the type of kid that once he gets on first base, he can steal second and really be a game changer in that way, between his speed and his ability to hit.”
The final big piece that the Clippers are getting back is catcher Pat Dunbar, who Murphy touts as an excellent receiver behind the plate.
Patrick Dunbar (Bellport 2026) pic.twitter.com/S00epTikqT
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 16, 2023
“His personality is very quiet, but he leads by example,” Murphy said. “I think other kids see how hard Pat works. Truthfully, he is one of the hardest working players I’ve ever had. He doesn’t take any time off. He’s been selected to the Prospect Games in San Diego, he’s played in the Irish American All-Star game, he’s been a Perfect Game All-Tournament player. He’s that quiet, efficient leader that is very even keeled.”
As he enters his junior year, Murphy expects a big year from his backstop.
“He has improved his hitting tremendously over the course of the year,” Murphy said. “He is a ton stronger this year than he was last year. His throwing has gotten better, his bat has gotten better. He’s worked extremely hard and attended all our camps and you can see it coming out in his overall game.”
Rob Ariola (Bellport 2026) pic.twitter.com/o5yFa5qQey
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 20, 2025
To aid with pitching, Bellport will get the help of junior Robert Ariola who is new to the school this year. The team also shut pitcher Preston Collins down with an injury, but he hopes to have him back in short order. To hopefully add some more authority in the lineup, Murphy is expecting second baseman Ross Curcio, first baseman Cooper Alberto and third baseman Misael Torrentes to break out in their respective senior campaigns.
“Our offensive depth is better than last year,” Murphy said. “If we’re being honest, we hit under .200 as a team last year. We were too passive at the plate and all around it has to get better. This year, I’ve seen much more aggressiveness and I think we’ll get a lot better.”
To put it bluntly, Murphy expects improvement but remains realistic about the team’s current spot.
“I told the guys, ‘we’re not going to short-change our expectations,’” Murphy said. “I think it would be foolish of me to talk about winning the league outright, or winning a county championship. We have to take baby steps. We have to compete in every game and put ourselves in a position to win.”
The Clippers first step towards a productive season is their season opener on the road against East Islip on March 31.
