by Max Edelman
Junior Jake Zabbara with 4 strikeouts through 4 innings pic.twitter.com/TWrqBNlmUu
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 8, 2025
Entering his first year as the head coach of the Mount Sinai Mustangs, head coach Eric Strovink is no stranger to baseball, or the Mustangs. Strovink has been a teacher in Mount Sinai for 15 years, and has been an assistant coach at Rocky Point for the past 11 seasons.
“They needed a coach,” Strovink said. “So that’s how I ended up taking the job. I teach here and work in the district too.”
Although Strovink doesn’t know everything about last year’s team, he does have experience going up against the Mustangs, and had high praise for the team he will lead in 2026.
“We played against them and they were a very good team.” Strovink said. “And we have a lot of returning guys from last year, but other than that I didn’t know too much about them. I got to coach against them in the fall and through the winter clinics so I got a good feel on what everybody can do, and we got a nice little club. We got a lot of depth in pitching. We sure have that.”
When it comes to their pitching, at the very top of the list of key returning Mustangs is Jake Zabbara. Zabbara is a left handed pitcher currently sitting in the mid 80s, and he is committed to play at Kean University following the conclusion of the season. Last season, Zabbara recorded 55 strikeouts and pitched to a 1.75 ERA. Another pitcher is Collin Morgan. Morgan, who is 6’3, is committed to play at St. Joseph’s of Long Island at the conclusion of the season.
Despite only being a sophomore, Strovink is very excited to see what Jason Hayes brings to the team this season. Hayes is going to feature as both a pitcher and an outfielder for the Mustangs this season. At second base, senior Parker Menechino is expected to bring both his speed and versatility to the Mustangs. Also a speedster, centerfielder Adam Hannon will man center field for the Mustangs. Another impact player for the Mustangs will be Ryan Dalton. Dalton batted .330 last year.
“He can provide us with some juice.” Strovink said. “He’s my catcher, and he’s a speedy, lefty leadoff guy who really runs the bases as well and is a very tough out.”
Other key returning players include sophomore Matthew Pasantino, Pasantino plays various positions across the diamond and also features on the mound. Matt Shin plays third base and closes for Mount Sinai. Shin tops out around 88 miles an hour.
“He’s a middle of the order bat.” Strovink said. “He’s a very good ballplayer and an outstanding fielder.”
Taking over at shortstop this year will be Joe Lavieri. Lavieri, who is currently a junior, will have big shoes to fill heading into the season.
“He has big shoes to fill taking over for Bennie Franquiz.” Strovink said. “But he’s a real good fielder and a real good hitter. He’s going to hit somewhere in the top or middle of the order. So I feel really good about him.”
Other key players for the Mustangs include Nick Teriaco, who is expected to feature heavily on the mound, as well as Anthony Gounaris, both Teriaco and Gounaris sit in the mid 80s.
When it comes to the biggest strength of his team, Strovink believes it lies in their pitching staff. With multiple players sitting in the 80s, the Mustangs are chalk full of pitching depth, and Strovink is hopeful that will guide them to plenty of wins this season.
“Pitching and defense are certainly our strengths.” Strovink said. “And pitching depth is a big strength. We have seven kids I could put on the mound at any given moment and feel really good about it.”
The Mount Sinai Mustangs will open their season on March 27 against Amityville.