(Editor’s Note: This is the seventh installment of the 2025 Up Next Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we highlighted Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano, Quincy Gibbs, Michael Cotto, Charlie Edwards and Evan Picciano. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Nick Lawrence (Eastport-South Manor 2028) pic.twitter.com/JYLTauSmQj
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 8, 2025
Eastport-South Manor started the 2025 season with 22 wins in a row before finally losing to the eventual champs, East Islip, with the Axcess Man of the Year, Thomas Costarelli, on the mound.
Remarkably, ESM did not have a senior in their starting lineup once the playoffs began and several of the players were underclassmen. One of those players was left fielder, Nick Lawrence.
The 6’2 left handed slugger was just a freshman last year but started every game and batted anywhere from 5th to 7th in the lineup. Head Coach Jim McGowan first saw him the previous summer at their baseball camp.
“We saw him take BP and he one-hopped the wall,” said McGowan. “As a kid going into 9th grade, that’s pretty impressive. He played in the fall with us after that.”
Lawrence wound up playing varsity in the spring and batted .263 with 2 doubles, 2 homers, 10 RBIs, 4 stolen bases and a very strong .424 OBP.
“He took his walks, he got on base. We expect him to be a huge piece for us moving forward. He’s that type of kid. We think he can potentially be a Div-I player,” added McGowan.
Additionally, Lawrence has a low-to-mid 80s fastball on the mound but McGowan stated that their pitching staff was so deep that he wasn’t even needed.
Once ESM’s season came to a close, Lawrence played his summer and fall ball with the Blue Line Rangers. He performed exceptionally well against top competition, he notched .963 OPS over 19 Perfect Game events.
His younger brother, Jack, is now a freshman and is just as tall. Those two will be a big part of the Sharks future for the next several seasons as they look to take that next step and capture a County Championship.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Yes, baseball was always my No. 1, and I play basketball for ESM.
Any family members that played college sports?
No, I’m looking to be the first.
What was it like being a part of ESM’s magical season as a freshman? Did you guys have the sense that you might pull off the improbable and go undefeated?
Being part of a team like last year was such a blessing. As a freshman, I’ve learned so much from upperclassmen, and it set the floor for which we should accomplish each year. I remember early in the season after we won our first eight games and we were on the bus home and I was going through our remaining schedule and they mentioned the fact of going undefeated not because of who we play but how good the team was getting and the potential it had.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I work with my hitting coach Kyle Strovink at 365 Athletics.
How have you enjoyed your time with the Blue Line Rangers?
I’ve learned so much from the Blue Line organization. I’m beyond grateful for what they have done for me, Eric Strovink has turned me into a complete outfielder, Kyle Strovink has helped my swing so much and Eric Reichenbach has helped me with my pitching and I’m beyond grateful for all of them.
What are you looking to work on this offseason?
To gain muscle.
Goals for 2026?
Make All-County.
What has been your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
Team worse: We were playing Half Hollow Hills West in the playoffs. It went 11 innings, 4-and-a-half hours of back-and-forth. At one point, we were doing 4 runs with 6 outs left, I scored the winning run to cap off an amazing game. Overall, it was my favorite game I’ve been apart of. Individual wise: hitting two home runs in the same game vs Westhampton Beach.
Favorite professional athlete?
My favorite professional is Juan Soto; he plays for my favorite team and I love his game.
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat to talk to my friends.
Favorite TV show?
Prison Break
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Drifters
Dream Car?
2026 Porsche Macan
Favorite vacation spot?
Wildwood, NJ
