Season Preview: Eagles Baseball Team Has Championship Dreams

The Hauppauge varsity baseball team has many new faces in its lineup for the 2011 season. Yet, head coach Kevin Giachetti has confidence the young squad has championship talent.

Eagles varsity baseball team graduated most of its starting lineup in 2010, losing seven key players after making a run at the Suffolk County Championship.

“We definitely lost a ton of players from a really good team,” Giachetti said. “But the good news is the senior group we have in place has meshed well with the large amount of younger players on the team.”

In addition, the team has a string of players coming off preseason injuries. These two factors could give the Eagles a challenge to get back to the championship match. 

Head coach: Kevin Giachetti

Last season's record: 19-7, lost to Kings Park in the Suffolk County Class Championship

Players to Watch: 

Joe Policastro (pitcher/shortstop): Policastro, a senior, is described by Giachetti as one of the hardest working players on the field. 

“Joe is going to follow in the footsteps of some of the great players we’ve had here, and we’re expecting a lot from him both as a pitcher and someone who will bat in the middle of our lineup,” the coach said.

Tyler Scanlon (infield/outfield): Scanlon has been key in the Eagles starting rotation for the past three years as a utility player, starting in infield and outfield positions.

“He can play anywhere and he helps us get the best lineup out there with his versatility,” Giachetti said.

Scanlon is expected to be at the top of the Eagles’ batting order, possibly as lead hitter. 

Robbie Scheim (right fielder): Scheim earned his reputation last year as Hauppauge’s base stealer. A senior, Scheim is a defensive standout with a strong arm and keen fielding ability, according to Giachetti.

Key Loses:  Bobby Vitulano, the Hauppauge baseball team’s shortstop, graduated after earning the League V Most Valuable Player Award in 2010. Vitulano has continued his career at Iona College, after setting a new Hauppauge High School record for most hits in a season – 54 in 2010.

Other losses include catcher/closing pitcher Matt Reistetter, who was the league Most Valuable Player in 2009 and an All-County selection; and cleanup batter Stephen Dill, who had a career batting average of .450.

Expectations:  Despite having a less experienced team, Gianchetti still holds high expectations for the spring 2011 season.

“I think we are a championship team and we have a winning tradition… There’s no doubt in my mind we’re one of the best teams in the league, we just have to get out there and prove it,” he said. 

Watch the Hauppauge varsity baseball team play their