New website/blog check it out

http://www.nooffseasonapparel.com/ Is our new blog site/store. I will be doing posts on all things sports, stony brook baseball, no off season, training ....a little everything. So be sure to go through there if you enjoyed this blog a lot! Thanks - Lucky

From College Athletes to Entrepreneurs

Since traffic on this blog seems to never quit, I wanted to spread the word of the new company that fellow teammate Steve Marino and I have started. It is called No Off Season Apparel. If you have followed this blog from the start you know how hard we work at being our best physically and mentally. That is the base for this brand. We want to appeal to others who embody the same lifestyle and many others throughout all sports, not just baseball. So when you get a chance spread the word and check out the website for yourselves. We are still a very young company and are continuing to work hard at developing many things. As time goes on this company we feel can become something big so get out there and help get us going. Thanks for all your support through the past and into the future.  Now here is the site : Home (No Off Season Apparel)
Let us know any feedback!

Season Close.

With such an abrupt end to our season last week, I was not prepared for this to be the final post. We finished up at 42-12 which is nothing to be mad about. We played a great season that came to an unfortunate ending. I just wanted to thank anyone who followed us from the beginning and all who made it possible. Most of all I would like to thank all of my teammates. No other group could accomplish what we did with the adversity we faced. Every single one of you are like my brothers and I will miss playing with all of you. Thanks for everything and I hope you can make next year end with a championship. Work hard, never take a second off on the the field and you will achieve your goals as a team. Thanks again to everyone and maybe ill just have to start another one of these for next years team.

41-10

With the sweep of this weekend over Albany we extended our winning streak to 11 and finished the regular season with the record of 41-10. We opened up Joe Nathan Field and got a great turnout for both Friday and Saturday. With the first win on Friday we earned the right to host the conference tournament at home and our second win earned us the regular season title outright. Our focus is now on winning the tournament and getting to the Regional for the second straight year. We our playing our best baseball right now and will carry that into the post season. Be sure to come down to the tournament this week from May 25 - May 28 here at Joe Nathan Field. Game one for us is the second game on Wednesday and we will take on Albany.

Game Results:
Friday     -- Game 1: Stony Brook 6 - Albany 1 (Box Score)
                   Game 2: Stony Brook 6 - Albany 0 (Box Score)
Saturday -- Game 1 Stony Brook 13 - Albany 4 (Box Score)
                   Game 2 Stony Brook 4 - Albany 3 (Box Score)

First Home Game at JNF

Tomorrow will be the first ever game played at Joe Nathan Field. We will be taking on Albany, and with a win we will clinch first place and will host the conference tournament. Come down and enjoy the new field and some great baseball. This is the final regular season weekend of the year and Saturday will be senior day/ Alumni day and BBQ. So make sure to tell your friends and family to come down and support us in what should be a great weekend.

Game Dates/Times:
Friday May 20th: Game 1 - 12pm
                           Game 2 - 3pm
Saturday May 21st: Game 1 - 12pm
                               Game 2 - 3pm

Sweep at Binghamton

Over this past weekend we took the sweep from Binghamton at their place. With the sweep we moved our record to 37-10 and 18-2 in conference to continue adding to the best record in Stony Brook history. This brought our win streak up to 7 games and we have won 18 of our last 19. We came out and played solid baseball for the whole weekend getting big contributions on the mound, in the field and at the plate. Senior SS Chad Marshall had a stellar weekend in which he broke the all time hits record at Stony Brook. Nick Tropeano also earned his 10th win so far this season which ties him for most in a single season with teammate Tyler Johnson who did so last year.

Video of Chads record breaking hit:

 I will upload the youtube version of better quality when it is ready.

Results:
Friday Game 1 -- Stony Brook 17 - Binghamton 7 (Box Score)
Saturday Game 2 --Stony Brook 4- Binghamton 1 (Box Score)
Saturday Game 3-- Stony Brook 8 - Binghamton 3 (Box Score)

Sunday we had our annual end of the year athletics awards banquet back at school. We had nominees for rookie of the year in Brandon McNitt and Kevin Courtney. Pat Cantwell was awarded the Athletic Directors Award because he embodies all of the characteristics of a leader, and rightfully so. Finally Nick Tropeano won Male Athlete of the Year with his dominance of the year so far. He has thrown great for us all year and will continue to do so for the rest of the season deep into the playoffs. All the honors were well deserved and I would like to congratulate all of my teammates who were honored on the night. 

Pat- Athletic Directors Award

Nick- Male Athlete of the Year

Some pics and video from past few weeks

Over the last two weekends we took on conference opponents Binghamton and Hartford. Over the Binghamton series we took two of three and won the weekend. Against Hartford we swept a four game set from them at their place. Headed into this weekend we are looking to do more of the same as we go to Binghamton to finish up the season series. As always solid defense, pitching and some timely hitting allowed us the victories. Below I put in some pictures and videos from the games over the past few weekends and some side fun you'll just have to watch from the UMBC series.

