Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Ryan Manno
The message from head coach Steve Laurino is clear: the goal is another county championship. After capturing their first Class B title since 2003 last season, the Carle Place Frogs aren’t satisfied with making history once. They want to do it again.
Last year’s 18-7 campaign ended with the Frogs on top, but it also reinforced how demanding playoff baseball can be. Laurino emphasized the importance of staying healthy and mentally sharp through a long season. Facing the same opponents six or seven times, seeing the same pitchers, and handling the physical toll of postseason play taught this group that talent alone isn’t enough. Maintaining focus and discipline deep into the playoffs is now a major point of emphasis.
Carle Place does graduate key pieces from that championship run. Patrick McCarthy, a four-year varsity starter and All-County performer, leaves behind a massive legacy for the Frogs. A middle of the order bat, shortstop, closer, and starting pitcher, McCarthy’s passion for the game set the tone, and he’ll continue his career at Manhattanville College. Colin Driscoll, a four-year starting catcher and a major playoff contributor, also moves on, as does Roman Sandonato, who threw a complete game shutout in the county finals. In total, the Frogs must replace two key pitchers and three elite defenders.
Carle Place wins Class B Nassau County Championship with a 1-0 victory over No. 1 Oyster Bay. It is their first Class B Title since 2003!
WP: Roman Sandonato complete game shutout with 6 Ks
Tommy Schoch 2-3, 1 RBI pic.twitter.com/L3wOyY6fbT
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 25, 2025
Even so, the identity of the team remains unchanged. Laurino’s teams are built on pitching and defense. The focus is on pitching to contact, limiting walks, and trusting the infield to make plays. Defensively, senior Thomas Schoch anchors the middle, while offensively, five starters who hit over .300 return. The approach is fundamental baseball, move runners, limit mistakes, and capitalize on opportunities.
Schoch sits at the center of everything Carle Place does. The reigning Class B MVP and Pitcher of the Year hit .333 with a .900 OPS last season, led the team with 16 RBIs, and added power to go along with elite defense at shortstop. On the mound, he went 4-2 with a 1.40 ERA, striking out 38 batters in 35 innings. Laurino called him the leader of the pitching staff and the standard for work ethic and coachability, noting a dramatic jump in velocity and command from his sophomore to junior year.
At the top of the lineup, Tyler Marquart returns after hitting .304 with an .830 OPS, scoring 17 runs, and going a perfect 8 for 8 on stolen base attempts. The catcher also crossed home with the game winning run in the opening game of the county championship. Phillip Bunt, another four-year varsity starter, provides consistency on both sides of the ball. A left handed bat who has hit everywhere from leadoff to the four hole, Bunt posted an .862 OPS, struck out just four times all season, and went a perfect 3-0 on the mound with 48 strikeouts in 28 innings.
Tyler Marquart (Carle Place 2027) is an uber athletic backstop with a strong arm and plus power at the plate. Had a strong showing today pic.twitter.com/Lj9j3OI3eV
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 1, 2026
Michael Tucholski gives the Frogs flexibility in the line up and on the diamond, batting .314 with a .471 on base percentage while filling multiple defensive roles and serving as a key reliever. Ryan Kang, now a sophomore, emerged as one of the team’s most impressive hitters as a freshman, batting .388 with a .508 OBP, leading the team with 19 hits, and earning All-Conference honors. Laurino praised Kang’s maturity at the plate and noted that he could take on an even larger role this season, potentially including innings in the rotation.
Pitching depth remains a strength. Schoch and Bunt headline the staff, with Bunt bringing a fearless mentality and a reliable three pitch mix from the left side. Tucholski and Kang return after handling high-leverage bullpen innings last year and are expected to take on more responsibility. Although Sandonato’s departure leaves a hole, Laurino feels confident with 2/3 of the rotation returning, strong competition for the final spot, and solid bullpen depth. Every pitcher, he said, has a defined role.
Several younger players are ready to contribute. Logan Fraine enters his first varsity season with extensive travel ball experience and high expectations. Michael Urciuoli impressed on JV with strong velocity as a sophomore, while freshman Brady Lemanczyk is coming off an outstanding JV season and could see varsity innings early.
Leadership will once again be a cornerstone. Schoch and Bunt return as vocal leaders, with Marquart adding another steady presence behind the plate. Laurino believes returning pitching, defense, and leadership gives this group a strong foundation as they chase another title.
The season opens with a statement opportunity on March 27 at home against Oyster Bay, a county championship rematch. Laurino called it an exciting way to begin the year against a talented, well coached opponent. For the Frogs, it’s an immediate test, and a reminder that if they want to repeat, every game matters.
