Winning championships is never easy, but for the LI Storm 13u Black, success has become a byproduct of something much bigger than talent alone.
Since Alex Benincasa took over as head coach in the fall of 2025, the team has established itself as one of the premier youth teams on Long Island. In just two years under his leadership, the Storm’s 12U and 13U teams have combined for an astounding 105-40-3 overall record while collecting multiple league championships, tournament titles, and deep postseason runs.
“The team was formed in the fall of 2024,” Benincasa said. “I took over as coach for Fall 2025. So I’m finishing up my second year with them.”
While the trophy case continues to grow, Benincasa believes the program’s greatest accomplishment has nothing to do with banners or championships.
“I think the biggest reason for our success is the chemistry this group has,” he said. “From day one, they’ve bought into competing every day and playing the game the right way. They play hard, trust each other, and genuinely want to see one another succeed. They always have each other’s backs, and that unselfish mindset has really been the foundation of what we’ve accomplished.”
That chemistry extends well beyond the baseball diamond.
“One of the coolest parts has been watching kids from Garden City, Malverne, Manhasset, and Rockville Centre come together and become genuine friends off the field,” Benincasa said. “Over the last two years, we’ve played more than 120 games and practiced twice a week, so they’ve spent a lot of time together. What’s been even more impressive is that they want to spend even more time together outside of baseball. There are teams who make an impact on their players for a season, and then there are teams who make an impact on each other’s lives. This group has impacted each other’s lives for the better. That bond has translated directly onto the field. When you have a group that’s willing to put the team first and truly enjoys being around each other, good things usually follow.”
The results certainly support that philosophy.
The 12U Storm finished with a 57-21-1 record, highlighted by an ECYB National Fall Postseason Championship, an ECYB American Spring runner-up finish, ECYB National-American Summer Regular Season and Postseason Championships, a Hot Stove Summer Smash Regular Season title, a Summer Slam Tournament Championship, and an impressive third-place finish in Cooperstown.
The program only continued to build momentum as the players moved up to the 13U level.
This season, the Storm owns a 48-19-2 record while capturing the Labor Day Melle Tournament Championship, BOS National Fall Postseason Championship, PBR Frenzy Tournament Championship, BOS National Spring Postseason Championship, and the Sports at the Beach Tournament Championship. The team also earned a third-place finish at a highly competitive Perfect Game tournament.
Combined, the program has posted a remarkable 105-40-3 record over the past two years.
Despite all the success, Benincasa is quick to point out that no single player has carried the load.
“Honestly, it’s been a total team effort,” he said. “Our overall team stats reflect that because we’ve had contributions from everyone throughout the season. Every player understands the importance of being ready when their number is called, whether they’re in the starting lineup or coming off the bench, whether it’s pitching in a championship game or during pool play. Each player understands their assignment and puts the team first. Different players have stepped up in different moments, and that’s been one of our biggest strengths.”
He believes the depth of the roster has been a defining characteristic.
“Our lineup has no let-up,” Benincasa said. “It’s deep where no player is an easy out. It’s not about one or two individuals—it’s about everyone embracing their role and finding ways to help the team win.”
In an era where travel baseball often emphasizes individual exposure, the LI Storm has built something different. Championships have followed, but more importantly, lifelong friendships have formed. For Benincasa, that’s the true measure of success.
As the Storm continues its rise, its winning culture appears to be built on a foundation that won’t disappear when the season ends—a team-first mentality, genuine relationships, and a commitment to playing the game the right way.