Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Tucker Terranova
Northport 1, Newfield 0
Northport clinched playoff spot
WP: Max Donecea (CG, 4 hits, 7 Ks including last out of game w runners on 2nd and 3rd) pic.twitter.com/c8zSSvH3Ad
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 2, 2024
Two pillars of a successful high school baseball team are an experienced senior class and a strong pitching staff. Fortunately for Northport head coach Sean Lynch, the 2025 Tigers check both boxes.
Entering his sixth season at the helm, Lynch has the luxury of a 15-player senior class, a battle-tested group that has reached the postseason in consecutive years. With that experience comes motivation; this team is hungry to take the next step and make a deep run for a Suffolk County Championship.
“Our experience is huge for us this year,” Lynch told Axcess Baseball. “These guys have been playing together for a long time and have worked really hard this offseason. They’ve gotten a taste of playoff baseball and are eager to get back and fight for better results this year.”
The last time Northport had such a senior-heavy roster was in 2021, when the Tigers fielded 17 seniors and advanced to the Suffolk County Semifinals before falling to Huntington.
That season was also the last time Northport took the field without Max Donecea.
A four-year varsity starter, Donecea has been a staple of Northport’s program and will once again lead the rotation in 2025 before heading to Army West Point in the fall. The hard-throwing lefty, named to the Axcess Baseball Preseason All-Long Island Team, is coming off a strong All-League campaign in 2024 and a standout summer with the Body Armor Titans. Lynch values him not only as a leader on the field, but as one off it.
“It’s been an absolute pleasure having Max as a 4-year starter,” said Lynch. “Not only has it been great to depend on him taking the ball every week, but it’s been amazing to watch him work and develop each year and become an even better young man. If our country and military continue to recruit people of Max’s character and strength, we will be in good hands for sure.”
Vincent Staub (Northport 2025) continues to pitch well for the Phenom, he’s through 5 IP
Phenom 4 – Lumberjacks 3
Mid fifth pic.twitter.com/eGZjoxuVU5— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 7, 2024
Joining him at the top of the rotation is Vinny Staub, a right-hander who earned All-County honors as a junior. Staub played a crucial role in six of Northport’s 10 wins last season, recording two victories and four saves as the Tigers’ closer. In 2025, Lynch expects him to transition into a starting role.
Another key arm Lynch is excited about is Linus Frederick, a right-hander he believes is one of the county’s most underrated players. Frederick saw limited action last season due to injuries and illness, but enters 2025 fully healthy. He features a mid-80s fastball, which touched 87 mph this winter.
With a deep and reliable rotation, Lynch has the rare luxury of deploying a formidable bullpen, something many high school coaches don’t have. That depth allows him to shift Tyler Roethel, last season’s No. 3 starter, to the closer role. Lynch believes Roethel’s skill set is perfectly suited for late-game situations, while also letting him focus on playing second base and leading off in the Tigers’ lineup.
Lynch has built his program on pitching and fundamentals, emphasizing the importance of controlling games on the mound and executing the details that often decide close contests.
“Our identity will be pitching. It’s been our strength and the main reason we made the playoffs last season,” Lynch said. “They’ve learned the keys to success, avoiding the big inning on defense, limiting opponents to three outs an inning, and not giving away free passes.”
While the Tigers’ pitching staff is a clear strength, Lynch has also stressed offensive improvement, believing his team has untapped potential at the plate.
“They’ve learned to grind out at-bats, hit the ball hard and low, and put pressure on the defense,” Lynch stated. “Every at-bat matters, and we can’t afford to give any away.”
Longtime Northport coach John DeMartini has passed away. The field was named after him in 2021. He taught in the Northport district for 57 years and coached for 38 seasons pic.twitter.com/SN4Fy1C5WD
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) January 22, 2025
Much of Northport’s baseball philosophy has been ingrained in the program for decades, dating back to legendary head coach John “Demar” DeMartini. DeMartini led the Tigers for 33 seasons, elevating the program to new heights before Lynch took over. The Tigers’ home field now bears his name—a lasting tribute to his impact on the program.
This season, however, carries added meaning. Coach DeMartini passed away this January, leaving the Tigers with an extra sense of purpose in 2025. Northport baseball was built on his leadership, and the team will take the field with the goal of honoring his legacy.
Northport opens Suffolk County League III play on April 1, visiting Half Hollow Hills East.