Conference Weekend: Binghamton

Weekend Preview: Binghamton

Coming off of a season sweep of UMBC over the past two weekends and going 9-0 over that span, we take on conference rival Binghamton this weekend. The defending regular season champion Bearcats typically play us very tough and we look for another weekend of solid competition. They are coming off of a sweep of Hartford last weekend and have won 12 of their last 15 games. Led by pitcher Mike Augliera who is 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA over 24 innings in conference play as well as by hitter Dave Ciocchi who is hitting .358 with 4 HR and 26 RBI.
Games this weekend will be played at Dowling College due to continued construction on Joe Nathan Field.
Probable Starters and Game times:
Sat 4/30/11- Game 1 - Stony Brook vs. Binghamton @ 1pm
                                 - Nick Tropeano (8-1) vs. James Giulieetti (3-4)
                  -Game 2- Stony Brook vs. Binghamton @ 3pm
                                 -Tyler Johnson (6-2) vs. Mike Augliera (5-2)
Sun 5/1/11 - Game 3- Stony Brook vs. Binghamton
                                - Brandon McNitt (5-1) vs Jay Lynch (3-4)


Come down and enjoy the game and projected nice weather. You can also watch all games live on the gametracker via the Official Website (www.GoSeaWolves.org)

Seawolves Sweep Conference Awards

Quick shout-out to Trop, Tanner, and Kevin on taking all three baseball awards this weekend. We swept UMBC with the help of those three and hope to do the same this upcoming weekend when we travel down to Maryland to play the Golden Retrievers again. Check out http://www.goseawolves.org/ to see the official release. The Brook is hot right now, lets keep it going!

Recap of the Weekend

Pat Cantwell catching on his Birthday

Coming out of any weekend 3-1 is a good weekend, especially in conference. Playing against a conference rival in Maine was not going to be the easiest weekend and we knew that going in. Without a true home field we split the weekend at Dowling on Saturday and Adelphi on Sunday. We came out of the gates with another great performance by Nick Tropeano and a win in game one on Saturday (8-1). Game 2 came down to extra innings and was eventually called tied at 7 entering the 11th due to darkness. So Sunday we had to finish up that game and then play the regularly scheduled double header. Brandon McNitt was on the hill to finish up the game and threw 2 scoreless innings to earn the win, his first of 2 on the day. The win came on a walk-off suicide squeeze by Maxx Tissenbaum (Video Below). Game one of the regular double header was a matter of them getting key hits and us being shut down by their starting pitching, we took the loss (7-3). Game 2 however there was no dwelling on the previous game as we came out with a vengeance. Led by Brandon McNitt again, who tossed 7 shutout innings, and some solid offensive production, including a home run by Steve Marino,  we pulled out the victory (7-0). Overall the weekend was a positive as we took 2 of 3 from one of the tougher conference opponents.



Game Scores and Results:
Saturday:
Game 1- Stony Brook 8 - Maine 1 (Box Score)
Game 2- Stony Brook 8 - Maine 7 12inn (Box Score)
Sunday:
Game 1- Stony Brook 3 - Maine 7 (Box Score)
Game 2- Stony Brook 7 - Maine 0 (Box Score)

McNitt pitching

Weekend Preview: Maine

It has been a while since my last post but I am back to it for conference. This weekend preview starts off with a recap of the "1st season" as we like to call it around here of non-conference play. We played very well overall as a group and led to us carrying in an overall record of 16-7. We are pitching very well as a staff, our fielding percentage is right at .980 and our team average is above .300. We have played top ranked teams and played well for the most part against everyone over the first third of the year. We had 2 no hitters, one by Frankie Vanderka and the other a combined no-no by Nick Tropeano and Brandon McNitt. We have been on News 12 and featured in a few baseball publications, including Baseball America. We were ranked as high as 40th in RPI and were ranked #23 in the Mid Major poll.

Looking ahead to this weekend and all of conference schedule, we plan on carrying over the solid all around play. We aim to continue to pitch and play defense at a high standard. This coupled with some timely hitting, as our lineup 1-9 can contribute at anytime, will allow us to achieve that goal. And as always the ultimate goal is to get to, and win the conference tournament and beyond.

This weekend we are taking on the Maine Black Bears. The Black Bears were picked second, behind us, in the America East Pre-Season coaches poll. They have 15 players returning from last season and are led by Taylor Lewis, who is batting .343 good for 5th in the America East. Their team ERA is at 6.06 and is led by Shaun Coughlin who has a 1.57 ERA over 10 appearances. Maine is currently 9-16 overall but, have won 4 of their last 5 games.

The Schedule for this weekend is a bit changed because we do not have a field yet with Joe Nathan Field still being built.
   Saturday will be a double header starting at 1pm. Game will be played at Dowling College.
   Sunday is also a double header starting at 1pm. Games will be played at Adelphi University.

Come down and be sure to tell others, follow and share it up.

