Straton Podaras
Up Next Powered by Ken Kortright State Farm Agency: Michael Cotto
(Editor’s Note: This is the fourth installment of the 2025 Up Next Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we highlighted Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano and Quincy Gibbs. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.) Mike Cotto (Kellenberg 2026) smashes an RBI triple during a big first inning for Next Level Next Level 5 – Five Star 1 End first pic.twitter.com/mh5l5gQHYJ — Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 7, 2025 In the 38-year history of Kellenberg baseball, they had never called up a freshman to the varsity team. Part of it was the school administration’s strict guidelines, but also because the school’s strong enrollment meant it wasn’t necessary to make such an aggressive...
Re-Visiting The 2016 Top Prospects on LI List
It’s been five years since I really started following high school baseball here on Long Island. Back during the 2016, I tried to really immerse myself in the game and I was covering games 5 days per week – while bartending at Lombardi’s on the Bay on the weekend – so I did miss out on some action at times. But through conversations with high school and travel ball coaches, I attempted to compile a list of the Top 10 prospects on Long Island. This was not meant to be a prediction of who would have the longest and most successful career, but in that snapshot in time I wanted to gage who had the highest ceiling as a prospect. Like anything else in media, it got some attention from people that enjoyed it while others scoffed at it. I can laugh now, because I really had ...
CATCHERMTRX Set To Begin November 11
Since 2010, CATCHERMTRX has been working with many of the top catchers in the region. Their staff of former and current professional catchers pride themselves on bringing the very best and up-to-date methods to the catching position. The staff features current Blue Jays Triple-A catcher Patrick Cantwell (West Islip ’08), Washington Nationals High-A catcher Matt Reistetter (Hauppauge ’10), Miami Marlins Double-A catcher Cam Maron (Hicksville ’09) as well as several well-respected coaches from the area. Additionally, Sal Agostinelli has confirmed that he will make an appearance as a guest instructor during the program. Below is a list of catchers who have gone through the 18-week program, which concludes on March 3. “We’ve created an environment that allows the ...
Long Island Titans Hold Media Day
The Long Island Titans held their annual Media Day at the Cove Academy in Glen Cove today. Of their 2016 graduating class, 41 players have signed their letters of intent to play college ball. Of that group 30 were in attendance. Twelve players will go on to play Div-I baseball. That group includes Tristan Amone (Fairfield), Tyler Arella (Villanova), Brandon Bonanno (Stony Brook), Brandon Fanizza (NYIT), Nick Grande (Stony Brook), Garrett Heaton (Stony Brook), John LaRocca (Monmouth), Straton Podaras (Radford), Kyle Strovink (Lamar), Marc Wangenstein (Albany), Ray Weber (Albany) and Robert Weissheier (Hofstra). The Titans have done a tremendous job of getting their ballplayers to the next level. A vast majority of the local players recognize that and have chosen to play with them. “Wh...
