Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
Having been part of the Oyster Bay Baymen baseball program for the last 15 years, head coach Jeff Schiereck has had plenty of successful teams during his tenure. Despite falling short in the County Finals, the Baymen were able to win their third consecutive league championship.
“It was our third year in a row winning the league.” Schiereck said. “We had a nice nine game winning streak in the middle of the season. It was a pretty good season. Obviously, we want to get over that last hurdle and win that county championship, but it was a good season overall.”
The Baymen graduated two key seniors last year, Justin Alas is now playing at St. Joseph’s, and Liam Gorney, who while not playing in college, was an all-league player last year.
Despite the two key losses, the Baymen are getting their League MVP back in the form of superstar Chase Lordi. Despite only being a sophomore, Lordi hit .400 with a .647 slug and an OPS of 1.161. Lordi also drove in 23 runs and stole 21 bases. On the mound, Lordi pitched 24.2 innings out of the bullpen, struck out 38 batters and held a 1.13 ERA.
“He’s a stud shortstop.” Schiereck said. “He was the league MVP last year. He’s definitely going to pitch for us, it’s just a question of whether he’s going to be a reliever or start for us in spots.”
Making the jump from the number two spot in the rotation to number one is Clark University commit Connor O’Brien. Last season, O’Brien pitched 37.1 innings, struck out 45 and recorded a 2.82 ERA.
RHP Connor O’Brien (Oyster Bay 2026) commits to Clark University pic.twitter.com/7SpbNaBeob
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 15, 2025
“When we lost in the county final, it was 1-0 and he pitched that game.” Schiereck said. “He did an amazing job in that game and we’re looking for him to come back strong this year.”
Entering his sophomore season is Nicholas Von Bargen. Von Bargen’s breakout came at the end of the season, and included a 4-0 shutout to punch Oyster Bay’s ticket to the County Finals. An All-League player last year, Alex Karpavicius will look to end his Oyster Bay career on a high note, as he continues has the team’s starting catcher.
Other returning players for the Baymen include right fielder and pitcher Anthony Scheidet, third baseman and junior Ethan Ruff, and Patrick Cochran, who is expected to pitch and split time with Von Bargen at first base.
LHP Patrick Cochran (Oyster Bay 2027) has excellent command over his three pitch mix, making him effective both inside and out of the strike zone. pic.twitter.com/NlNwpUMdrp
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 2, 2026
In terms of JV callups, Schiereck is planning to give the call to brothers Josh and Jack Goldschmitt. As well as freshman Nicholas Kartsonis, who played on JV as an eighth grader last year.
When it comes to his team’s biggest strength, Schiereck believes that it starts with what his team will bring to the mound each and every game.
“When you look at what Von Bargen did last year, and what O’Brien did, if those two can take the next step it will certainly help us because they did a great job last year.” Schiereck said. “The other thing is looking for that number three starter, and we have a lot of guys that can fill that role.”
The Baymen will be looking to take the next step and capture their first County Championship since 2015.
