Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Ryan Manno
The Roslyn Bulldogs baseball head into the 2026 season with a sense of urgency and confidence built from enduring one of the toughest years in the program’s recent history. Head coach Dan Freeman has been clear about the team’s objectives: the Bulldogs want to improve in every aspect of the game and put themselves in a position to make the playoffs. That goal shapes everything they do, from daily practices to in game decision making, further cementing a belief that steady improvement and discipline will ultimately translate into wins.
Last season was a grind from start to finish, ending with a 2-17 record with some growing pains in league play. Beyond the losses themselves, the team dealt with instability, including the challenge of not having a consistent home field. The adversity forced the players to develop perspective, teaching them to appreciate every practice, every inning, and every opportunity to compete. That appreciation has carried over into the offseason, fueling a more focused and motivated group entering 2026.
One of the most important aspects of this year’s team is continuity. There were no key senior departures, and Roslyn returns the majority of its roster from last season. The Bulldogs are an exceptionally young team, featuring a large number of freshmen and sophomores, many of whom absorbed meaningful roles earlier than expected last year. While that youth showed at times in 2025, it also provided invaluable experience that the coaching staff believes will pay off this spring. This season is as much about growth and confidence as it is about results, with an eye toward building a sustainable program identity.
That identity is rooted in defense and pitching. Coach Freeman emphasized that Roslyn will rely on being fundamentally and mentally sound. Making routine plays, limiting mistakes, and throwing strikes will be the foundation of the team’s approach. The goal is for the pitching staff to keep games close and competitive and allow the offense time to settle in and capitalize on opportunities.
Offensively, Roslyn has a mix of experience and upside returning. Fifth year player Ethan Jeon is one of the most dynamic athletes on the roster, offering a blend of speed and power while ranking among the fastest players in the county. Cooper Forrest, now a four year player, is coming off a strong season in which he hit .326 with a .500 on base percentage and seven stolen bases. Forrest’s ability to grind out at bats and deliver in big moments makes him a central piece of the lineup. Junior Ben Cohen brings a scrappy approach that embodies the team’s mentality, while Jake Giordano adds pop after posting a .250 average with a home run last season and consistently embracing pressure situations and delivering in the clutch.
Several players are expected to take noticeable steps forward this year. Dylan Fisher, a ninth grade catcher, has already emerged as a cornerstone of the team despite his age, particularly for his presence behind the plate and leadership qualities. On the mound, junior Harrison Goldman is poised for another leap after carrying a heavy workload last season, and Jake Brooks is also expected to expand his role and impact.
Goldman anchors the pitching staff after proving last year that he could battle through lineups and give Roslyn a chance to win every time he took the ball. Jeon complements him with some of the best raw stuff in the conference, featuring a lively fastball and significant movement. Sophomores Jake Giordano and Zach Richer gained valuable experience as underclassmen last season and are expected to make meaningful jumps, while left hander Jacob Brooks provides stability out of the bullpen. Overall, Coach Freeman described the rotation and bullpen as optimistic, young and motivated to improve.
Leadership has emerged naturally within the group. Goldman, Forrest, and Jeon serve as the team’s vocal and emotional anchors. Forrest brings intensity and fire, Jeon leads quietly and consistently behind the scenes and Goldman’s leadership shows through his daily effort and visible care for his teammates and coaches. Together, they set the tone for accountability and competitiveness.
Roslyn opens the season at home on March 20 against Carle Place, a matchup the coaching staff expects to be competitive and meaningful right away. The Bulldogs will also face Jericho in their first league game, renewing a clash they haven’t seen in several years and one that traditionally brings high level competition. Adding to the significance of the season, 2026 marks Roslyn’s first year playing on its brand new turf field, a long awaited upgrade that has injected excitement into the players and program. For a young team eager to turn the page, the new field symbolizes a fresh start and an opportunity to redefine what Bulldogs baseball looks like moving forward.
