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Baseball teams are competitive this year
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April 02, 2009 | 01:27 PM
Four baseball teams this year will be battling it out on the field. Kings Park, Smithtown West and East, and Commack will all be competitive.
Kings Park will compete in League V. The team began the 2009 season with a 7-3 victory over Sachem East at Craig Biggio Field last Saturday. Kings Park senior pitcher Mike Campisi, who also plays shortstop and third base, threw a complete game on the mound. His impressive .492 batting average earned him All-County honors.
Kings Park head coach Mike Prisco is looking forward to watching his team produce at the plate. "We are going to be a good offensive team," he said. "We have good hitters one through nine."
All-League senior Sean Fox will be a starting pitcher and play the outfield. He was in the pitching rotation the last two years and will resume that role. "He is a kid that will be leading our team whether it's pitching, hitting, or playing the field," Prisco said.
First baseman Greg Sazino, who batted in the third hole last year, will resume that spot in the lineup this season. "He is one of our stronger hitters," Prisco said.
Senior Joe Capobianco will play at the corners. "He hits for power in one of the top spots in the order," said Prisco.
Playing in League IV, Smithtown West is looking forward to an exciting season following last season's 10-9 playoff loss to Sachem North. "A lot of kids have a bad taste in their mouth," said Smithtown West head coach Al Nucci. "I'm really excited for the potential to make the playoffs and become League IV champions."
Although many of the athletes are young, they have been on the squad for the last two years, bringing a lot of experience to the field. "They are hungry with a lot of enthusiasm, which is good," said Nucci. "We are well-balanced with a lot of pop in the order."
Sophomores Anthony Gatto and Mike Vigliarolo earned All-league honors last season. "Both are well-versed and smart on the bases," said Nucci.
Gatto bats third in the lineup. Gatto will be the second pitcher in the rotation. Vigliarolo batted .375 last season. He plays a key role in the bullpen. "We're looking for him to have a big year for us offensively," Nucci said. "We are excited to have him close it out when the game is on the line."
Junior Christian Randell, who will be the starting catcher, is recovering from Tommy John surgery. "He has worked hard on the offseason," Nucci said. "His arm is as strong as it has ever been."
Junior Ryan McKean, who batted over .300 last year, will be the first baseman and backup catcher. McKean bats in the sixth or seventh spot.
Sophomore second baseman Ricky Alessi was called up midway last year because he was performing well on the junior varsity level. "Whatever he was able to do for us offensively was a bonus," said Nucci. "We have faith in him. Looking for him to steal bases and score runs."
Sophomore left fielder Tyler Reinig bats second in the order.
Left-handed Nick Zito will be the third pitcher in the rotation. Junior Zach Pilossoph will play the outfield and pitch in relief. Matt Hartman will be the everyday shortstop for Smithtown West. "He had a tremendous preseason," said Nucci. "He's taking on the role of being a team leader."
The ace-starting pitcher for Smithtown West is senior Greg Falk. His fastball registers in the low 80s. "He has an above-average high school fastball and exceptional changeup," said Nucci. "We feel he can get guys out effectively."
Joe Fasano, who is the backup first baseman, will be utilized out of the bullpen. "I look forward to seeing him in the starting rotation either this year or next year," Nucci said.
Competing in League II is Commack. Coming off an exciting playoff-run last year, the Cougars hope to have another productive season. They will feature four captains, including center fielder David Hall, who will play for Temple University next year, first baseman Chris Longo, who will play for St. Louis University next season, second baseman John Adornetto and shortstop Bryan Mistretta, who signed with Cortland University. The team also features an all-new pitching staff. "We should be able to hit for runs," said Commack head coach Ed Boll.
Leadoff hitter junior Pete Leonello, who is competing in his first season on the varsity level, will play left field and pitch. "He is a good contact hitter," said Boll. "He has a strong arm and very good speed.
Boll looks forward to seeing senior rightfielder Vinny Galiano take the field. "He is a solid defensive player," the coach said. "He covers a lot of ground and has a very strong arm from right."
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