Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
By Ryan Manno
After taking a major step forward last spring, the Newfield Wolverines enter the 2026 baseball season with confidence in what head coach Danny Walsh believes is one of the deepest pitching staffs he has coached.
“We compete on the mound, in the field, and at the plate as best we can,” Walsh said. “The pursuit is to be as successful as a team as you can.”
That approach paid off last season, when Newfield reached the playoffs for the first time since 2021. The Wolverines finished 11-11 including postseason play and went 10-8 in league, showing steady improvement throughout the year. While the playoff run was short, it was meaningful. Newfield battled Sachem North in its opening game and followed with a narrow 2-1 loss to Riverhead, a team Walsh described as physically strong and experienced.
“We competed,” Walsh said. “But we weren’t physically mature enough. Our at-bats weren’t strong enough to compete at that level. That’s something we learned right away.”
Those lessons have shaped the team’s mindset heading into this season. Strength, consistency, and preparation have become central themes as the Wolverines look to build on last year’s breakthrough.
Replacing last year’s senior class has been another challenge. Players such as Dylan Alberto, now at Farmingdale State College, and Albert Morel were key pieces of the roster. Despite their departures, Walsh believes the foundation remains strong.
“We relied on a lot of our seniors,” he said. “But we return a lot of guys from last year. We’re young again, and that’s exciting.”
That youth is balanced by versatility and togetherness, two traits that Walsh values deeply. Many players can move between positions, strengthening the team defensively, but what stands out most is the culture.
“I love that the kids hang out with each other,” Walsh said. “They’re friends on and off the field. The commitment to getting better is our biggest strength.”
On the field, Newfield’s identity begins with pitching. Walsh is confident that his staff can compete with anyone in the league, pointing to four or five arms that have already touched the mid-80s.
“We have arms,” he said simply.
Leading that group is All-County standout Brandon Seddio, who continues to be the heart of the team. A four-year varsity player and four-sport athlete, Seddio has established himself as both a leader and a difference maker. Last season, he posted a sub 2.00 ERA while allowing just one walk, and Walsh trusts him in every situation.
“He does everything,” Walsh said. “He sets the tone.”
Cayden Nikodem joins Seddio at the front of the rotation, while a talented group of juniors and sophomores provides depth in both starting and relief roles. Among them is junior left-hander Anthony Ricchetti, who stands 6’1” and throws in the mid 80s.
‘27 LHP Anthony Ricchetti (Newfield)
Crafty as they come. Great locator of all 3 pitches, multiple whiffs on SL, staying true to back foot. 5-11, 160LB with room to fill.
FB: 76-78
SL: 68-71#NESummerChampionship | @PrepBaseballNY pic.twitter.com/Yx9vDK1Hv2— Prep Baseball New York Scouting – Long Island (@PB_NY_LI_Scouts) June 21, 2025
“I hope people will know his name by the end of the year,” Walsh said.
That depth gives Walsh confidence not only in individual games, but across the long season.
“The number one thing I feel most confident about is our pitching,” he said.
Offensively, the Wolverines are working to take the next step. Seddio will again lead off and set the pace, while players such as Ryan Scarglato, Anthony Verccetti, Tyler Thrulleo, and Christian Rivera are expected to play larger roles. Rivera, a senior catcher, gained valuable experience by starting in the first playoff game after limited early playing time.
Walsh is also looking for growth from players who had fewer opportunities last season.
“Guys who had limited at-bats need to step up,” he said.
Behind the plate and in the middle of the lineup, Newfield will rely on Benny Lamberson, a returning two-year starter whose presence adds stability and experience.
Three more strikeouts for Anthony Grippi in a shutdown bottom of the fourth
Panthers 3 – Next Level 0
End fourth pic.twitter.com/8XCy6rJl5x— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) July 7, 2025
Much of the team’s optimism centers on its younger players. Sophomores Brandon Navratil, Aydin Walker, and Anthony Grippi represent the next generation of Wolverines. Navratil gained varsity experience as a freshman, Walker is expected to contribute both offensively and on the mound, and Grippi, a 6’2” pitcher with mid to high 80s velocity, brings significant potential.
“Expect a lot from them,” Walsh said.
Their development could be key as Newfield looks to turn last year’s progress into sustained success.
The season will begin with an immediate test. On March 26, the Wolverines travel to face defending league champion Smithtown East, a matchup Walsh views as an early measuring stick.
“It gives us an opportunity to see if the work we’ve put in allows us to compete with teams of that caliber,” he said.
For Newfield, the goals remain grounded in daily improvement. The focus is on competing in every phase of the game, growing stronger, and trusting the process that carried them back to the postseason.
With strong chemistry, dominant pitching, and a hungry group of young players, the Wolverines believe they are ready to take another step forward.
