Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Max Edelman
8 years ago today Wantagh ended Shoreham-Wading River’s 20 game win streak in the Class A Long Island championship. It was their second of three straight LIC titles pic.twitter.com/9QcyjZuGhQ
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 6, 2025
Last year proved to be a difficult year for head coach Kevin Willi’s Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats. Despite having what Willi said was a very strong team, the Wildcats ultimately fell short of their goal of making the playoffs with a 9-11 record.
“It was a tough year,” Willi said. “We had a really good team. We were just in the toughest league in the county stacked with teams with college-bound arms. We wound up finishing just below .500. We lost some one-run games and could’ve been in the mix for a playoff run for a while up until the second to last game of the season. It was disappointing not to make the playoffs but we put up a good fight.”
Seven members of last year’s Wildcats team graduated. And of them, Kyle Stella is playing at Oswego, Cameron Sheedy is playing at Grove City, Aidan Riley is playing at Skidmore and Joseph Leo is playing at Mitchell College.
When it comes to returning players, the Wildcats will have to fill the gaps left by the seniors that have departed. One of the names that Willi expects to make a big impact this year is Connor Deitz. Despite only being a freshman last year, Deitz was an All-League player in 2025.
“Connor is a very exciting player.” Willi said. “He’s a 10th grader, lefty and was our number one last year on the mound as a freshman. He was lights out. He had a 1 ERA and is sitting in the mid 80s. He’s got some real good potential. He’s going to be one of our better guys this year.”
Also returning for the Wildcats is starting shortstop Daniel Laieta. He is entering his senior season for Shoreham-Wading River, and Willi hopes that his starting shortstop will take another step forward for his senior campaign. Along with being the team’s starting shortstop since his freshman season, Laieta is also the team’s number three starter. The Wildcats’ number two pitcher is academic All-Leaguer Owen Crowley. Along with pitching, Willi complimented Crowley for his strong defense and presence at the plate. Other key returning players for the Wildcats include Colton Sizzler, who Willi plans to use as a utility man all around the field.
“He’s a small, scrappy guy.” Willi said. “But he’s a good team guy.”
Other key returners are, Nick Vignola who is committed to play at Ursinus College following the conclusion of his high school career, and Jack Calvert, who primarily plays center field for the Wildcats.
With all three of his main starting pitchers returning, Willi believes that the main strength of his team this year will be on the mound, and hopes that his pitchers will be able to give him innings throughout the season.
RHP Nick Vignola (Shoreham Wading River 2026) will start for the Blue Line Rangers pic.twitter.com/SnJcORvMr9
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 6, 2025
“Our pitching is going to be real solid.” Willi said. “We have three returning starters with all the experience. They also have experience in the trenches because our league was so tough last year. We also are going to be pretty strong defensively. Our outfield core is all returning and they’re going to be real solid.”
The Shoreham-Wading Wildcats will open their season on March 26 against Mattituck.