TV Spot after NO NO

8 of last 9 and a No Hitter Not Bad*

Entering this weekend on a 6 game win streak we aimed to continue the run in the Strike Out Cancer tournament at Seton Hall. The weekend was marked by a very impressive performance by freshman Frankie Vanderka who tossed a no hitter against NJIT on Friday. His no hitter was the first ever in Stony Brook history. He K'd 13 batters and only faced 3 over the minimum (Box Score).

After the final out of the No No

 Saturday we ended up taking game one against Fordham 13-2. Led by Tropeano on the hill and an offensive onslaught we pulled out the W. Trop threw well striking out 10 hitters over 7 innings earning the win (Box Score). 

Game 2 against Seton Hall was a tough 2-0 loss, ending our win streak at 8 games. Tyler Johnson threw very well scattering 2 runs and 6 hits over the 6.2 innings. Seton Hall's pitcher Dirocco threw a complete game, winning the pitchers duel allowing 0 runs and striking out 6 (Box Score).

Overall taking 2 of 3 on the weekend and 8 of our last 9 is a pretty solid. We continue to play really well as a unit and look to continue to do so moving forward. Our next game is this Tuesday against Fordham. Check back for more throughout the week and be sure to come out to some games.

Midweek vs. Iona

This week we will play our midweek, originally scheduled for today, tomorrow at Baseball Heaven in Yapank, NY. Game time is set for 3pm, so come down if you can. This will be the first game of four over the next three days. We are playing well as a unit with a 5 game win streak currently and there should be plenty of wins to come so be sure to keep track the next few days and throughout the year.

Sweep of the Weekend

Breaking out the brooms. This past weekend we went down to Rock Hill, SC to take on Winthrop and Michigan in the Bo Jangles Baseball Classic. We played very well all weekend and in doing so we earned the 4 game sweep. Led by solid pitching starting with Nick Tropeano and Tyler Johnson on Saturday, then Frankie Vanderka and G.C. Yerry on Sunday. Offensively we came through at the right times to keep ahead during all of the 4 games. We look to keep the rhythm going as we move forward through the season. Coming up we have a midweek double header against Iona at home and then we play in the Strike Out Cancer Tournament at Seton hall this weekend. We play together like we have so far all year and do all the small things right we give ourselves a great chance to win each and every time out.

Game Scores:
Saturday: Game 1 Stony Brook 3 - Michigan 1 (Game Recap)
               Game 2 Stony Brook 4 - Winthrop 3 (Game Recap)
Sunday:   Game 1 Stony Brook 3 - Michigan 1 (Game Recap)
               Game 2 Stony Brook 10- Winthrop 9 (Game Recap)

Some pictures from the weekend all set up in the slide show. If you want to see a page full of the images in a gallery visit the Web Album.

Bo Jangels Baseball Classic. Rock Hill, SC.

Currently bussing to South Carolina I figured why not throw the weekend preview up. This weekend we will be playing 4 games, 2 Saturday and 2 Sunday. Both days we play Michigan first followed by Winthrop in the second game in the double header.
Game Dates/Times:
               Saturday 3/12/11 Game 1 vs. Michigan @ 11 am
                                           Game 2 vs. Winthrop @ 2:30 pm
               Sunday 3/13/11   Game 1 vs. Michigan @ 10:30 am
                                           Game 2 vs. Winthrop @ 2 pm

Michigan of the Big Ten conference is 2-9 on the season entering the weekend. They are currently coming off a 2-2 weekend where they played Massachusetts and Sam Houston State. The Wolverines are led by freshman outfielder Michael O'Neill who is hitting .386 on the year. Their pitching staff looks to be lead by Tyler Mills. He is 1-1 in 2 starts this year with a 3.77 ERA.

Winthrop of the Big South Conference is currently 5-5 on the year. Last weekend the Eagles went 3-0 at home against Manhattan College and Notre Dame. They are led offensively by catcher Eddie Rohan who is hitting .432 on the season. The pitching staff is led by Tyler Mizenko who is 2-0 in 3 starts with a 2.50 ERA holding hitters to a .191 avg against. The Eagles are averaging 7.6 runs/game this season so far and were picked to finish 3rd in the Big South pre-season poll.

We are coming off a weekend having been swept by UNC. We out hit the Tar Heels 2 of 3 games but they ultimately came out on top in all 3 games. This past Wednesday we played our home opener against FDU @ Baseball Heaven. We recorded 17 hits with 8 walks en route to a 16-7 victory. Steve Marino William Carmona and Pat Cantwell each had 3 hits a piece. Jasvir Rakkar pitched 3 innings of relief to earn the victory. Looking ahead to this weekend we must continue to play at a high level in order to have a successful series. Being swept last week leaves us hungrier to come out and play with a purpose this week to come out on top. If we do everything like we are capable of we should be enjoying the long bus ride back home on Sunday.

Check back for photos and video from the trip!

Midweek W in Home Opener

Today we played our home opener against the FDU Knights @ Baseball Heaven. We played well for the most part in order to earn the win 16-7(Box Score). With the win we improved our record to 3-4. This weekend we travel down to South Carolina to play in the Bo Jangles Baseball Classic against Michigan and Winthrop.Check back in the next day or two for a weekend preview. Below is a video of the last out of today's game.

