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Sunday Spotlight Powered by Lux Stone Group: Joey Karpowicz

Editor’s Note: This is the fifth installment of the Sunday Spotlight series in which we highlight top performers from the 2026 season. Previously, we featured Matt Kurz, Joe Carey, CJ Alfano and Dylan Weinstein. Special thanks to Lux Stone Group for sponsoring this year’s series.

In a league filled with talented players, Joey Karpowicz separated himself from the pack.

The uncommitted junior, who helped lead Ward Melville to a County Championship on the gridiron in the fall, was named League II MVP after posting a ridiculous stat line of .478/.615/.777 SLG for a 1.392 OPS. Those numbers only scratch the surface of his impact for the Patriots. He also scored 29 runs, drew 19 walks, was hit by 6 pitches and was successful on 18 of 19 stolen base attempts.

His coach, Lou Petrucci, spoke glowingly of his star center fielder:

“There’s no question Joey will be a Power 4 player. He’s got 5 tools; he runs, he hits for power, he has a strong arm and he also has outstanding baseball instincts. We didn’t pitch him much this year because our bullpen was decent but maybe he’ll pitch next year. In center field, he covers gap-to-gap – he must’ve saved us 20 runs just taking fly balls out of the sky. The most impressive thing that he does is he plays hard every inning. We were beating Commack 9-0 in the sixth inning and he dove for a sinking line drive in front of him. Who does that? He had 7 infield hits; some of them were high choppers but he can beat out grounders to shortstop. I think he had 32 hits, he’s got close to 80 already in his 3 years. He’s been a great player for us. He hit 3 homers this year. He’s 57-for-59 stealing bases and one of them was when he over slid second base on a wet day. He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s turned into a great leader, he led by example and energized the bench and our lineup. He scored 29 runs in 23 games. We had his brother, Derek, batting 9th to turn the lineup around. They were a formidable duo. It’s a cliche but it’s true – if he reached first base, it was a double.”

I spoke with him and here’s what he had to say…

When did you begin playing baseball and football?

I began playing baseball ever since I could walk and I began playing football in 7th grade. I plan on playing both through my senior year of high school.

Do you take private lessons from any instructors? 

I do not work with anyone except for myself and my dad.

Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?

My dad has had the most positive impact on my career, he is always at all of my games and is always with me in the cage or whenever I want to take swings. A teammate who has had an amazing impact on me is Anthony Boris. He is always there to hold me accountable and other teammates accountable during practice and games.

What has been the most thrilling moment of your athletic career?

The most thrilling moment of my athletic career was winning a County Championship in football.

What did you work on this offseason?

This offseason I was coming off an injury from football season so I started off in recovery through Whit Fit Athletics. Throughout this time I worked on eating right and gaining muscle before the spring season. Whit Fit helped me gain lots of strength and explosiveness over the winter.

What are you looking for in a college?

I am looking for a college with a great baseball program, great coaches and a way to find playing time early.

Favorite athletes?

My favorite athletes are Derek Jeter, Jaxson Dart, Anthony Boris and Cam Schlitter.

Favorite restaurant on Long Island?

The Bench

Favorite musical artist?

Lil Uzi Vert

Favorite app on your phone?

Clash of Clans

Dream Car?

Porsche