West Hempstead reaches .500

For decades, baseball officials and coaches in Nassau County have debated, sometimes heatedly, as to whether or not structuring leagues based on ability is a solution to one-sided scores or a detriment to the growth of programs. 

The idea of placing struggling teams in a league of their own, where winning is not the ultimate objective, and the focus is supposed to be geared toward growth and development of the program, led to the creation of the Nassau Countywide League.

West Hempstead baseball has had its ups and downs over the years. It has had success in the developmental league, only to struggle mightily upon returning to enrollment-based competition and find itself back in the Countywide League.

Under first-year head coach Chris DeMarzo, the Rams rebounded from a slow start and won 13 ball games in 2017. Like everyone else on Long Island, the brutal winter kept the boys in the gym rather than on the diamond a bit longer than usual this year, but West Hempstead is starting to heat up.

The Rams are 4-4 in league play, and recently posted a 14-2 victory over a Roosevelt team that is among the strongest in the conference. Brendon Williams, who earned his second victory, was brilliant on the mound for the Rams. The freshman southpaw went the distance and struck out 10 batters.

DeMarzo likes the direction of the program. “We really have a great bunch of guys and the morale is terrific,” DeMarzo said. “The guys can’t wait to get on the field every day. They’re really getting it done at the plate and on the base paths. We’re trying to build up the middle school and junior varsity teams, and the coaches are doing an excellent job. I’m exceptionally proud of the work that’s being put in at all levels.”

West Hempstead has been getting contributions from its entire lineup, with Nick Duran, who is hitting .375, and Josh Morel (.325) setting the tone at the top of the order. Catcher Ross Schimmenti, who hits third in the order, has pop in his bat and knack for reaching base, giving the hard-hitting Williams, the team leader in RBI, a slew of opportunities to knock in runs.

Mark Pooran has been effective on the mound and has hit well for the Rams. Williams has been pretty much all that DeMarzo was expecting.

“Despite only being a freshman, Brendon is pitching like an ace,” DeMarzo said. “He’s commanding the corners, being economical, mixing in a wicked slider, and pounding the zone with his fastball. He has tremendous potential and he’s showing it.”

DeMarzo is happy with the play of Ryan Charles and the tremendous effort he’s getting from senior Nick Guarascio. Kevin Corcoran has played a stellar third base for the Rams.

West Hempstead will be back in action at home when Friends Academy comes to town on May 1 at 4:30 p.m.