by Chris Sacchi
Steve Corrado and his North Babylon High School Baseball team can be seen as a reflection of the current state of affairs when it comes to overcoming Covid-19.
At first, Corrado has to reflect on what has been lost:
The first thing I would say is that last year, my heart was broken for my seniors, that they didn’t get an opportunity to come back out and prove that we were going to be a good team.
Just like the rest of the world, Corrado is hoping we can reclaim what was had before.
Absolutely dominant outing by 6’4 RHP Colin Rhein (North Babylon 2021). Sitting 87-88 T89 with a vicious 72 MPH hook pic.twitter.com/oWzo8Ye3kj
Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 24, 2020
We hope that the blueprint for success in 18 and 19 will carry over to all these kids who are in our program, that have witnessed that, and they want it.
Last years Bulldogs finished 17-5, and at one point won a school record 11 straight. However, this years roster features only two players from that team.
As the weather is set to warm up and the season gets closer, Corrado displays optimism that this groups chemistry, versatility, and defensive acumen can lead the way towards another strong run.
Were gonna be learning and growing as we go, Corrado said. And we think we have the talent to go.
One player that could lead the way in the talent department is right hand pitcher and first baseman Colin Rhein. The senior is committed to play at Stony Brook, is set to be the teams number one starter, and according to coach, one of the reasons why we’re going to have a successful 2021.
As a transfer from Lindenhurst, Rhein has a history with North Babylon. He started against the Bulldogs as a sophomore in the 2019 playoffs, and ended their season.
He was unflappable, says Corrado when reflecting on that game. his body language never changed, so whatever was happening, positive and negative, you couldn’t tell. And that’s something that’s hard to teach a young pitcher to have a consistent approach.
Now that Colin Rhein is on Corrados side, coach is looking for his hurler to win big for him games all season.
He’s a stopper that every team wants. He’s the kid that we’re going to look to get that big first game of the week or get that big win every week.
While North Babylon looks to have its ace, Corrado said quite plainly, you’re going to need more arms this year because of the lack of a 2020 season.
Corrado has multiple guys who can step up and fill big innings.
Kevin Carolan, who is committed to Stevenson, was one of two current players who made the varsity team in that 2019 season. According to Corrado, the right hand pitcher was set to be a main starter as a junior last season, and has worked really, really hard at becoming a better player…so we’re hopeful hes going to slide in at number two.
Other key cogs in the rotation are right handers Liam Daly, who made the team last season as a sophomore, as well as senior Jake Baptist, who is another Stevenson commit, alongside seniors Nick Palumbo and Alex Mack.
Defensively, Corrado is highly confident that his group can support his stable of arms.
Senior Billy Galler is set to take over center field, and his coach says he can go get it with anyone in the outfield. Galler played a role as a pinch-runner as an underclassmen in 2018 and 2019, and Corrado is hoping his bat can take the leap alongside his plus defense.
Jake Baptist and junior Devonte Bailey are set to bolster the up-the-middle defense. Bailey is a left hand hitter and top-of-the order threat who can wreak havoc on the bases, and who made the team as a sophomore last season.
Colin Rhein is set to have a battery mate he knows well: brother Dylan Rhein knows Colin better than anybody, and the junior backstop is a great built in catcher anytime [Colin] wants to throw.
Corrado joked that I just hope that they don’t have a fight at home, but added they are the nicest, quietest kids and they’re just workers, and you can see it in both of their games and their improvement.
As for the rest of the position player group, versatility is key. The aforementioned pitchers can slot in a number of ways.
Baptist can play any infield position when not pitching. Liam Daly and Colin Rhein bring big bats to the first base position when they are not on the mound, and according to coach, the ball explodes off Dalys bat. Carolyn can play third base and the outfield when not pitching, brings a lefty bat to the table, and has done nothing but hit. Nick Palumbo is another lefty who can play second base and third base.
I dont know if Ive ever had three lefties that can be in the lineup in the nine years Ive coached, Corrado said, which he adds will bring some balance to the lineup, and allow for some advantages when moving runners and stealing bases.
Meanwhile, Corrado can rely on senior Anthony LaFerrera, who can play any position on the field, and does it at a high level. Fellow senior Vinny Solomita contributes to a very good defensive outfield. Also in the mix is sophomore Hayden Magliano, a transfer from Brooklyn who played at the varsity level as an infielder.
The team is very versatile, very athletic…when you can plug nine different kids at a million different positions, it bodes well for you defensively.
Corrado says the key is offense. He hopes the bats heat up along with the weather.
We believe we have the pitching and defense; it’s the hitting we have to see come along.
According to Steve Corrado, his team is a tight-knit group that has largely played together since they were young kids. When you have groups that bond together, they tend to play better together because they’re fighting for not just themselves, but each other.
As mentioned at the top of the article, Corrado cites the fact that this group was the babies while the 18 and 19 teams saw success, and especially after a year off, are hungry for a strong season.