Boys Sports Preview: Baseball, Tennis Geared Up for Play

Only four seasons ago, the Babylon varsity baseball team was state champion, standing atop the New York high school baseball world, with an outstanding program and a strong coaching foundation leading the Panthers to unparalleled success.

And although Babylon (4-15) lost pitching sensation Andrew Cosby to graduation last spring, the Panthers goals remain the same, regardless of the roster changes.

“Our goal is always to make the playoffs and try and make a run to the state final,” said head coach Anthony Sparacio. “That’s always our goal.”

Sparacio, now in his 14th year coaching the team, has several key returning players to Panthers lineup this season, including sophomore shortstop Ricky Negron, junior pitcher/first baseman Max Watt, junior pitcher/infielder Sanders Shanks, junior outfielder James Quigley, senior catcher Dan Cody and senior third baseman/first baseman Mike Morrone. Victor Manzella will also be on hand as assistant coach.

Two more returning players, both currently out with injuries, are senior Victor Lynch and junior Joseph Flanagan, who Sparacio said will both see significant playing time once they return. Matt Finelli, a sophomore second baseman will see his first varsity action this spring and the coach said he’s been a pleasant surprise to the team.

“Even though we graduated several key players last season, including Andrew, we’re still hoping to make a push for the playoffs and then to go beyond,” Sparacio said. “I think our pitching will be solid and defensively we’ll be very good. Our offense struggled last year, but we should be better in that area too.”

The Panthers begin their League VII season on April 5 when they host Elwood/John Glenn on the first game of a two-game series, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Babylon High School. The second game is at Glenn on April 7. The Panthers will also play a special non-league game against Amityville at SUNY Farmingdale on April 15 at 7:30 p.m.

In boys varsity tennis, Babylon coach Rob Andrews has the most seniors he’s ever had on the team; 14, with top singles players Dan Wright, Brian Reis and James Kim anchoring the Panthers. All three players are three-year varsity starters.

“We didn’t have that many players last season, but out of nowhere a whole bunch of kids came out and wanted to play tennis this season,” said Andrews. Billy McNamara is Babylon’s fourth singles player, while Ethan Lipman, Trevor Fudim as well as Tom Rubin and Peter Taggert are all candidates to fill the Panthers top two doubles teams.

“Last year we finished in the lower part of our league, but with all of these seniors, we’re very consistent, especially at singles,” Andrews said.

“On any given day, our top four singles players can be very tough. I expect to finish in the upper half of our league this year. We have a lot of experience and I think we’re going to be very competitive.”

Babylon was scheduled to play its first league match this Wednesday at Brentwood and the Panthers home court opener takes place on March 30 at the Park Ave. courts against North Babylon at 4 p.m.