(Editor’s Note: Joe Francisco is the owner of Performance Factory where he works with many of the top hitters on Long Island of all ages. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 32nd round of the 1999 MLB Draft out of Wagner College. The following words are his own.)
by Joe Francisco
Top Hitter in SUFFOLK COUNTY
Brian Morrell
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 195
Bats/Throws: R/R
Poistion: SS/RHP
High School: Shoreham Wading River
College Commitment: University of Notre Dame (ACC – NCAA Division I)
Profile: The reigning Yastrzemski Award winner and Newsday Player of the Year hasn’t skipped a beat coming off of last years .405 AVG, 12 HR, 28 RBI performance. He’s hitting .500 with 5 HRs despite being pitched around all season with (8) intentional walks. Morrell is explosive in the batters box and can drive the ball out of the park from line to line. He creates a ton of momentum with a leg kick and hand load that allows him to violently get the bat head out. While Morrell’s 95 MPH fastball on the mound may eventually end his hitting career he will play both SS/P at Notre Dame. Keep an eye out for Morrell in the 2017 MLB Draft where he projected to be selected high. When all is said and done Morrell may go down as one of the best players Long Island has ever seen.
Top Hitter in NASSAU COUNTY
E.J. Cumbo
Height: 5’8
Weight: 170
Bats/Throws: L/R
Position: OF
High School: W.T. Clarke
College Commitment: New York Institute of Technology (Independent – NCAA Division II)
Profile: Probably the most polished pure hitter on the Island Cumbo has put up gaudy numbers this season. The Clarke senior is batting .558 with (6) doubles (1) triple (2) HRs (20) RBIs and (22) stolen bases with 3 games still remaining in the regular season. E.J. has the ability to bunt, slash and drive ball for power giving him a unique skill set out of the leadoff spot. His clean, short and compact swing with the ability to hit to all fields, against high level pitching, will ensure a bright future on the diamond. “He’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached,” said Tom Abruscato, Clarke Head Coach. Cumbo should be the front-runner for the Diamond Award, given to best player in Nassau County.
Top Hitter in PRIVATE SCHOOL
Chris Cappas
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 180
Bats/Throws: L/L
Position: OF/LHP
High School: Kellenberg
College Commitment: University of Pittsburgh (ACC – NCAA Division I)
Profile: Cappas has a great approach at the plate with incredible hand eye coordination and the ability to constantly barrel up the baseball. In the all-wood CHSAA Long Island League, Cappas is batting .405 with (3) doubles (1) triple (3) HRs* leads league and (20) RBIs for Kellenberg (12-3). Chris is wirey strong and creates a ton of bat speed allowing him to consistently punish the ball. Like Morrell he will play both OF/P at an ACC school, University of Pittsburgh. Cappas’ ability on the mound has also drawn a ton of interest with MLB teams and should also be selected in the 2017 MLB Draft as well. Cappas should be a lock for the CHSAA Player of the Year.