(Editor’s Note: This is the ninth installment of the Up Next series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured, Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano, Quincy Gibbs, Michael Cotto, Charlie Edwards, Evan Picciano, Nick Lawrence and Robbie Mascia. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Jacob Abran (Rocky Point 2029) pic.twitter.com/3EZa7Omx53
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 22, 2025
It wasn’t long ago that Rocky Point was the talk of the town.
In 2022, they were led by a trio of Division-I bound seniors and a junior who would ultimately play in the College World Series. Those players (Cody Miller, Sean Hamilton, Nick Benhardt and Dom Carbone) allowed the Eagles to roll through Suffolk County and capture the Class A Championship before losing to Calhoun in the Long Island Championship. It was their second County Championship in five seasons.
Since that time, they’ve continued to be an above-average team – they went 17-6 in 2023 which was their 5th consecutive League Championship. They struggled to a 9-11 record in 2024, their first down year in a decade. In 2025, they finished with a league record of 10-8.
While it was primarily a veteran team, led by seniors like Vito Spadafina and Ryan Loughlin, they did get a glimpse of the future by calling up eighth grader Jacob Abran.
“We’ve been excited about Jacob since he was a young camper in our clinics. He’s one of those kids physically that is ahead of the other kids for his age. Once we saw him compete at a high level on JV as a 7th and 8th grader, we knew he could handle the varsity level. The advantage that Jacob is going to have is that he’s going to have legitimately five years of varsity experience so by the time be becomes a senior, the sky is the limit for him. History shows, guys that have that amount of experience usually end up being the top players on the island. I think he has that kind of potential in the tank.”
This summer, he played for the BodyArmor Titans who were the recipient of the 14u Team of the Year at Axcess Baseball’s Awards Banquet last month. He performed very well on both sides of the ball – notching a 2.60 ERA on the mound with 20 extra base hits and an OBP close to .500 at the plate.
Abran’s pitching coach, Ryan Horstman, had the following to say about the young athlete:
“Jacob is a true talent – especially for his age. He has huge upside to him. He stands out on the mound with a powerful arm and a natural cut to his fastball due to his supinated release which throws off hitters and keeps them off balance and uncomfortable. His fastball sits 79-81 and tops at 83. He has a bright future ahead.”
He spoke with Axcess Baseball and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Baseball was always my No. 1 sport because I fell in love with it at a young age when my dad was my coach. My second sport is football.
Any family members that played high school/college sports?
My dad played baseball in high school at Pat-Med.
Do you have any siblings?
Yes one, a senior in high school.
Favorite professional athletes?
Aaron Judge because I like how humble he is and how he leads a team.
What was it like playing varsity as an 8th grader?
Playing varsity as an 8th grader wasn’t easy as I didn’t play much. I went to JV and did well so when my time was called on varsity, I was ready.
Do you work with any private instructors?
My hitting coach is Andrew Aschettino and my pitching coach is Ryan Horstman.
Goals for 2026?
Some goals for 2026 are to go All-League and make playoffs. For travel, my goals are to hit .350 or better and have a couple home runs.
What was it like playing on BodyArmor?
Playing for BodyArmor has been one of my best experiences as Travis Quattrini and Ron McKay make it fun but also have so much knowledge.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Savino’s in Mount Sinai.
Favorite app on your phone?
Spotify or TikTok
Favorite musical artist?
Morgan Wallen or Travis Scott depending on what mood I’m in.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown
Most thrilling moment you’ve had on a baseball field?
Hitting my first home run in Sports at the Beach in Delaware.
Dream Car?
Porsche 911
Favorite vacation spot?
Mexico