Mideweek vs. FDU

This weeks mid week game is our home opener against Fairleigh Dickinson of the NEC. The game will be played at Baseball Heaven in Yapank, NY due to continued renovation to  Joe Nathan Field. Game time is set for Tomorrow 3/9/11 at 3pm.

Photos and video from UNC

All the pics and videos are in the slide show below because it makes the post easier to view. If you want to see a full page of all the pics and video go to this link (Web Album). It was a tough weekend as we went 0-3 @ #17 UNC but we played hard. We beat ourselves in the series, if we clean up our game and get back to what helped us win last week then we will be good moving forward. All game recaps are available below via links to our team website.
Game 1- Recap/Box Score
Game 2- Recap/Box Score
Game 3- Recap/Box Score



There are still some pics/video that have not uploaded but check back a little later and all of it should be up on the slide show and the image gallery.

Weekend Series Preview: UNC

Weekend Series Preview:

On the road again. Right now I am posting as we're bussing down to Chapel Hill, NC to take on the UNC Tar Heels of the ACC. UNC is currently ranked #17 in the country and have a record of 8-1. Their lone loss came last week to fellow northeast school Seton Hall. Overall the Heels are a well rounded team and make little mistakes. They are hitting .313 as a team, led by Michael Levi and Frank Chaz both hitting over .500. Their pitching staff seems to split up innings throughout. Through the first 9 games the least appearances anyone has is 2 and most is 4 by 5 different pitchers. They're led by pitcher Patrick Johnson with a 1.42 ERA in 2 starts. Their most notable win this season came against Cal State Fullerton, who were ranked pre season top 10. Their most recent game was a win over Davidson 14-6 yesterday.

 

As a team we are coming off a solid weekend against FAU, taking 2 of 3 from the Owls. We played solid baseball making very few mistakes. Led by dominant pitching and timely hitting we were able to come home happy about the weekend, although we are always looking to improve. We need to continue to attack the zone as pitchers and make all the plays defensively, keeping the mistakes to a minimum. If we do that the offense will take care of itself. We feel if we do not beat ourselves we can stack up with anyone at anytime. Last weekend we had production from our rookies as well as our key returners, offensively and on the hill. If we get the production that we got last week and continue to improve we will compete and have a good chance to come out successful again this weekend.

Game Dates and Times:
          Friday      3/4/11 @ 3:00PM
          Saturday  3/5/11 @ 2:00PM
          Sunday    3/6/11 @ 1:00PM

Be sure to follow us on game tracker which is available for every game on the team website(Official Site), or come down to the game if you can. Check up often for game summaries and pictures/videos from the trip. Follow and Share!

Weekend Recap - 2 of 3 @ FAU

Playing opening weekend at top 40 ranked FAU and taking 2 of 3 is a successful weekend.

Series Scores:
              Game 1 - Stony Brook 5   FAU 0    Game 1 Recap
              Game 2 - Stony Brook 5   FAU 1    Game 2 Recap
              Game 3 - Stony Brook 4   FAU 12  Game 3 Recap

    
    Games one and two were marked by solid pitching and defense as well as with timely hitting. Although we took a hard loss in game three, the series and weekend was a success. As a team we seem to be meshing really well. We have a lot of intangibles and being a close knit bunch is a key factor in our success. Coming out of this weekend we know that we have the talent to stack up with anyone on any given day. That along with the confidence in each other will take us where we want to go if it continues this year.
       Looking ahead to next week our challenge will not get any easier as we will take on a top 20 ranked team in the UNC Tar Heels. UNC is off to a hot start and we look to cool off that flame. Look for the series preview in the coming days.

The slide show of images is all of the pics that I had from the trip and if you click the link underneath there are a couple videos of the plane trip as well. Most of the pics are posted previously but there are a few more added to it so check it out.



For Full Page of Images and Video Click Here!

Season Opener W and FAU Series Pics (So Far).

Solid start to the season as Trop and McNitt combined to throw a gem. We had some clutch timely hitting, including a dagger of a HR by Marino(Player Profile), and played solid defense for the most part En route to a 5-0 win. (Official Full Game Recap) We still look to get better every game and with Johnson on the hill we aim to take the series today.

   Some pictures from the trip so far. Its together in a slide show because there would be too many pictures to put in a single post. With teammate Thor Miller unable to travel this weekend due to a health complication we decided to bring him along anyway, as a wolfie stuffed animal. He will come along for the ride throughout so look out for him in the pics posted. Check back for some more pics and video from the rest of the trip as we feed off yesterdays win and get better each game. Follow up and Share!!!


