(Editors Note: This is the 14th installment of the Up Next series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano, Quincy Gibbs, Michael Cotto, Charlie Edwards, Evan Picciano, Nick Lawrence, Robbie Mascia, Jacob Abran, Tyler Camastro, Jason Davis, Michael Garcia and Vincent Bourne. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Clutch bases clearing double by Nate Lewis (Sayville 2028) for Blue Line Rangers pic.twitter.com/esZi4xyfq1
Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 29, 2024
It was the perfect storm for Sayville in 2025. The combination of a veteran-heavy team plus a few exceptionally talented underclassmen and a very difficult League VI prepared them for the gauntlet of the Class A postseason in which they knocked off their neighboring town, Bayport-Blue Point, in the County Championship and Wantagh in the Long Island Championship. It was their best season since 2019.
While their 2025 grads will be difficult to replace, they will do have a Division-I catcher, Shane Meehan, and two sophomores who very well could eventually be Division-I players. We featured Aidan Devane last year and their other freshman that garnered significant playing time was Nate Lewis.
Lewis was a reliever and bench piece last year but Coach Joe Esposito plans to convert him into a starter. He stands about 6’2 and gets it up in the low to mid 80s already. He compiled a 2.40 ERA and .154 opponent AVG coming out of the ‘pen.
He continued his success into the summer with the Blue Line Rangers. He compiling a .519 OBP with 13 stolen bases. Additionally, he has compiled 12 Perfect Game All-Tournament teams and was named the Northeast Summer Challenge Most Valuable Pitcher. Additionally, he was ranked as the 8th best 2028 OF in New York by PBR.
His hitting instructor, Kyle Strovink, who was also a standout player from League VI (Rocky Point), had the following to say:
“Nate has the opportunity to be a true 5-tool player. He is a sub 7.0 60-guy already and has been up to 94 MPH exit velocity this winter on the HitTrax. He has a future pro build at 6’2 and 180 lbs. He will be a guy we will be talking about for a long time. Even though Nate is bound to be one of the top players on Long Island, he is an extremely humble young man who has humility and maturity that is beyond his years. He is one of the nicest kids I have had the pleasure to coach and be around. He has the type of personality that makes everyone around him better.”
Lewis spoke with Axcess Baseball and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
I played basketball up until last year but baseball has always been my main sport.
Who are some people who have had a positive influence on your career?
All of my coaches at Blue Line have had a tremendous impact on my career. I’ve been playing under Coach Strovink since I was 12, and it is safe to say that I would not be the player, or person, I am without him. Brennan and Kyle have immensely impacted my career, from giving me advice in the dugout to helping me navigate the recruiting process. On the pitching side, Coach Reichenbach and Ryan Horstman have transformed me as a pitcher – especially over the past two years. Finally, my trainer Adam Belding at Belding Performance has helped me unlock my full potential as an athlete. The care he puts into each of his athletes is immeasurable and does not go unnoticed.
Do you take lessons with any private instructors?
Yes, I hit with Kyle Strovink at 365 Athletics and pitching with Ryan Horstman. I also do speed training with Miles Lewis.
How have you enjoyed your time with the Blue Line Rangers?
I’ve really enjoyed my time playing with Blue Line. There is no organization on Long Island that puts the effort in that Brett and the coaches do into the success of each player.
What was it like winning a Long Island Championship as a freshman?
Winning a Long Island Championship last year was an unreal experience. Looking back, we knew that we would be making a deep playoff run early on. As our season progressed, the bond within our team only grew stronger. Our senior captains set the tone every day, leading by example and keeping everyone locked in. The chemistry that we had was special – everyone played for one another and stayed connected on-and-off the field. That closeness made the difference in big moments and is what ultimately helped push us to winning the LIC and going to states. I feel that same energy and connection with this year’s team. We know what it takes and we fully believe that we’ll be back.
For the first time since 2019, Sayville has won the Class A Long Island Championship!
FINAL: Sayville 1 – Wantagh 0 pic.twitter.com/vwbRbYnZap
Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 5, 2025
Who are your favorite athletes?
One of my favorite athletes is Cody Bellinger because he’s an outfielder with a play style similar to mine. I really respect how hard he hustles, does the little things right and impacts the game in multiple ways. On the pitching side, I’d say Gerrit Cole. I admire his determination and confidence on the mound. He stays calm and collected mentally, even in high pressure situations, and that’s something I try to apply to my own approach to the game.
Any family members that played college sports?
My dad played college baseball and soccer at Washington & Lee.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
JT’s Cafe in Blue Point.
Favorite app on your phone?
YouTube
Favorite musical artist?
Morgan Wallen and Tyler Childers
Favorite TV Show or movie?
The Rookie
Favorite vacation spot?
Florida to visit my family, but I would love to go to California
Dream Car?
Black Ram 1500