Long Island baseball: 5 breakout pitchers poised for big seasons
Chaminade's John Carroll throws a pitch in the first inning during the Corey's Promise baseball tournament against St. Anthony’s on Tuesday at the Moriches Sports Complex. Credit: Bob Sorensen
Look for these pitchers to have a breakout season on the mound.
John Carroll, Chaminade, Sr.
The lefty steps into the leading role for the Flyers and if his junior year was a glimpse of what was to come, it’s going to be an amazing senior campaign. Carroll was 5-0 in only 23 innings pitched with 24 strikeouts but did have a playoff shutout. He opened the 2024 campaign with a 2-1 complete game win over St. Anthony’s. He struck out nine, walked one and allowed four hits.
Thomas Costarelli, East Islip, Jr.
The hard-throwing lefthander verbally committed to the University of Central Florida. With a four-pitch repertoire and an upper 80s fastball, he is poised and ready to dominate on the bump. He led East Islip to the Long Island Class III football championship while juggling numerous D-I offers for baseball.
Garret Gates, North Shore, Sr.
Garret Gates of North Shore poses for a portrait on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
Another hard-throwing lefty with a giddy-up fastball who likes to pound the zone and be very aggressive with hitters. The three-sport athlete had 50 strikeouts and only allowed 10 hits in 29 innings but had a 2.41 ERA. With better command, he may be unhittable in 2024. He was in the opener, throwing a perfect game and striking out 20 of the 21 batters he faced in a 2-0 win over Herricks.
Ari Gluck, Half Hollow Hills East, Sr.
Ari Gluck of Half Hollow Hills East on March 23, 2023. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
The Adelphi commit tossed 49 innings and struck out 58 as a junior. He earned three of his teams' five wins and had an 0.99 ERA. He was the hard-luck loser in two 1-0 losses. The All-County selection struck out power-hitting MLB prospect Jaden Stroman three times in a game. He is a workhorse for coach Tim Belz.
Ryan Krzemienski, Commack, Sr.
Commack pitcher Ryan Krzemienski during Game 1 of the Suffolk Class AA baseball finals against Smithtown East. Credit: Andrew Theodorakis
He didn’t qualify for a top pitchers list because he came up short on innings pitched. But he had five wins, 34 strikeouts and a 1.50 ERA. He came on in relief in the state Class AA final and gave Commack a chance to come back and win. A breakout year awaits.
