Nassau Conference AA-II baseball preview
East Meadow starting pitcher Joe Minucci delivers to the plate in the top of the third inning in a Nassau AA-II baseball game against Plainview JFK at on April 21, 2014. Credit: James Escher
BALDWIN BRUINS
Coach: Frank Esposito
2015 record: 9-8
Key players
Jeffrey Dominguez, P/OF, 6-3, 185, Sr.
Brandon Hoskins, P/OF, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Fred Lucas, SS, 5-11, 180, Jr.
Conner Nelson, OF, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Michael Pereira, 2B, 5-8, 165, Sr.
Outlook: All five hit above .354, with Dominguez’s .480 average leading the way. Dominguez is a returning All-League player.
EAST MEADOW JETS
Coach: John Marciante
2015 record: 16-6
Key players
Zach Fritz, 3B, 6-1, 245, Sr.
Matthew Mascia, 1B/P, 6-3, 280, Sr.
Joe Minucci, OF/P, 165, Sr.
Ryan Wallstedt, P, 5-10, 185, Sr.
Frank Ippolito, 1B/OF, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Outlook: The defending conference champion returns the five aforementioned seniors, who will each start on varsity for the third or fourth year.
HERRICKS HIGHLANDERS
Coach: Rich Bizelia
2015 record: 9-9-1
Key players
Teddy Iovino, P/SS, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Zach Osieczkowski, P/OF, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Chris Grau, 2B, 5-11, 175, Sr.
Michael Miraglia, C, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Nick Mangia, OF, 5-9, 170, Sr.
Outlook: With a handful of returning starters, Herricks hopes to reach the postseason for the third straight year.
HICKSVILLE COMETS
Coach: Frank Ciaramitaro
2015 record: 5-14
Key players
Joe Sarni, SS/P, 5-9, 160, Jr.
Austin Mars, P, 5-9, 165, Jr.
Greg Power, OF, 5-11, 170, Sr.
Terrence Wong, P/OF, 5-10, 165, Jr.
JJ Bernet, OF/P, 5-10, 165, Jr.
Outlook: The Comets started seven sophomores last season. With more returning experience this year, they hope to compete for a playoff spot.
PLAINVIEW JFK HAWKS
Coach: John Givargidze
2015 record: 7-12
Key players
Jake Saltzman, OF, 5-11, 180, Sr.
Brian Maloney, SS/P, 6-2, 180, Sr.
Bryan Safer, 1B/DH, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Mark Faello, P/2B, 5-11, 165, Soph.
Matt Butigian, 2B/3B, 5-9, 175, Jr.
Outlook: Faello and classmate Tyler Marinaccio form a young 1-2 punch on the mound. Their success will be key, as the Hawks expect to field a productive lineup and sturdy defense.
PORT WASHINGTON VIKINGS
Coach: Matt Holzer
2015 record: 12-7
Key players
Dylan Livingston, P, 6-0, 175, Sr.
Robert Jester, 2B, 5-9, 160, Sr.
Ryan Delmonte, CF, 5-7, 155, Sr.
Robbie Marx, P, 5-11, 170, Sr.
Mikey Esposito, RF/P, 5-8, 155, Jr.
Outlook: Livingston, who posted a 5-1 record with a 1.35 ERA last year, will be bolstered on the mound by Marx and the additions of southpaws Esposito and Dexter Jarach.
One-on-one with Gilgo DA ... Riverhead wants to seize science center ... More housing pitched in Baldwin ... Barry Manilow UBS concert postponed
One-on-one with Gilgo DA ... Riverhead wants to seize science center ... More housing pitched in Baldwin ... Barry Manilow UBS concert postponed
