Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Hunter Javeline
Coach Frank Viggiano and the Hewlett Bulldogs are looking to bounce back this year. After spending 13 years coaching varsity and 15 years at the middle school level, he remains energized by a group that feels different from last year’s team.
The Bulldogs faced a lot of adversity last year, coming off of a 1-16 season. Putting last year in the past, the team has focused on developing talent for this upcoming year. With a lot of last season’s juniors stepping into leadership roles and sophomores gaining experience last year, the foundation to success is now set.
“We struggled last year,” Coach Viggiano said. “But we are going to be much better this season.” That confidence is felt throughout the locker room, from players to coaches. The chemistry of the 2026 Bulldogs is completely different in a positive way.
Marek Williams is a key star returning for this upcoming year. Williams will be playing baseball at Union College in the fall. He won All-League with his excellence on the mound and at shortstop last year. His leadership alongside captain Ari Rechtweg helped shape the culture that this year’s group hopes to build upon.
Replacing a player of Williams’ skill is a challenging task. The coaching staff believes the team is hungry and ready to step up. Rechtweg returns as a key outfield presence and leader. He is a very reliable outfielder and brings a very important quality in leadership to this team.
Max Fried is a very talented catcher with “All-star potential and a strong bat.” Coach Viggiano is expecting him to play a huge role in helping the pitching staff this year. Lowen Zuckerman is expected to take on a major role as the number two starter after an impressive offseason. “Lowen had a very strong offseason and is definitely one of the most improved players,” Coach Viggiano said.
David Miller is looking to make an impact throughout his first varsity season. The coaching staff is excited with his offensive upside, described by the coaches as having “unlimited potential.” The senior class including Daniel Baum, Maverick Hain, and Ben Samuelson will provide depth and experience to this team. Juniors Max Davis and Josh Goldenberg are expected to play key roles.
Players who had successful years on JV last season always add strength to a varsity team. Sophomores Ben Abramovich and David Mezrahi will see significant playing time. Freshman Ian Cruz has been labeled a “sensation,” bringing a lot of energy every single day.
The depth of the Hewlett pitching staff is something that makes these coaches confident for the year. The depth includes Zuckerman, Abramovich, Samuelson, Cruz, Davis, Goldenberg, and Mezrahi. The staff is very optimistic. “We love our pitching and we got multiple arms that will contribute meaningful innings,” Coach Viggiano said.
Offensively, the Bulldogs aim to put the ball in play and apply pressure. This was evident in their season-opening win over Friends Academy. In an 11-0 victory, the game remained close until the Bulldogs had a huge sixth inning where the offense erupted.
During that win Williams dominated on the mound. He pitched 5 ⅔ innings, striking out sixteen batters and only allowed one hit. Despite the early success, Coach Viggiano stays humble. “We will find out who we are,” he said. Competing in a challenging league with last year Long Island Champions Garden City will test the group’s perserverance as they head into the season.
The Bulldogs are looking to build confidence and redefine the program’s culture heading into this year. With experienced leadership and emerging talent, this team is ready to turn the page.
Hewlett will take on Glen Cove on April 7 and look to get off to a hot start in their first league game of the 2026 campaign.