Editor’s Note: This is the eighth installment of the Sunday Spotlight in which we highlight top performers from the 2026 season. Previously, we highlighted Matt Kurz, Joe Carey, CJ Alfano, Dylan Weinstein, Joey Karpowicz, Ryan Tullo and Taylor Nitsch. Special thanks to Lux Stone Group for sponsoring this year’s series.
Dan Gilroy dominated on the mound and at the plate racking up 12 strikeouts and knocking in two RBIs to propel Center Moriches to their Long Island Class B Championship win, making him our @GetGameChanger Player Of The Game! pic.twitter.com/LSUv95i936
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 6, 2026
It was the perfect storm for a championship run in 2026 for the Center Moriches Red Devils.
A talented group that had all narrowly missed out on accomplishing their goals the previous year, led by a coach with ample experience of winning games.
The Red Devils defeated Oyster Bay on June 6 in the Class B Long Island Championship before having their dreams of a state title dashed in the semifinals.
Despite the loss, there was a lot to be proud of. One of their main contributors was senior RHP Danny Gilroy who put the team on his back in the LIC – firing a complete game shutout and also compiling two hits and two RBIs at the plate.
His head coach, Paul Gibson III, spoke highly of his ace:
“Danny was a very hard worker in the weight room this offseason. The other thing with him is he’s real smart with how he approaches things. He’a very good at identifying where his weaknesses are. He does that better than most. Most kids shy away from where they struggle, I think he’s just the opposite.
The last two years when he was on the mound, we knew we would always be in the game. It helped the offense to get in the right direction. We didn’t need to produce a ton offensively when he pitched.”
When asked if he was impressed how he performed his best in the biggest moment, he said, “In the Long Island Championship, he’s the type of kid I expect to play a great game in a big spot. You pull for that kind of kid. I knew there wouldn’t be a ton of nerves because he’s a bulldog.”
His numbers were tremendous this season – going 8-2 with a 1.08 ERA over 59 innings. He notched a 0.70 WHIP, struck out 79 batters and walked just 7 while holding the opposition to a .172 AVG. At the dish, he was impressive as well. He batted .387 with a .451 OBP, 1.082 OPS, 4 HRs and 34 RBIs. He was named All-County and Class B Playoff MVP for his accomplishments.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Did you play other sports growing up?
My parents at a young age had me play every sport I could but baseball was definitely the one I loved most and excelled at unlike the rest.
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your life?
Definitely my parents and their support for every decision and action in my life. They always sacrificed their time and money to make sure I got to have the most fun and best opportunities. Also, my two older sisters and my younger brother. Each one of them has helped shape me in different ways and develop me into who I am now. Finally, my coaches have had huge impact throughout my career. Paul Gibson has been the best high school coach I could ask for. Jarad Vollkommer started my whole journey on strength training and later Russ and Nate at 365 Athletics helped me keep my body healthy and grow stronger.
Favorite professional athletes?
In baseball I always loved Jacob deGrom as I’m a huge Met fan and there was nothing better than seeing him step on the mound and dominate every single time. Mike Trout was another guy I loved because of how exciting it is to watch him play and I personally think he is the second greatest right handed hitter behind Albert Pujols. Besides baseball, I definitely loved Tom Brady because of his mentality and how he dominated football for years.
It seemed that the mentality of Center Moriches was championship or bust. Was that the case?
Yes, all offseason everyone had the same goal in mind which was to win the Long Island Championship and make a run for states.
What did you work on this offseason?
This offseason I really focused on getting stronger and more mobile for pitching. On the hitting side, I mainly just focused on feeling more relaxed and to trust skills as the previous years I think I put too much pressure on myself to perform at the plate which ended up causing me to underperform.
Do you work with any private instructors?
The past two years I worked with Bill Pulsipher as my pitching coach and he’s really helped me not only develop my pitches but he has taught me how to think while on the mound and sequencing for batters. On the strength side, I see Russ Taveras and Nate Chavious who both have been there with me for over 5 years and have given me workout plans to be able to move more explosive on the mound and in the box.
Talk a little about your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose New Haven?
College recruiting for me went very well and very quick thanks to my travel coach Jason Galbraith. After I told him a list of colleges I was looking at, he was able to get New Haven to come and watch me play and they liked what they saw. I chose New Haven because they have a great academic program for my major but also I chose them because they are not too far from home and Coach Celano expressed his interested in me and how much potential I had to develop.
Best baseball trip you’ve ever been on?
Without a doubt it was Cooperstown. I got to go with kids from my hometown and although we didn’t do amazing in the tournament, we had so much fun in the bunks and I have so many memories from that trip.
Favorite app on your phone?
Instagram because I use it to watch baseball highlights, my friends stories and posts but also sometimes to relax and watch funny reels.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Izumi in Holbrook because I really like their hibachi rice and shrimp.
Favorite TV show or movie?
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End. I love the first three movies and how Jack Sparrow acts in them.
Favorite musical artist?
I kind of just throw together multiple genres depending if I like a song or not.
Favorite vacation spot?
I don’t really have one because all of our vacations were tournaments for me and my siblings but my high school preseason trip to Disney was a lot of fun.
Dream Car?
My dream car is a 1960s muscle car because I would constantly see them in shows and movies as a kid and always thought they looked and sounded beautiful.