There’s been few teams that have won at a higher clip than Smithtown East since 2015. The Bulls have won 53 games over the past three seasons but had their hopes dashed by the Suffolk Class AA champs in both 2015 (Connetquot) and 2016 (West Islip). Last year, they had another successful season but ran into a dominant pitching rotation in No. 1 Ward Melville that shut them out in consecutive games by the scores of 6-0 and 3-0.
“We beat the first game and we just needed to beat them one of the next two games,” said Head Coach Ken Klee. “We didn’t score a run–they were just better than us. Their pitching is very good,” he added.
Fortunately for the Bulls, they have one of the most talented and deepest pitching rotations on Long Island, highlighted by a bevy of 2019 grads that have already established themselves at the varsity level.
“We’ve historically been a pitching-oriented program. This 2019 group has depth. it’s not just one of them, it’s five. They are extremely talented and I’m looking forward to it. People forget last year they were just kids. They have a tremendous amount of potential, but right now that’s all it is,” he added.
That group which features Hofstra-commit Will Kennedy, Michael Storms, Nick Harvey and Doug Goodwin will be very dangerous in League 3.
They have an X-Factor in Cortland-commit Michael Hennessy as well. With the pitch limit, it’s important to have a lights-out closer in those close games and Hennessey has the velocity to come in and close the door.
Uncommitted Michael Hennessey (Smithtown East 2018) up to 87 MPH pic.twitter.com/76KawqzOYv
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 17, 2017
As far as determining a pitching rotation and which starter will pitch opening day, he is not yet concerned about that.
“It will all work itself out,” he said. “Pitchers will emerge. It’s a good problem to have,” he added.
Offensively, they will be tasked with supporting the pitching staff. Klee is not only confident in this group, but he said it might be a better offensive team than he’s had in recent years. Second baseman Matt Laurelli (LIU Post-commit) will be the catalyst at the top of the order along with Justin Harvey, outfielder Ryan Pennisi, catcher Matty Tempone and first baseman Will Kennedy.
One of the challenges will be replacing the production of Axcess Baseball League 3 MVP Mike Ruggiero, currently at Wagner College. He was a four-year varsity player and two-time All-County player.
“We can’t replace a Mike Ruggiero, we’re not trying to replace him but the next guy will be ready to step up,” he said.
They will compete in League 3 once again. Copiague and Newfield have dropped to League 4 while Bay Shore has been added to their league.
The Bulls will open up their season on March 26 against Riverhead and will take on the reigning League champion Hills East the next day. With their high-end arms, it’s difficult to see them not making another deep run in the Class AA playoffs yet again.
