Glen Cove refuels and refocuses

Following a season where the Big Red baseball team finished an even 10-10 within the Nassau Conference A-III, Glen Cove looks to focus on the little nuances of the game to help propel it towards a successful season.

Losing two highly skilled seniors, the Big Red is looking to instill a new identity under new team leaders. According to head coach Jon Dolecki, the early-season focus is simply working on all-around facets of the game and sticking to the fundamentals.

“We’re focusing on the little things that are going to make this team better,” Dolecki said. “Moving runners around, pitchers throwing strikes, and swinging a good bat.”

Glen Cove entered the season without two of its most productive players last year in the form of Jonathan Capobianco, a pitcher and third basemen now playing for LIU Post, and Guy Famaletti, a pitcher on the bump for the University of New Haven.

Nevertheless, the team looks towards two returning players from last year’s roster to help bring continued success. First, senior catcher Ryan Shannon, recently voted to Long Island’s Top 100 high school baseball players and an All-Division honors recipient last year, will look to lead this team throughout the year. When asked if there was any individual that would stand out and possibly be a vocal leader amongst the players, Dolecki said “It would have to be Shannon. He’s been a three-year starter for us. I would say him (Shannon).” The senior will also look to build off his uncanny .412 batting average sustained last season. Senior dual-threat Victor Cintron, a pitcher and outfielder, will look to be a go-to rotational starter for the Big Red while also being integral in the team’s defensive unit when placed in the outfield.

Rounding out the rotation will be Cameron Fillipone and Michael Capobianco. Fillipone, the No. 3 starter for the Big Red and a starting first baseman as well, will be looked upon to contribute offensively. Capobianco, a shortstop on days where he isn’t on the mound, will also look to make an impact both on the offensive and defensive side. Second basemen Robert Rizzo also looks to enter his name into a consistent offensive conversation this spring.

Blessed with a wealth of guys who can hurl the ball, Glen Cove also has a few relief pitchers capable of working the squad out of jams. Juniors Robert McCarthy and Jared Venekas are poised for a solid year in relief under Dolecki’s tutelage, with Shannon at the back of the bullpen set to close for the program.

Although focused on the current team’s success, Dolecki, a mainstay in Glen Cove, also appreciates seeing his former players grow within the community. “The best part about seeing them grow, my past players, is watching them go on and become adults and become very successful in life.”

Glen Cove faces conference rivals South Side, Wantagh (defending state champion), Division, Plainedge and Bethpage three times apiece.