Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Tucker Terranova
The 2024 edition of the Manhasset High School baseball program served as a stepping stone in the right direction. In his second year as head coach, Anthony Serrapica led the Indians back to the Class AA postseason as the seventh seed. The team defeated Calhoun, 1-0, in the first round before falling to second-seeded Bellmore-JFK in the quarterfinals.
After coaching one of the youngest teams in the county during his first two seasons, Serrapica now has an upperclassmen-heavy roster with significant postseason experience—an ideal scenario for any coach. The Indians have embraced a gritty underdog mentality and intend to maintain that mindset in 2025.
Manhasset RHP Trey Zaffiro fired a perfect game with 16 strikeouts today against Hewlett pic.twitter.com/jua0GAyp8o
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 25, 2024
“We will definitely be the underdog,” Serrapica told Axcess Baseball in an interview. “We are in an extremely tough conference. No one is talking about Manhasset, but they should.”
Serrapica has plenty of reasons for optimism. While the Indians lost seven seniors, he enjoys the advantage of a senior class composed mostly of three-year varsity starters.
The team will look to Matt DiConza, Lucas Lerian, and Parker Madden as key leaders for the program.
DiConza and Lerian will anchor the middle infield, with Serrapica speaking high praise of his double-play duo.
“They are two middle infielders who are committed to what the program stands for and have truly stepped up to set a tone for how we do things,” said the third-year head coach.
Madden returns behind the plate, having started at catcher for three seasons.
“He’s poised for a tremendous season. He is a returning captain and commands the defense,” Serrapica stated.
Michael Diorio (Manhasset 2025) commits to Williams College pic.twitter.com/V3y2dEa74K
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 26, 2024
Madden’s primary battery mate in 2025 is projected to be Michael DiOrio, whom Serrapica believes is one of the best pitchers in the county. The southpaw, committed to Williams, steps in as the Indians’ ace after Manhasset lost two collegiate arms—Trey Zaffiro (Lafayette) and Luke Girillo (Washington College). Zaffiro threw a perfect game last April, striking out 16 in a win over Hewlett.
Alongside DiOrio, the rotation is expected to feature Ryan Napolitano, a sophomore right-hander who plays summer ball for MVP. Serrapica believes Napolitano has the potential to be a three-year starter for the Indians.
The young core of the Indians also includes Jack Camera, a sophomore first baseman Serrapica spoke highly of.
“Jack saw time last year as a DH, and no one has worked harder in the offseason to be prepared for 2025,” Serrapica stated. “His walk-off base hit in last year’s first-round playoff game propelled us to the county quarterfinals.”
The Indians’ junior class is led by Michael Herrington, a pitcher and outfielder who gained valuable experience last year and is expected to be a key part of the starting lineup.
The loaded senior class is also led by Tyler Hadziyianis, a pitcher and outfielder who is a three-year starter, Peter Scala, a pitcher and outfielder, and James Rowan.
Rowan, the Indians’ third baseman, turned in a solid 2024 campaign, earning All-Conference honors. He posted a .295 batting average (second on the team), .870 OPS (first), and .455 SLG (first) during his junior season. Rowan, who plays summer ball for LI Elite, brings valuable experience and a middle-of-the-lineup bat the Indians will rely on in 2025.
Serrapica also highlighted Skyler Tom, an infielder who came on strong at the end of last season and is poised for a tremendous year.
Bringing back such an experienced and motivated squad is a blessing, and Serrapica is keenly aware of this. The Indians have taken significant strides under his leadership, and 2025 is projected to be the year they put it all together.
Manhasset will hold a scrimmage against North Shore and a non-league competition against Valley Stream North as tune-ups for the season. The Indians’ season officially kicks off on March 31, a week earlier than the rest of Class AA, against Roslyn.
