Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Ryan Manno
Final: Bridgehampton 11, Amityville 1
WP: Kai Alversa (CG, 1 R, 1 R, 2 BB, 16 Ks)Foard: 2 hits, 2 R, 3 RBIs pic.twitter.com/EjVnK6mYHe
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 4, 2024
Bridgehampton baseball enters the 2026 season with high expectations after establishing itself as a consistent postseason contender in just five years since reviving the program.
Following an impressive 11-5 campaign in 2025, which included capturing the Suffolk County Class C championship and advancing to the quarterfinals of the New York State tournament, where they fell, 7-6, in a nine-inning thriller to Burke Catholic, the Killer Bees now transition to Class D due to a drop in school enrollment. The change in classification brings new challenges and opportunities as the team looks to assert dominance early and maintain momentum throughout the season.
Since its revival, Bridgehampton has transformed from an underdog into a program with a winning culture and a clear identity. After a 6-12 season in 2022, the team has made consecutive deep postseason runs, including back-to-back regional appearances, giving the players valuable experience in high-pressure situations. Head Coach Lou Liberatore has emphasized speed, versatility, and smart baseball as the cornerstones of the program, and this season’s roster reflects that philosophy.
“Those regional games have raised our standard,” Liberatore said. “Our guys know what it takes to play at that level, and now the focus is on finishing.”
While expectations are high, Bridgehampton will need to replace several key seniors who graduated, including All-League selections Alexi Kardaras, Ari Kardaras, and Shawn Jayne. These players were central to last year’s success on both offense and defense, and their absence will challenge the team to develop new leaders and contributors. Fortunately, the squad returns a strong core of experienced players who are ready to step into expanded roles.
At the forefront is senior captain Tate Foard, a dynamic shortstop and right-handed pitcher who has been a leader on-and-off the field. Foard’s 2025 season earned him All-State Fifth Team and All-County honors, highlighted by a .411 batting average and a .515 on-base percentage. He added 12 extra-base hits, swiped 21 bases, and posted a 1.026 ERA with 47 strikeouts in 25 innings on the mound. Foard’s ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes him the engine of the team and a consistent presence at the top of the lineup.
Joining him is senior left-hander Kai Alversa, an All-League selection and Colby-Sawyer College commit. Alversa went 4-2 on the mound in 2025 with 49 strikeouts across 33 innings, while also leading the team with a .567 on-base percentage at the plate. As the staff ace, Alversa’s consistency sets the tone for the rest of the pitching rotation.
LHP Kai Alversa (Bridgehampton 2026) commits to Colby-Sawyer College pic.twitter.com/6CLdU3UrfL
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 25, 2025
“Kai prepares better than anyone,” Liberatore said. “Every time he pitches, we expect to win.”
Senior Tyler Fitzgerald provides versatility both offensively and defensively after batting .308 with a .491 OBP and earning All-League honors last season. He will split time between the outfield and catcher, giving Liberatore flexibility to maximize matchups and lineup depth. Junior Elliott McGonegal rounds out the rotation after posting 25 strikeouts in just 14 innings pitched in 2025, providing a reliable presence on the mound alongside Foard and Alversa.
Freshman Finn Alversa, a varsity contributor since seventh grade, adds depth and versatility. He is expected to see time in multiple infield positions, pitch in relief, and even catch at least once per series. Finn’s experience at a young age and his understanding of the team’s philosophy make him a key developmental piece for the season and the future.
Bridgehampton’s identity remains speed and aggressive play. The coaching staff emphasizes putting pressure on opposing defenses, stealing bases, and forcing errors. Foard’s 21 stolen bases last season reflect this approach, while other returners such as Fitzgerald provide balance by combining contact hitting with situational awareness. The team also focuses on fundamentals in the field, emphasizing sharp defensive play to support a strong pitching staff.
The pitching rotation, anchored by Alversa, Foard, and McGonegal, gives Bridgehampton confidence heading into a competitive Class D schedule. Liberatore expects his pitchers to attack the strike zone, throw their secondary pitches for strikes, and compete every inning.
Off the field, leadership from seniors such as Foard and Fitzgerald will be instrumental in mentoring younger players. Bridgehampton’s success has been built not only on talent but also on a culture of accountability, preparation, and teamwork. The coaching staff’s philosophy of developing players who can contribute in multiple ways ensures the team remains adaptable throughout the season.
“This is the most talented team we’ve had since the revival,” Liberatore said. “They’re ready.”
With a combination of returning stars, emerging young talent, and experience gained from consecutive postseason runs, Bridgehampton enters the 2026 season with confidence. The Killer Bees hope to capitalize on their experience, adapt to Class D competition, and finally make the push past the regional hurdle that has stopped them in recent seasons.
Bridgehampton opens the season Monday, March 31 at home against Greenport, kicking off what promises to be an exciting campaign.
