Author: Vinny Messana
Where Are They Now Powered by Prime Performance: Luke Stampfl
Flying out to left field in your final collegiate at bat is not the Hollywood ending most imagine. Especially not when you were already 3-for-4 with a home run over 400 feet in that game. And it’s in an elimination game at Clemson in the NCAA Regional. But St. John’s grad student Luke Stampfl still smiled as he rounded first base. Partially because he said it was his hardest hit ball of the day – ...
Shoreham-Wading River: How Do They Do It?
by Patrick Duryea Consistency is a key to success no matter who you ask. You’d be hard pressed to find a program more consistent than Shoreham-Wading River. In addition to making the playoffs every season from 1986-2022, they have had only two coaches in their baseball program’s entire history. The current head coach is Kevin Willi, who took over for the legendary Coach Sal Mignano. He start...
Up Next Powered by Ken Kortright State Farm Agency: Logan Lamberson
(This is the seventh installment of the popular “Up Next” series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres, Richie Roberts, Joe Maxwell, Dom Muccia and Fred Klauck. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.) Logan Lamberson shows his pop with an opposite field homer...
Q & A With Drew Waters
Drew Waters has drawn positive reviews for his ability to handle a pitching staff and control the running game despite being just a freshman in HS. The Levittown native opted to attend St. Dominic HS. Pete Lo Duca, who is an assistant at St. Dominic HS, had the following to say: “Drew is an exceptional young man and player. There is a level of intensity, focus and determination that Drew bri...
Giac Squad Enters 2025 With Momentum
After a .500 start to 2024, Giac Squad 16u was able to turn the corner mid summer through the end of the fall finishing with a 18-6 record with a league championship. After losing in the Boys of summer National finals, Giac Squad was able to bounce back to the championship in the fall – this time taking care of business against a tough Bonnie Bees club. The team is lead by staff ace, Jeffer...
Q & A With Jayden Schrader
Jayden Schrader was a big part of Giac Squad’s successful 2024 season in which they captured the Boys of Sumer 16u Fall Championship. He played a steady shortstop and provided punch in the lineup. Schrader was not only the youngest player on the team, but was also eligible to play 14u this year, as he bounced back and forth between the 14u and 16u teams. Schrader is an exciting player that i...
Max Effort Baseball: On the Cutting Edge of Baseball Training and Education
(Editor’s Note: This article originally was published in December 2017) When it comes to being a successful hitter, there is nothing more frustrating than being geared up for a fastball only to hopelessly flail at a change up in the dirt. Believe me, as a .250 hitter as a senior in high school I can attest to this. There is no amount of hours in a batting cage that can prepare you for the ch...
Where Are They Now Powered by Prime Performance: Chris Cappas
It’s been over 7 years since Kellenberg’s thrilling 1-0 victory over St. John the Baptist at Hofstra University in which their sophomore stud, Jason Diaz, was electric and struck out the final batter to secure the second straight title for the Firebirds. It remains the last championship for Kellenberg. The Catholic League Player of the Year was senior LHP Chris Cappas who went 6-1 on t...
Up Next Powered by Ken Kortright State Farm Agency: Fred Klauck
(This is the sixth installment of the popular “Up Next” series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres, Richie Roberts, Joe Maxwell and Dom Muccia. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.) All 15 strikeouts from Fred Klauck’s no-hitter pic.twitter.com/eBMLf8gkF0...
Massapequa: How Do They Do It?
(This is the first part of a 5-part series in which we take a deep dive into the best baseball towns on Long Island. First up is Massapequa.) ERIK PAULSEN JR WALK-OFF GRAND SLAM TO WIN IT FOR MASSAPEQUA!! ARE YOU KIDDING?! pic.twitter.com/XxVwkXrBMY — Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 31, 2023 by Patrick Duryea Nestled in between a few neighborhoods on the South Shore of Long Island, you’ll...
Where Are They Now Powered by Prime Performance: Jake Thomas
(This is the third installment of “Where Are They Now” in which we catch up with some of the great players in Long Island history. Previously, we featured James Bailin and Jeff Tyler. Thank you to Prime Performance for sponsoring this year’s series.) The Early Days Jake Thomas was raised in Merrick, NY. He is the youngest of two children, his sister being one year older. After mo...
Up Next Powered by Ken Kortright State Farm Agency: Dom Muccia
(This is the fifth installment of the popular “Up Next” Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres, Richie Roberts and Joe Maxwell. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this series.) St. Dominic HS took the league by storm during the 2024 regular season, securing the No. 1 seed in...
