On prom night, Patchogue-Medford's Josh Knoth wins Yastrzemski Award

They shut down Main Street for the school’s senior prom in Patchogue. The seniors walk out of the theater doors on the red carpet and onto Main Street where a magical night awaits.

The many restaurants there serve food and the students can walk around, dance and enjoy the evening.

Patchogue-Medford junior Josh Knoth was also able to partake in the festive night with his senior girlfriend, Meghan Kearney. This was her big night.

But this night would also be special like no other for the Patchogue pitching star. Knoth was picked up midprom by his parents, Deb and Carl, and shuttled to Villa Lombardi in Holbrook for the Suffolk County High School Baseball Coaches Association banquet.

Knoth, the Suffolk League I MVP, was one of the eight finalists for the coveted Carl Yastrzemski Award, presented to Suffolk’s most outstanding player.

“It’s just an over-the-top exciting night all the way around for him,” said Patchogue-Medford coach Anthony Frascogna. “He had two very important events on the same night and managed to be at both.”

Knoth, a member of the 17U Perfect Game National team and 17U Team USA, was named a top draft prospect by Baseball America for the Class of 2023. He had an incredible baseball season in which he struck out 93 batters in 40 2/3 innings, walked four and allowed just 10 hits. He was 5-2 with an ERA of 0.86.

For his accomplishments, Knoth was voted the 54th recipient of the prestigious Carl Yastrzemski Award presented Monday night at Villa Lombardi’s before more than 700 people. Knoth, dressed superbly in his black prom tuxedo, became the fifth junior to win the award and the fourth player in Patchogue-Medford history.

“It’s the greatest night of my life,” Knoth said. “It’s just like a whirlwind of a night. I can’t even process this whole night – it’s amazing. And this all wouldn’t have been possible without my parents, who have been with me for everything.”

Knoth’s signature moment came on April 20 when he fired a perfect game against Riverhead during a 13-0 win in a Suffolk League I game. He tied a school record with 20 strikeouts in that performance, including the final batter. According to Frascogna, it was the second perfect game in Patchogue-Medford history. The Raiders Jimmy Schneider threw the school’s first perfect game in 1994.

“He was unhittable with a fastball consistently in the 90’s and a fantastic slider with a real hard, late break,” Frascogna said. “He’s 16 years old and one of the best we’ve ever seen at this age.”

The 6-foot, 180-pound power pitcher has been touted as a major league prospect. He held hitters to a .091 batting average. He also hit .380 with three home runs, 16 walks and 18 runs scored in 16 games.

“He can spot his slider and that is very tough on any high school hitter,” said Floyd coach Keith Kobasiuk, who watched as Knoth struck out 13 in five innings against his Colonials. “He’s on a whole different level right now in his career. He’s only a high school junior but he’s polished like an experienced collegiate pitcher.”

Knoth’s real challenge Monday night was to get back to Main Street and his date.

"Meghan is really cool about the whole night,” he said. “I’m going back, and we’ll celebrate her prom and the award. We’ll have my favorite food from the Village Idiot and it’ll be great.”

“Our prom is a really creative event and there’s a lot of people who put a lot of time into making it memorable,” said Dr. Ryan Cox, the director of athletics for the Patchogue-Medford School District. “They create a wonderful experience for the students. For Josh, it’s just an unbelievable night to experience the prom and accept the most prestigious award in Suffolk baseball. He’ll never forget this night.”