Final (Game 1): Oyster Bay 9, East Rockaway 8
WP: Chase Lordi (4.2 IP in relief, 6 H, 2 ER, 4 Ks)Alex Karpavicius: 3-4, 3 RBIs pic.twitter.com/CXdoK8nvsp
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 15, 2024
Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
Jeff Schiereck is entering his ninth season in charge of the Oyster Bay Baymen. Schiereck has created a consistent winning culture in Oyster Bay, and his 2024 season proved just that.
“We went 14-1 in the league last year.” Schiereck said. “We ended up making it to the County Finals, but unfortunately we lost there. It was a good team. We had some very good senior leadership and a lot of young guys stepped up. We hope to see a lot of the same things this year.”
Backed by a talented senior class last season, several graduating players are set to continue their careers at the collegiate level. Including Tommy Rizzuto, who is playing at Adelphi. His twin brother, Gianni Rizzuto as well as Dominic Carleo, are continuing their playing career at Pace University, while Brendan O’Brien is playing at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.
Congratulations to Tommy Rizzuto (Oyster Bay 2024) on capturing the 2024 Axcess Home Run Derby after defeating Kevin Schnupp Jr in a swing off in the finals! pic.twitter.com/wDlnufwMI2
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 13, 2024
When it comes to returning players, the Baymen have a number of award winners, as well as college commits, set to return this season. An All-Conference player last year, Liam Gorney, served as the Baymen’s number two pitcher last year, and fresh off the heels of an All-Conference season, Schiereck is hopeful that Gorney can provide more of the same in his senior season.
Also an All-Conference player last year, shortstop Chase Lordi is another player that Schiereck hopes can produce in bunches for Oyster Bay. A sophomore, Lordi has plenty of time left at the varsity level, and is already entering his third season on varsity, having been called up during his eighth grade season.
“He was All-League as an eighth grader.” Schiereck said. “I’m looking for him to take it to the next level this year.”
Rounding out the Baymen award winners is junior All-Leaguer Alexander Karpavicius. Karpavicius, the team’s starting catcher, shined during his sophomore season. With another year of experience handling the pitching staff under his belt, Schiereck hopes that he can continue his strong play this year.
Moving up in the batting order is St. Joseph’s-commit Justin Alas. Alas, who has earned the confidence of his coach, will slot in at both second base and center field at various points throughout the season. Junior Connor O’Brien could slot into the rotation this year after making sporadic relief appearances throughout last season.
Shortstop Justin Alas (Oyster Bay 2025) pic.twitter.com/wrihWBHMir
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 27, 2024
“He had spot starts last year.” Schiereck said. “So he could possibly be in the rotation this year.”
In terms of JV callups, sophomore Patrick Cochran will be getting the callup to varsity. Cochran, a left handed pitcher, excelled on the JV team in 2024, and Schiereck is hopeful he can continue that success at the varsity level. Also new to the team is Nick Von Bargen. Von Bargen will see time on both the mound and at first this year.
When it comes to his team’s biggest strength, Schiereck believes that the togetherness of his group will be a big factor if they are to repeat last season’s success.
“We’re a very close team.” Schiereck said. “We’re very connected to each other. I say that because I think it’s going to drive them to win. Not only for themselves, but for the community and for the school, as well as for each other. They’re a good group of kids that all get along and all hang out together.”
The Oyster Bay Baymen will open their season on March 31. They will look to capture their first County Championship since 2015.