For Full Page of Pics Click here

Lets Do This

32 Hours till first pitch! Get pumped.

Weekend Series Preview: Florida Atlantic (FAU)

Weekend Series Preview:

           As we are only a few days out from opening day it is now time to start up the new post segment, the Weekend Series Preview. This week we will be flying down to Boca Raton, FL to take on the FAU Owls. The Owls are usually a pretty tough opponent and contend every year. This season is no different with pre-season polls having them ranked in the top 40 in the nation. Last weekend the Owls took a weekend 3 game sweep from fellow Long Island school Hofstra. This weekend the Owls were led by hitters Nick Delguldice and Andy Mee as well as others. Their pitching staff seemed to break up the weekend evenly amongst the 3 game set vs. Hofstra with no one throwing more than 5 innings. During this week FAU will take on the top ranked Florida Gators and the University of Miami Hurricanes. A tough midweek challenge for the Owls and will take them into the weekend series against us.

Heading into our first weekend at FAU we look to take no time getting acclimated to playing an opponent. Although we open a week later than most D1 squads we took that extra time, with the weather throughout the off season being poor, and made the most of it. Hitters faced pitchers live every practice allowing for the transition from indoors to on the field to be a smooth one. We always play a tough pre-season schedule in order to prepare us for the regular season as well as for a regional later on in the year. This year is no different as FAU will be a challenge, one which we do not shy away from. We have a great core group of guys and a solid freshman class that will aid in contending with the top teams in the country. Entering the weekend being led by pitchers Nick Tropeano and Tyler Johnson and a core group of hitters we look to get ahead early on our opponents and keep the opposing team on their heels. Although the Owls are a good team do not be shocked if we come out of this weekend taking the series.
Game Dates and Times:
               Friday 2/25/11 @ 6:30pm EST
               Saturday 2/26/11 @ 4:00pm EST
               Sunday 2/27/11 @ 1:00pm EST

Be sure to follow us on game tracker which is available for every game on the team website(Official Site), or come down to the game if you can. Check up often for game summaries and pictures/videos from the trip. Follow and Share!

Interview With the Ocho

I did an alumni spotlight on Justin a week or so ago (Click For His Profile) and it lacked a key component. The interview. I finally have that portion all set and ready to post so give it a nice read hes always got good stuff to say.

 
What do you feel defined your college career?
  "For me having the opportunity to win two conference championships as well as receive my college degrees defined my college career."

How do you think your experience in college affects you in the professional game?
  "My college experience affects me in the professional ranks in a number of ways. One way is coming out everyday with the same work ethic wanting to get better. The attention to detail because everyone in pro ball is good however it is the little things and attention to detail that will go along way in helping you stand out."

What, if anything, do you miss about Stony Brook?
  "I miss a lot about Stony Brook. The campus, kelly deli, team dinners at the SAC, going through the grind of a off season and pre season workouts with the team. I miss the “In it to win it World Series” nd of course coach senk and the rest of the coaches."

Who do you think influenced you most so far in your career?
  "I'd have to say my family have influenced me. My parents have been my biggest supporters and have been there for me through the tough and frustrating times of my college and now pro career. Its hard to pin point exact people because so many have influenced me and have taught me so many things along the way that I am forever grateful for."

Explain how it felt the day you found out you would be playing professionally?
  "The draft was one of the most emotional experiences I've gone through. To see my name on the screen was an extremely happy moment for me and my family. It was a surreal feeling at first but once I was able to sit back and reflect I realized that this is only the beginning and that the real work starts now to reach my ultimate goal."

What differs from the college game at the higher levels?
  "Well from what I have seen what differs the college game from the higher levels is not too much. Yes the talent differential is big, there are so many good players from all over the country and the world that you are competing with. I think the biggest thing is that in the pros you are competing for a job. There is always someone trying to take your job."

What do you think helped you get where you are now and what will get you to where you want to end up?
  "From a baseball standpoint I believe I am where I am now because of my defense and my ability to handle a pitching staff and call a good game. My offense is something that I am working hard on to improve but I believe the more I am able to learn the better I will get. From a make up stanpoint I believe my tireless work ethic helped me get to where I wanna get. Never being complacent and always wanting to get better. I feel if I can continue. Work on my weaknesses as and maintain my strengths I will get to where I want to get."

If you had to advise other players who aspire to play professionally, what would you tell them?
  "I'd advise players to work hard everyday and bring the same intensity day in and day out. Always think to yourself there's someone out working just as hard or even harder than I am right now.When playing, play with heart and passion because you never know who's watching."

Reflect on your last season and explain how it will aid in your success for this coming year.
  "Last season was a difficult being hurt and having to miss my first professional season, but I learned a lot and I'm looking forward to spring training with a fresh start and anxious to work hard, get better and show the organization what I can bring to the table."

2010 Championship Ring Ceremony

2010 was a great year marked by an America East Championship and the first ever NCAA Regional win in program history. Today was a celebration of that 2010 season. We received our rings in a ceremony prior to the basketball game and were brought out on the court during a break in the game to be honored in front of friends, family and fans. Fellow team members who were a part of that team and graduated came back for the ceremony. Dyer, Maier and Barbot were there but Purington, Stephan and Ech were unable to make it. It was great to bring the team together again to celebrate the season and to kick off the coming season on a positive note.

