(Editor’s Note: This is the 17th installment of the Up Next series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano, Quincy Gibbs, Michael Cotto, Charlie Edwards, Evan Picciano, Nick Lawrence, Robbie Mascia, Jacob Abran, Tyler Camastro, Jason Davis, Michael Garcia ,Vincent Bourne, Nate Lewis, Jack Yonkman and Andrew McQuade. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
LHP Dean Geiger (West Babylon 2028) FB T80 MPH
CB 65-66
CG: 74-75 pic.twitter.com/JPGabzrNTj— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 11, 2025
The NY Longhorns have quickly become one of the top travel programs on Long Island thanks to the hard work and dedication of the late Erik Paulsen Sr.
The organization was able to continue to have a successful season despite the tragic loss of Paulsen in July of 2025. They were especially strong at 14u where they won 152 games and 9 championships.
A big reason for that success is their high-end talent at that age. But they also need pitchers that can handle those big games. Dean Geiger, a sophomore at West Babylon, was among their most trusted big-game pitchers and clutch hitters this past season.
He batted .381 with a .520 OBP and 1.076 OPS, 22 RBIS, 43 runs scored and 42 SBs.
On the mound, he notched a 2.22 ERA and compiled 49 Ks over 41 innings.
His summer coach, Artie Maisano, had the following to say:
“Dean has been in our program since 2023. He came to us as a young player with special, raw talent. Over these last few years, he’s developed into a top player in our program. He’s been a player I’ve relied upon, and quite frankly counted on, for big innings on the mound, and big at bats at the plate. It’s been a pleasure coaching him, and a treat to see his development. I’m so proud to see how far he’s come, and I believe he’s just getting started.
Geiger will also be a big piece of West Babylon’s present and future. He was called up as a freshman where he pitched 4 1/3 innings after throwing 13 dominant innings on JV. In our season preview, Coach Kaminski stated that, “I think he could be a guy that gets up to 90 [miles per hour] by the time his high school career is done.”
I had a chance to speak with Geiger and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Yes, always. I used to wrestle and play football but last year I decided to concentrate on baseball.
Any family members that played college sports?
My dad played Division-I baseball at CW Post.
Who are your favorite pro athletes?
Pete Alonso because he has a good attitude.
How have you enjoyed your time with the Longhorns?
I’ve been with the Longhorns since 12u. Coach Artie Maisano, Coach Erik Paulsen Jr, Coach Mike Lockery all push me to be better everyday and believe in me. Coach Erik Paulsen Sr. was the first one to believe in me and I am grateful to him.
What has been your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
Last summer we won the PG New England Elite Championship and I received the MV-Pitcher Award. Coach Paulsen was so proud of me and the whole team after that win and I know how happy that made him.
What did you work on this offseason?
Pitching, hitting and getting stronger.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Michael McCabe at Long Island Sports Zone has been my hitting coach since I was 7. Bobby DeMichael at Prospect has been pitching coach for years along with Pat McCabe and Anthony Papa.
Goals for 2026?
Continue to progress in all area.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Five Guys
Favorite Movie?
The Dark Knight
Dream Car?
Lamborghini
Favorite vacation spot?
Florida
