Special thanks to Metamorphosis Landscape Design for sponsoring this year’s series
by Hunter Javeline
After a disappointing last place finish in 2025 Lindenhurst is looking to turn it around. Last year the team had 2 seniors and 4 freshmen who received significant playing time.
“It was a young squad who had a lot of learning to do and they did learn,” Coach Rob Moore said in an interview with Axcess Baseball.
The coaching staff at Lindenhurst decided to have one-on-one conferences with each player right after the season ended. This set up goals for the team going into their respective summer ball teams. Coach Moore said, “It was a real wake-up call, particularly for the younger guys going into next season.” So far in winter workouts, the team is laser focused and has a new look in their eyes going into this upcoming season. The players and coaches want to restore “Lindenhurst pride.” In these meetings, the coaches went over their strengths and weaknesses. These helped show the players what the next step needed to be.
There are 3 seniors that this team is going to rely on to be successful this season. Those 3 seniors are Vinny Aaron, Ricky Nunez, and Billy Steinmann. All three of these guys will make major contributions in the lineup this upcoming and will most likely play college baseball.
Vinny Aaron (Lindenhurst 2026) commits to St. Joseph’s LI pic.twitter.com/cEHmH26osO
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 19, 2025
One player coach Moore is excited about senior centerfielder Vinny Aaron. Aaron was an All-League player last year. Coach Moore described him as a “true team man.” Aaron will be playing at St. Joseph’s in the fall. Aaron bats at the top of the lineup and is a smart baserunner. Aaron’s speed makes him a true offensive weapon. Aaron always finds a way on, he had an OBP over .400 last season. His speed is also a key factor in his lockdown defense.
Another huge piece that is returning is senior shortstop and pitcher Ricky Nunez. He also was All-League last year. Nunez throws in the mid-to-upper 80s and is going to be the ace of this team. He is not committed to play college ball yet, but he has offers on the table. He batted .300 last year.
The final senior who the team is going to rely on is Billy Steinmann. He plays first base and pitcher. He will be continuing his baseball journey at Suffolk Community College next year. He bats in the middle of the lineup and is a “gap-to-gap” hitter.
During the offseason, junior Sean Cima fully committed himself and made major improvements. His improvements were not only on the field but in the weightroom too. Moore said “He added tremendous amounts of velocity and will be one of the aces of our pitching staff.” At the plate he spreads the ball around the field with his short to the ball approach.
Lindenhurst 4, West Babylon 3
WP: Billy SteinmannVinny Aaron 2-4
Sean Cima 2-4
Reece Wrightington: Double
Brody Mcgowan clutch single in 8th— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) April 30, 2025
Despite the Lindenhurst Bulldogs having an abundance of upperclassmen, they still have some underclassmen who will be making an impact for this upcoming year; such as Jackson Martin and Dallas Bednarik. Martin is a middle infielder and Bednarik is a third baseman and pitcher. These two players made impacts last year on varsity and gained valuable experience. Coach Moore is counting on these two underclassmen to produce this season and provide stability in the infield and lineup.
One player who has been super reliable behind the plate is junior Hunter Grimm. He has a strong arm and is a power hitter. His work ethic is a big reason he will lead the pitching staff this upcoming season.
League 2 is one of the toughest leagues in Long Island. Coach Moore emphasizes that every opponent must be respected and our “A game” must be brought to every game. He feels despite their struggles last year, this team has what it takes to compete in league 2. He said “Each team has players up and down the lineups who can do everything.”
The Bulldogs open up their season on March 26 against Ward Melville. Their league opponents also consist of Sachem East, Sachem North, Bay Shore, Commack and Connetquot.