Travis getting his ring

Video of a couple guys getting their rings:

Team Shot

Before headed out to the court

The goal for this season is to come back for another ceremony like this again next year. Getting a ring makes you more hungry to get another one and this season coming up for us shows a lot of promise. We not only want another ring but we want to make it as deep as possible into the NCAA tournament. Be sure to follow throughout the season to check up on our progress towards that goal. There will be more posts to come leading up to the season and throughout.

Player Profile: Zach Uher

Player Profile of the Day:

Zach Uher #41

Bio: Zach is a 6'4" 210lb FR left hand pitcher from Long Beach, NY. He was home schooled throughout high school and ended up graduated from Upper Room Christian, here at Stony Brook he currently studies the Arts & Sciences. In high school Zach was named captain as a senior going 8-0 with a 0.98 ERA. He also hit .497 with 5 HR and 47 RBI, helping lead his team to a 22-2 record. As a junior he went 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA while he hit .576 with 3 HR and 35 RBI. That season he helped lead the team to a 19-1 record. 

**As a freshman Zach entered as a two way player but being a left hand arm he finds himself now as just a pitcher. He sees the transition as a way to focus and get better at a single aspect of his game and it should benefit him and the team as well. He has put in a lot of work throughout the fall and preseason and wants to help the team in anyway possible off the mound. He should see time out of the bullpen this year and his arm just as all others this season will be a huge asset to our success.

Zach at the annual Halloween game

Zach on the Bump

Zach sits down and analyzes his coming season and what he expects of 2011:

What did you do this off season to help better yourself for the coming year?

  "I did a lot more PFP work than I've done before and made sure to concentrate on keeping a strong front side when pitching."

Who do you try to emulate with you game?and why? 

  "Mariano Rivera and because he's so calm and composed on the mound, even in the toughest situations."

Do you have any rituals or superstitions? 

  "Not really superstitions but I read Psalms 27 before almost every game. and mentally prepare myself by picturing myself throwing in tough situations."

If you had to advise a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level, what would be the most important thing you would tell them? 

  "Work hard early and get on a specific schedule. I regret not having a schedule when I was younger."

What are your goals for this coming season? 

  "Just to get innings and throw strikes. Everything else is out of my hands."

What type of non physical prep do you do to get yourself prepared for playing? 

  "Just reading Psalms 27 and going over what I have to do if called on in a tough situation, it's very similar to my rituals."

When your not playing or training what do you do to get away if you have to? 

  "Play the guitar when I'm home but at school I usually just relax with some friends or play some Call of Duty or Madden."

Check back daily for more players and look for new posts as the season approaches!!

Alumni Spotlight: Tommy Koehler

Alumni Spotlight:

Tommy Koehler #55

Bio: Koehler is a 6'3" right handed pitcher from New Rochelle, NY. He went to New Rochelle H.S. and graduated from Stony Brook with a degree in History. While in high school he played 3 years on varsity. Excelling on the mound he earned Rawlings All-Northeast, Section I Pitcher of the Year, spring athlete of the year, All-Section and All-State his senior year. He went 6-1 with 108 strikeouts with just 12 walks and a 0.86 ERA in 58 innings of work. He was also All-League as a junior going 5-1 with 54 strikeouts and earned rookie of the year in 2002.

**His career at Stony Brook was outstanding as well. As the years progressed so did his time on the mound and the influence he had on his team. In 2005 as a freshman he appeared in 18 games starting 8 of them. He had 42 K's in 44.1 innings while only walking 17. He picked up his first collegiate win against Princeton throwing seven innings while striking out six, and allowing  only one run.He also had a solid outing scattering eight hits with six strikeouts over six innings of work in a win over Hartford.
**In 2006 as a sophomore he finished the year ranked in the top ten in the America East in both innings pitched with 71.1 and strikeouts with 57. This year earned him being named All-America East Second Team. He had a few standout performances including; striking out 3 in 6.2 innings to pick up the first win of the season against Bucknell, allowed only 1 unearned run in 7 innings in a win over Maine, struck out 8 in 8 innings in a win over Hartford and threw 7 solid innings in a must-win victory over UMBC. He was second on the team in wins and K's.
**2007 he saw increased time starting a team high 13 games with 85 innings pitched over the season leading the America East. He also led the conference in strike outs with 87. He struck out at least 10 batters in a game four times. He pitched well against many teams, including; striking out 10 in 5.1 innings against Quinnipiac, struck out 10 allowing 2 runs in 7 innings against NYIT, pitched a season-high 8 innings with 10 K's at Hartford and threw 8 innings of shutout baseball to beat Vermont.
**His senior year was one which brought the Seawolves a championship. He went 6-5 with a 4.15 ERA in 14 starts. Leading the America East in innings pitched with 93.1 and strikeouts with 111. He also ranked 19th in the nation with a 10.71 K/9inn. He pitched well leading the team through the season and into the Tempe Regional hosted by Arizona State. He was named All-America East second team for his efforts through the season.
** Tommy finished his 4 year career second in the programs history in innings pitched with 293.1 and third in strikeouts with 297. He was drafted by the Marlins in the 18th round of the 2008 MLB first year player draft. Koehler was promoted to the Suns last April. The previous season, he went 4-1 with a 3.38 ERA in six starts for the Jupiter Hammerheads of the Advanced-A Florida State League. Last season, he went 16-2 with a 2.61 ERA and 145 strikeouts in 28 games for the Jacksonville Suns, the Double-A affiliate of the Marlins. Named the Southern League's Most Outstanding Pitcher, he led the league in wins and ranked second in strikeouts and innings pitched (158.2). His 16 wins also equaled a Jacksonville franchise record. Entering this season he was invited to Spring Training with the big league club and is aiming for a spot on the Marlins roster.

