Editor’s Note: This is the sixth installment of the Sunday Spotlight in which we highlight top performers from the 2026 season. Previously, we featured Matt Kurz, Joe Carey, CJ Alfano, Dylan Weinstein and Joey Karpowicz. Special thanks to Lux Stone Group for sponsoring this year’s series.
While baseball may not match the nonstop action of other sports, there is one specific instance that features all the pandemonium and excitement of any sport on earth and that is the walk-off home run.
Now add in three runs on base and a spot in the County Championship at stake, and that is a recipe to have the entire Long Island baseball community talking about you.
That was the exact scenario that Wantagh senior, Ryan Tullo, found himself in last week as his Warriors faced elimination against Wheatley. He stepped to the plate and delivered his second homer of the day – a dramatic walk-off grand slam. That video has garnered over 150,000 views on our Instagram alone and will go down in Nassau County baseball lore.
Unfortunately, for Ryan and his teammates – they ran into a buzzsaw in the next round at Farmingdale State College against undefeated Plainedge. Not even their magical run could overcome a team riding a season-long winning streak.
That should not overshadow, however, the successful 2026 campaign for Tullo.
Simply put, he authored one of the best statistical seasons in history for a program steeped in tradition. He was named Conference A Hitter of the Year – no small task considering there’s 11 teams and Plainedge is one of them.
- 46-for-83 (.554 AVG)
- 8 doubles
- 2 triples
- 6 HRs
- 38 runs
- 37 RBI
- 19 BB
- 7 HBP
- .667 OBP
- .924 SLG
- 1.591 OPS
- Only 4 strikeouts
He will be a player to keep an eye on over the next few years as he begins his collegiate career at Lynn University.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball was always my number one sport and I’ve been playing since I was 5-years-old.
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
I would say my dad had the biggest impact on my career from teaching meow to play and being my biggest fan. He has never missed a game and would do anything to watch me play the game he introduced me to.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I train with John Galanoudis. He is my hitting instructor and I have been training with him since I was in 8th grade.
What did you work on this offseason?
During the offseason I worked on shortening my bat path.
Can you tell us about your experience with the college recruiting process and how you chose Lynn University?
I was introduced to Lynn University by Anthony Passalaqua. My sophomore year when I went down and saw the university for the first time, I knew it was where I wanted to play and continue my career. The coaches made me feel welcome and it felt like I was already part of the team. I committed my summer going into senior year.
You experienced a dream scenario hitting a walk-off grand slam to send Wantagh to the County Finals. What has the last few days been like?
Hitting the walk-off grand slam in the semifinals to send my team to the counties was truly amazing. You dream about this exact situation as a kid and it came into fruition. I’m so grateful for all the people who have reached out and congratulated me.
What has it meant to you to be part of Wantagh baseball?
It’s truly wonderful to be part of not just a team but a family. Having expectations to win a championship every year and nothing less is part of Wantagh tradition. Leave your mark on the back of the shirt and continue the tradition. I’m so lucky that I have been coached by Coach Sachs and Coach Nino. They have taught me so much and wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
Favorite professional athlete?
My favorite professional athlete is Kris Bryant. I loved watching him on the Cubs when I was little.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
My favorite restaurant on Long Island is Piccolo’s because they serve the chicken Ninavaggi.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone is probably FaceTime. I use it everyday and love talking to the people I love and seeing them.
Favorite musical artist?
My favorite musical artist is Zach Bryan.
Any pregame superstitions?
Before the game when I get to the field I put my bag down and take out all my batting stuff. I put my elbow guard, helmet and leg guard next to it on the right with my bat on the left.
Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is Shelter Island and I go with my family every summer.
Favorite baseball trip you’ve been on?
My favorite baseball trip I’ve been on would probably be our school trip where we go to Maryland every year. We play other teams and go to major league and minor league games. We also have the All-American black and white intrasquad where we play each other and the losing team owes the winning team All-American.
Dream Car?
My dream car is a Porsche 911.