Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of a 10-part series in which we highlight top performers from the 2026 season. Previously, we featured Matt Kurz of Clarke. Special thanks to Lux Stone Group for sponsoring this year’s series.
In 2025, Garden City rode a powerful pitching staff en route to 8 straight wins including the Class AA Long Island Championship. One of those pitchers, Joe Carey, went 7-1 with a 1.33 ERA over 58.0 IP with 73 Ks. This season, Carey – who has since committed to Div-I Holy Cross, has taken his game to another level. He is 5-0 with a 0.22 ERA over 31.2 IP. He’s allowed just 8 hits and 1 ER while striking out 54 batters. The high point of his dominance was this week when he fanned 14 in a 7-inning no-hitter in which he threw 67 of 77 pitches for strikes. His coach, Dave Izzo, had the following to say:
“He really came into his own last year being a key component on our LIC team along with Chris Desiderio. He worked tremendously hard on his body during the offseason. Not sure where he found the time as he played varsity basketball and never missed one our winter workouts. He looks like a man among boys now. He’s been pitching on another level this year. It’s a nice luxury as a coach having two guys that you know give you a chance to win every time they take the mound. The work that he put in during winter bullpens with our pitching coach, Ray Chaputian, has developed his secondary pitches into elite level pitches. He’s not just a hard-throwing lefty. As far as character, you will be hard-pressed to find a teacher in our building that doesn’t speak highly of Joe.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Yes, baseball was always my number one sport. When I was younger, I also played basketball, soccer and lacrosse. I played basketball all through high school and soccer for my freshman and sophomore years.
Any family members that played college sports?
My uncle ran track at UPENN.
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
My mom and dad have been my biggest supporters throughout the years. They have taught me important lessons that I’ve carried with me both on and off the field.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Jacob deGrom, Tarik Skubal and Bobby Witt Jr.
How would you describe last year’s playoff run? When did you know you had a special group?
Last year’s playoff run was unforgettable. I knew early on that we had a special group. We had great team chemistry and everybody was bought in to our goal. Our relentless team mentality and preparation contributed to our success.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Yes, I work with the staff at Prospect Sports in Farmingdale. I primarily work with Anthony Papa, who has helped my development tremendously over the years. He’s helped my mechanics and velocity improve as well as establishing an arm-care program that I use regularly.
There’s a certain magical feel around a no-hitter in baseball. Was that your first? At what point in the game did you notice it?
Last year, I threw a 5-inning perfect game against Roslyn. I also threw a no-hitter on JV in my freshman year. I didn’t notice it until the end of the game when the dugout erupted and everyone came out.
How have you enjoyed your time with Next Level?
I’ve had a great experience with Next Level over the years. I joined the program in seventh grade and have made great memories with my teammates and coaches. My favorite trip was our trip to Hoover, Alabama last summer where we made a run in the gold bracket against the top teams in the country.
How did you decide to attend Holy Cross and what was your experience like with the college recruiting process?
My travel coach has a relationship with the coaches at Holy Cross, and they saw me pitch in Staten Island in the Jupiter Qualifier in September. Throughout the college recruiting process, I improved my communication skills, learned how to answer challenging questions and created connections with a variety of college coaches. None of this would have been possible without the guidance of my coaches at Next Level and Garden City and the unwavering support from my parents.
Favorite musical artist?
Fleetwood Mac
Favorite restaurant?
Frank Pepe’s Pizza
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite vacation spot?
Italy