Pitching for SBU

Last season with Jacksonville

Tommy is a proud Alumni of Stony Brook University and is poised in the near future to be on the big league roster with the Florida Marlins. He answers a few questions about his career thus far:


What do you feel defined your college career?
  "To me winning the 2008 championship was the perfect way to end a college career. When I look back at my 4 years I dont really remember specific games or number, what I remember was 4 years of hard work and friendships leading to victory."

How do you think your experience in college affects you in the professional game?
  "What I learned must about in college was maturity and accountability. College for me was more about growing as a person, then the physical stuff will eventually take over. when you learned to work hard in college it will transfer over to the professional game."

What, if anything, do you miss about Stony Brook?
  "I made alot of great friends while at Stony Brook, and I would have to say i miss them the most, in college everyone is working towards one goal. I miss Coach Senks speeches and of course Taras"

Who do you think influenced you most so far in your career?
  "I dont know if anyone person directly influenced me, I know my parents raised me to always do my best and work my hardest in everything i do, they were the ones who drove me to constant practices and games, to with out them I would not be playing."

Explain how it felt the day you found out you would be playing professionally?
  "when i got drafted it was a great feeling, and like everyone who plays you cant wait for that day, but t me that joy lasted only a short period of time because then i set a new goal, and that is to be a Major Leaguers."

What differs from the college game at the higher levels?
  "I dont know if anyone person directly influenced me, I know my parents raised me to always do my best and work my hardest in everything i do, they were the ones who drove me to constant practices and games, to with out them I would not be playing."

What do you think helped you get where you are now and what will get you to where you want to end up?
   "I think my drive has gotten me to where im at, i never want to be one of those people who look back and wish they did it another way, i want to know that i worked me b@lZ off everyday. Never being satisfied, always pushing striving to be the best."

If you had to advise other players who aspire to play professionally, what would you tell them?
  "advice is simple, dont let anyone tell you that it cant be done, as my child hood idol Roger Clemens would say is " ispiration is not out working others but outworking yourself." Also be willing to learn and be able to be introspective."

Reflect on your last season and explain how it will aid in your success for this coming year.
  "Last season was great. Ultimately it showed me I can be successful at higher levels. At the same time though yesterday was yesterday, and i want to be better tomorrow then i was yesterday. If your not getting better, your getting worse"

Tommy is a great guy and a real influence to many of us who get the opportunity to pick his brain and we wish him the best of luck with this coming season and on into the future. Look out for him this season and remember where he came from. 

Player Profile: Kevin Courtney

Player Profile of the Day:

Kevin Courtney #34

Bio: Kevin is a 6'1" 195lb freshman 1B/Pitcher from Lindenhurst, NY. He went to St.John the Baptist H.S. and is currently studying Arts & Sciences classes here at Stony Brook. Courtney played 3 years at the varsity level while in high school. He was a two-time captain and was named the Long Island Catholic League MVP in 2009. In 2010 he led his team as a two way player to the regular season championship. He had a 6-1 record and a 1.14 ERA on the hill while hitting .515 at the dish. In 2008 he went 10-0 and won the clinching game of the Championship that year.

**Kevin is a solid two-way player who will be in the mix at first base as well as on the mound. Being a left handed pitcher he will see a role out of the bullpen while also mixing time at first base with sophomore Willie Carmona. As a freshman he looks back to his high school experience in championships and also his play this fall to make a smooth transition to the D1 college level. Check back weekly to see how Kevin transitions himself to the college game and the impact he has leading to a championship and on.

Looking to bounce back from injury, Kevin will play a big role this season as a two-way player:

Looking back at the 2010 season what can you say defined your year personally as well as a team?

  "Personally my senior year of high school wasn't what I had hoped for. It was a rough year as far as injuries as I dislocated my shoulder and the first game coming back I broke my wrist. But looking at the 2010 Stony Brook season, what a great season it was. Just hearing and seeing how good the team was doing just made me more and more excited about joining the team in 2011. Seeing them winning the 2010 America East Championship was a great task to accomplish."

What did you do this off season to help better yourself for the coming year?

  "This offseason I worked a lot on my hitting and fielding. Coming off my injuries, I had a lot of work to be done especially if I wanted to compete on the Division I level. "

Who do you try to emulate with your game?and why?
  "I try to emulate my game as a first baseman with Albert Pujols. Just the way he shows tremendous leadership on a baseball field and the way he goes about his work, hitting and fielding, no matter what theres always things to work on to make yourself better. On the mound I emulate my game with Mariano Rivera. No matter what situation he is put in, he always finds a way to succeed because of one pitch and confidence. Every MLB hitter knows his cutter is coming and they still cant hit it. "

Do you have any rituals or superstitions?

