Editor’s Note: This is the 18th 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, Andrew McQuade and Dean Geiger. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.
Matthew Passantino (NY) is dominating for the NS Giants Passantino 14U. 11 Ks through 4 IP, allowing only 1 baserunner. Good pitch mix. FB up to 82 pairs with a sinking SL (71-73) and 12-6 CB (68-69). Lots of movement on breakers.#NESChamp @PG_Scouting pic.twitter.com/DaZ4V4nCLQ
— Perfect Game Mid-Atlantic (@PGMidAtlantic) August 10, 2025
Back in 2021, Mount Sinai rode the arms of a young, talented pitching staff on their way to winning their first Long Island Championship in program history. It was their first Suffolk County Championship since 2016, when they were also led by two very talented pitchers in Sam Kessler and Brandon Bonanno. And if you go back a little further to 2010, they had one of the best pitchers in the county in Tyler Badamo, who wound up getting drafted by the New York Mets after a historic season at Dowling College.
Badamo, now a pitching instructor, works with one of Mount Sinai’s up-and-coming prospects, sophomore Matthew Passantino.
Passantino, who was called up to varsity as an eighth grader in 2024, was also invited to represent the East Coast at the PG All State Games in Houston, TX. He left his mark there by being named the Most Valuable Pitcher of the event.
This winter, he’s improved significantly as his fastball sat between 81 and 84 MPH in a recent bullpen session. Additionally, he put up some big time numbers at the dish last summer. Over 15 PG games, he batted .452 with a 1.141 OPS with 12 runs scored. For the season, he batted .396 with a 1.086 OPS over 202 plate appearances. Perfect Game has ranked him as the 5th best RHP in the 2028 class in New York.
While it won’t be easy for Mount Sinai to win a County Championship when their league features the reigning Class A Long Island Champs in Sayville, they have the makings of a young and dangerous team once again. Passantino will be competing for a spot in the rotation as well as an everyday spot in the lineup.
His pitching coach, Tyler Badamo, had the following to say:
“I’ve been training Matt since he was eight years old, and what stands out most is how consistent his work ethic has been. He’s never relied on talent alone, he’s earned everything including winning the MLB pitch, hit and run program as a freshman. At 15-years-old, he’s already up to 85 MPH this winter and still climbing, his ceiling is extremely high. What separates him isn’t just the velocity…it’s his feel for pitching, his competitiveness, and his ability to make adjustments. He carries himself the right way, he’s coachable, and he comes from a great family that supports his development the right way. He’s definitely a name people are going to keep hearing about.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Baseball has always been my No. 1 sport. Just for fun I play all sports, not associated with any teams.
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
My mom, dad, sister and brother. Also my Mount Sinai varsity coach, Eric Strovink, and my pitching coach, Tyler Badamo.
Any family members that played college sports?
My brother, Ralph, plays for SUNY Maritime.
What travel team do you play for?
Top Dawg Baseball in Alexandria, Virginia and the North Shore Giants.
What did you work on this offseason?
Physical fitness as well as hitting & pitching mechanics.
Goals for 2026?
Help Mount Sinai advance to the playoffs as a two-way player and dominate on the mound.
Do you work with any private instructors?
- Pitching Lessons – Tyler Badamo
- Strength & Conditioning – Erik Cabrera
Biggest thrill you’ve had on a baseball field?
I’ll never forget the feeling I had with my first big field home run. Pitching on MLB Field & Spring Training facilities – Citi Field, Dodger Stadium, Cacti Park of Palm Beaches.
Favorite Pro Athlete?
Paul Skenes because his approach and confidence is unmatched.
Favorite TV Show or movie?
The Amazing Spider Man
Favorite Musical Artist?
Zach Bryan, Drake and Treaty Oak Revival
Favorite App on your phone?
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Pace’s Steak House
Dream Car?
Porsche 91 gt3 rs
Favorite vacation spot?
Saint John US Virgin Islands
