Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Ryan Manno
After finishing 6-14 last season and missing the playoffs, the Bay Shore Marauders enter the new year with a clear mindset: compete every day and fight for a postseason spot in one of Long Island’s toughest leagues.
Head Coach Chris Schiro knows the challenge ahead. League 2 is loaded with elite programs and some of the best pitching in New York, but that hasn’t shaken his confidence in this young roster.
“We are going to be a young squad this year,” Schiro said. “We are looking to fight for a spot in the playoffs. Our goal is to be competitive and fight for a playoff spot.”
Last season was filled with learning experiences, especially in close games. The Marauders dropped several tight contests by two runs or fewer. Those moments, however, have shaped the team’s approach this spring.
“We lost a couple of tight games due to some inexperience,” Schiro said. “We definitely need to get some more work in as a team. The scrimmages will help us execute.”
Bay Shore also faces the challenge of replacing three major senior leaders who graduated last year: pitcher and third baseman Armani Smith (CCNY), shortstop Roberto Valdes (St. John’s University), and pitcher/outfielder Michael Renwick (Auburn University at Montgomery). All three moved up to varsity as sophomores and became pillars of the program.
“They were all leaders,” Schiro said. “Their leadership and skillset is tough to replace. We have a lot of hungry sophomores and juniors ready.”
That hunger defines the team’s identity. Rather than relying on power alone, the Marauders pride themselves on small ball and strong pitching.
“We are more of a small ball type of team with a pretty solid pitching staff,” Schiro explained.
Offensively, Bay Shore will look to several key players to carry the load. Senior Tyler Leach returns after an injury plagued season and will take over at shortstop. Known for his bat-to-ball skills and strong middle infield defense, Leach is expected to be a consistent presence at the top of the lineup.
Junior Brendan McCollum, a catcher and infielder, brings power and production after hitting .285 last season with five doubles, a triple, two home runs, and 12 RBIs.
Another player ready for a breakout is sophomore Caleb Leichtman. After earning a starting role as a freshman and establishing himself defensively, his offseason work has put him in position to make a bigger impact at the plate.
“His hard work is hoping to pay off,” Schiro said.
‘26 LHP Jordan Drago (Bay Shore)
FB T84 | 2IP, 0H, 0BB, 0ER, 3K, W
2025 MVP SCOUT DAY
FB: 82-83 (1960🔄 19IVB, -9ASR↗️)
SL: 67-69 (2000🔄 0IVB, 13HM⬅️)
CH: 74-76 (1180💀🔄 8IVB, -6ASR➡️)
SK: 79-80 (1910🔄 15IVB, -13ASR➡️)
CB: 64-65 (1935🔄)#NESummerChampionships @J_Drago2026 pic.twitter.com/qj7uxXuCKi— Prep Baseball New York Scouting (@PB_NY_Scouts) June 21, 2025
On the mound, Bay Shore’s strength is its experience. The pitching staff returns several proven arms, led by seniors Jordan Drago and Casey Opatovsky.
Drago, a left hander and two time All-League selection, posted a 3.00 ERA across 40 innings last season with 40 strikeouts and a .274 batting average against. Opatovsky brings size, velocity, and sharp off speed pitches, finishing with a 3.20 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 28 innings.
“They will be in their third year in varsity,” Schiro said.
Senior Nick Baronian also returns after a dominant year in relief, recording a 1.18 ERA, two saves, and two wins while holding opponents to a .181 average. Schiro believes he could take on a larger role this season, possibly as a starter.
“We have the most experience in our pitching staff this year,” he said. “We have seen great games from them.”
Another arm to watch is Jack LeGrange, who impressed as a freshman, batting .290 in limited action and earning quality innings on the mound after moving up from JV.
Leadership will come from the team’s senior core. Casey Opatovsky, Jordan Drago, and Tyler Leach have embraced the responsibility of guiding a young roster.
“Them developing from the previous leadership is important,” Schiro said. “They lead by example and set expectations for the younger guys.”
The Marauders will open their season on March 26 at home against Connetquot, a perennial playoff contender that returns several talented players. It’s an early test that will show where this team stands.
“We are going into the series to win,” Schiro said. “They are a great program.”
With a young core and experienced pitching, Bay Shore enters the season with confidence and purpose. The path through League 2 won’t be easy, but the Marauders are embracing the challenge.
They may be young, but they’re hungry, motivated, and ready to prove they belong in the playoff conversation.