  "I really dont have any crazy rituals or superstitions. Every morning of the day I pitch I usually eat pancakes and before every game I listen to my ipod."

If you had to advise a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level, what would be the most important thing you would tell them?

  "The most important thing I would tell a younger player or teammate looking to play at a higher level is to always have confidence in yourself. If you get knocked down, get up and try it again. Baseball is a hard game to play, just have fun and always give it your all."

What are your goals for this coming season?

  "My goal for this season as a team is to make it to a regional and beyond that. We have the team to do it and if we get rolling I think it will b very hard to stop us. Personally, i just want to help contribute to the team as much as I can to take us to where we need to be."

What did you take from 2010 do you think will help achieve these goals in 2011?

  "What i took from the 2010 season that will help me achieve my goals for the 2011 season is to just stay healthy and have fun playing the great game of baseball."

What type of non physical prep do you do to get yourself prepared for playing?

  "I like to listen to my ipod as loud as it can possibly go and just stay relaxed and get into the mental mindset that I need to have to have a good game."

When your not playing or training what do you do to get away if you have to? 

  "I like to hangout with my family and friends and when I have a lot of time I like to ski and play football and basketball. " 

Check back again for more player profiles, Alumni Spotlights and More!! 

Alumni Spotlight: Justin Echevarria

To break up the monotony of the daily current player profiles, I would like to take a couple posts to spotlight a few alumni who currently are playing professionally in MLB organizations. I called the segment the Alumni Spotlight and hope you enjoy it.

Justin Echevarria #7

Bio: Justin is a 6'0" 195lb Catcher from Uniondale, NY. He went to Uniondale H.S. and graduated from Stony Brook in 2010 with a degree in Sociology and History. While in high school he played all four years on varsity. As a freshman he was named all-league and earned all-county as a sophomore, junior and senior. He was also the team MVP as a junior and senior, hitting over .400 in all 4 seasons totaling 93 RBI over his H.S. career.
**His college career started slow as his freshman year he saw time in 13 games starting 1 at catcher. Ech slugged .333 and had 2 doubles. He got his first career collegiate hit against New Orleans. Had a season-best 3 runs scored while going 2-6 in a win over Wagner, having good games against Hartford and St.Francis as well.
**In 2007 as a sophomore Ech started 47 games all at catcher. He hit .287 with 21 RBI, 6 doubles and had 11 multi-hit games. His efforts behind the plate were crucial to the teams success, throwing out 24-38 attempted base stealers. He had solid offensive performances throughout the season. Including having 2 hits and 2 runs scored in a win over Maine, a 3-3 game with an RBI against Hartford, had two hits and a run scored against Albany and went 4-4 with a RBI at UMBC. This season earned Justin a spot on the All-America East second team.
**In the championship season of 2008 as a junior Justin started 37 games as a catcher. He hit .333 in three America East tournament games, hitting a walk-off RBI double to beat UMBC 4-3 in the opening round. He had a three-run HR in a win over James Madison and had 2 hits and 3 RBI in a win over Vermont. He led the America East with 17 caught attempted base stealers, and handled an impressive pitching staff along the way to an America East Conference Championship. This season took him and the Seawolves to the Tempe, AZ Regional of the NCAA Tournament hosted by #1 seeded Arizona State. This season Ech was named to the America East All-Tournament team.
**In 2009 Justin went down with a season ending shoulder injury which led to him taking a red-shirt for the year. The team went to the conference tournament and struggled going 2 and out. He hit the rehab hard and looked ahead to the coming 2010 year to bounce back from a tough 2009.
**2010 was a historic season for Stony Brook and Justin helped lead the way playing in 46 games all behind the dish. He hit .291 with 2 HR and 23 RBI. His biggest hits came at the right times especially against NC State at the Myrtle Beach Regional where he had a hit and a RBI in a 6-2 victory, the first NCAA Regional win in Stony Brook history. He threw out 13 of 19 attempted base stealers and was on the Johnny Bench watch list as one of the top catchers in the country. This season earned him second team All-America East honors and he was then drafted in the 40th round by the San Diego Padres in the first year player draft.

Justin catching @ Alabama

Making a tag at home 

***Professionally Justin played last year for the AZL Padres in the Arizona League which is the Rookie Ball level. He saw some time early on and played well behind the plate but only after a few games he broke his jaw and was forced to sit out for the remainder of the season. He continued to work at his game as much as possible during the time he was out and got himself in even better shape then before. He enters this season reporting back to Arizona and should be making his way up the ladder this year. One of the hardest working players I know and a true leader behind the plate Justin  should have no problem succeeding as a Professional baseball player and there will be updates on his status as the season progresses. **

Ech warming up as a member of the AZL Padres

Coming Soon Player Interview With Justin and another Alumni Spotlight on Tommy Koehler!!!