Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Anthony DiCocco
After missing the postseason in 2025, Manhasset will look to right the ship in order to return to the dance this spring.
Last season, Manhasset struggled, going 6-12 overall and 5-11 in Conference AA-2 play to miss the playoffs by one game. Now head coach Anthony Serrapica will attempt to lead his team back into the championship hunt without a number of last year’s starters, as Manhasset graduated 12 seniors at last season’s close.
“Last season did not go as we had hoped,” Serrapica said in an interview with Axcess Baseball. “We had a great start to the year, but had trouble down the stretch in a tough conference. We missed the playoffs by one win so we need more consistency down the stretch.”
The team’s biggest loss comes in the form of All-Conference southpaw Mike DiOrio, who is now pitching at Williams College. Manhasset also graduated starting catcher Parker Madden and infielders James Rowan, Matt DiConza, Lucas Lerian and Skyler Tom. In 2025, Tom was an All-League shortstop while Rowan was an All-Conference player two years ago.
With a large graduating class, a number of the players that will take the field for Manhasset will be starting for the first time at the varsity level, but Serrapica is confident in their abilities.
However, Manhasset does have some key returners that will balance out the youth.
Senior Mike Herrington, who pitches in the rotation and patrols the outfield when he is not on the mound, is back to provide leadership for both Manhasset’s pitching staff and lineup.
Junior Ryan Napolitano is another piece returning from last year. After getting a year of varsity experience under his belt as a sophomore, the right-handed pitcher will look to elevate his game to the next level this season. Napolitano will also see time at third base this year.
Despite returning Herrington and Napolitano, Manhasset’s No. 1 pitcher will be junior Dash Marcus. The right-hander missed last season with an injury, but is ready to make an impact now that he is fully healthy.
“Dash Marcus will impress everyone this year,” Serrapica said. “He brings an 85-87 [mile per hour] fastball and command of three pitches to the front of our rotation.”
Junior Phoenix Forbes and seniors Jake Theodorakakis and Jack Glosman will all contribute out of the bullpen as well.
Junior Jack Camera — who has started at the varsity level since he was a freshman — will help out in relief, although his biggest impact will come with the bat. While manning first base last season, Camera posted a perfect fielding percentage and slashed .400 with the stick in his hands.
Joining Camera on the right side of the infield will be junior 2B Jack Kelly. On top of their prowess on the bump, Marcus and Theodorakakis will split duties at shortstop to replace Tom while Napolitano posts up at the hot corner.
In addition to Herrington, Forbes and fellow junior Charlie Jettmar, as well as seniors Reilly Royce and Gavin Karcic will all vie for playing time on the outfield grass. Senior Vincent Amato will assume the role as designated hitter.
Serrapica specifically highlighted Royce, Jettmar, Camera, Napolitano and Amato as names to look out for in terms of an incoming breakout campaign.
“Charlie Jettmar, Reilly Royce, Ryan Napolitano and Jack Camera are poised to have great years,” Serrapica said. “Vincent Amato has worked incredibly hard in the offseason and will surprise opponents as well.”
Finally, C Peter Chimos will take over for Madden behind the plate. As a senior, Chimos sat behind and learned from Madden over the past three years, meaning Serrapica fully expects him to thrive in the role now that he is the squad’s starting backstop.
Though Manhasset experienced a plethora of roster turnover, Serrapica believes the youth movement that has taken over the team leaves him with a talented group of players. The main goal of winning Nassau County and Long Island Championships remains the same, but Serrapica wants his team to be a tough out come playoff time above all else.
“When we get placed in a postseason bracket, we want our opponents to think that they don’t want to play us.”
Manhasset fell 13-3 to Clarke this past Thursday to open its 2026 season. The squad will begin its league slate on Tuesday, April 7, when it takes on Carey.