Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
Photo Credit: Ryan Kind
by Ryan Manno
Dylan Alt (left) and Matt Kind (right) talk about their standout performances and what it means for their program to make a return to the Nassau County Finals. pic.twitter.com/HaESynD5gI
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 25, 2025
As the 2026 high school baseball season approaches, the Seaford Vikings are gearing up for another competitive campaign under the guidance of Coach Mike Milano. After a memorable 2025 season, the team is focused on continuing “The Viking Way”, playing quality baseball, the right way, every day.
Coach Milano laid out the team’s goals clearly. Success this season is defined by four key areas: league titles, playoff runs, championships, and player development. “Each one of those sounds great! Those are four great goals for any team,” Milano said. The Vikings are aiming high, but as always, they emphasize hard work and a strong team identity above all else.
Reflecting on last season, Seaford finished with a 19-10 overall record but fell to Wantagh in Game 3 of the Nassau County Class A championship in a winner take all matchup at SUNY Farmingdale on June 1st, losing 6-1. Milano noted, “We played six elimination games in the playoffs against Clarke, Plainedge, and Wantagh, and won five of six. That group of young men deserved all the credit for that.” Despite some early struggles in April, including sweeps by Plainedge and Wheatley, the Vikings’ resilience produced one of the most impressive playoff runs in Seaford baseball history.
The team graduated 11 seniors, including some of the most impactful players in recent memory. The loss of right handed pitcher Tom Apollo, now at Hofstra, leaves a gap in the rotation. Apollo was a consistent front line arm, capable of beating any team on any day. His one hit, nine strikeout shutout against Plainedge in the County Semis remains one of the best games Coach Milano has ever seen. Jordan Cassuto, now at SUNY Purchase, provided versatility and leadership, excelling as a pitcher, designated hitter, and outfielder while delivering big hits in the middle of the lineup. Third baseman Jason Berthel, headed to the University of Bridgeport, contributed in the middle of the order for three seasons and was a key part of the 2023 County championship team. While the departures will be felt, Coach Minalo believes the program’s culture and development system will help fill those roles.
The Vikings will continue to embrace “The Viking Way” in 2026. This philosophy stresses consistency, dedication, and playing the game the right way, regardless of experience. “We are never going to say we are young, or new, or complain about how much we graduated,” Milano said. The program prides itself on developing athletes from middle school through high school, creating a deep and competitive roster. The coaching staff, from middle school to varsity, is a key factor in sustaining this culture, along with support from Athletic Director Kevin Witt and athletic trainer Mike Spreckels.
Dylan Alt (Seaford 2026) was a Diamond Award finalist last season for the Nassau County Class A finalists. Featured a fastball with great run today topping out at 80 MPH, along with a curveball that moves well pic.twitter.com/RGt9hAjmjB
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 18, 2025
Seaford returns two strong senior hitters in Dylan Alt and Matt Kind. Alt, entering his third year as an everyday player, hit .458 with a .519 on base percentage and a 1.213 OPS in 2025, including six home runs and 38 RBIs. He also contributed on the mound and in the middle infield, bringing leadership and consistency to the Vikings. Matt Kind, a first baseman and left handed pitcher, hit .319 with five home runs and 30 RBIs last season, producing several game changing moments, including a seventh inning grand slam against Plainedge in the County Semifinals. Junior catcher Joe Rotondaro will take over as the everyday catcher after two seasons behind Pat Cappetti.
“We know Joe has the work ethic and love of the game,” Milano said, “and this should set him up for a solid first season playing every day.” Other players expected to contribute offensively include James Arcuri, a tall, strong right handed hitter working to earn a spot in the lineup, and Nick Paluzzi, returning as a middle infielder and pitcher with the potential to step into a larger role.
Braeden Mundy (Seaford 2026) has a solid fastball that has reached 85 MPH, mixes in a changeup and a bendy curveball.
His coaches describe him as “a gamer, has a bulldog mentality” pic.twitter.com/MGK02XGm9P
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 10, 2026
The pitching staff features a mix of returning talent and young arms with breakout potential. Dylan Alt will take on a regular starting role, while Matt Kind brings experience and poise to the mound. Senior right hander Braedan Mundy has looked strong over the winter and is ready to take advantage of opportunities. Sophomore Brock Conway, who plays both outfield and pitcher, is expected to contribute immediately. Coach Milano emphasized that the rotation and bullpen will continue to develop as the season progresses. “April should be better than March, and May should be better than April. We trust the process and these student athletes to buy in, be coachable, and stay the course,” he said.
Vocal leadership on the team will come from Alt and Kind, two seniors who have set the tone both on and off the field. The Vikings will open the season with two games against Island Trees on March 24. “It will be cold and early,” Milano said, “but both teams have experienced staffs and quality ballplayers. It is always a competitive series and will get the season off in the right way.” The opening games will set the tone for a season filled with high expectations, a competitive roster, and a commitment to the standards that have defined Seaford baseball for years.
With a strong mix of returning leaders, emerging talent, and a program built on hard work and discipline, the Seaford Vikings are ready to chase another successful season in 2026.
