Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Joe Bello
Coach Billy Riedel is heading into his second year as the head coach of the varsity squad at John Glenn High School. After finishing with a record of 3-17 during the 2025 season, the Knights look to make some noise during their 2026 campaign.
“The 2025 season supplied us with a great foundational year to build off of.” Riedel said, “We had a lot of underclassmen up, like shortstop Armando Muniz, catcher Joey Meyer, and utility man Gavin Paterniani that gained valuable experience as they continue to build their varsity resume.”
B1 Catcher Joey Meyer (John Glenn 2028) catches a runner stealing to end the bottom of the first
B1 leads 1-0 after one pic.twitter.com/QfahxgyuUR
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 24, 2025
Riedel’s Knights fielded one of the younger rosters on the island, with the trio of Muniz, Meyer, and Paterniani all seeing substantial time on varsity as freshmen.
“We also had a lot of guys emerge as impact players such as second baseman Dillon DeRiggi, pitcher/outfielder Andrew Dunn and catcher/outfielder Jake Mullman – all of which are looking to leave their mark in the program this year.” Riedel added.
DeRiggi was awarded All-League honors from his play last season, a season which saw him hit .370. Riedel knows DeRiggi will once again be one of the main producers in the Knights lineup.
“Dillon DeRiggi will anchor our offense this year as he is coming off of a .370 year.” Riedel said, “Dillon can hit to all fields, compete every at bat, and produce when the team needs him most.”
Following his senior year, DeRiggi will be continuing his baseball career at SUNY Ulster, located upstate in Stone Ridge, NY.
But there will be quite the hole to fill on Riedel’s team for the 2026 season, as they will be without Hunter Klinger-Cooley. He received All-League honors last season, and made a big impact both at the plate and on the mound.
“Hunter Klinger-Cooley will certainly be missed in our line up and on the bump as he was a staple in our rotation last year.” Riedel said. “He also received All-League honors for a great year both offensively and on the mound.”
However, Riedel had some high praise for another name that could end up being someone who fills that hole left by Klinger-Cooley’s graduation.
Connor Bletsch (John Glenn 2027) demonstrating quick hands and line drive ability from the right side of the plate this afternoon pic.twitter.com/Ejzjkt3xO2
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 18, 2025
“Connor Bletsch is slated for a big year both offensively and on the mound for the Knights as he continues to develop and emerge as one of the island’s better two-way athletes in the 2027 class.” Riedel said. “Connor is an explosive athlete that consistently has loud contact and always gives us an opportunity to win a ball game on the mound.“
Bletsch is not the only member of the Knights that Riedel is excited for during the 2026 season.
He also mentioned Luke Brillant as someone that is “slated to have a breakout year on the bump” in what is his senior year at John Glenn. Kieran Kenny is someone else who Riedel is excited to see “add to his successful John Glenn campaign” as well.
John Glenn Knights started with some team lifts back in September. Then in December, they have been working together for three days a week as they prepare to improve as a squad for the 2026 season.
Coach Riedel has high hopes for 2026 and what he believes to be a successful year for the program.
“2026 looks to be a promising year for the Knights as they return many impact players and continue to develop and come together as a program.” Riedel said. “The Knights are looking forward to a successful 2026 campaign.”
While it may have been a tough 2025 season for John Glenn, Riedel and his roster look to build off of what he called a “great foundational year” and have a great 2026 season.
The Knights kick off their season on April 7th when they take on Babylon.
