Growing pains for Elmont
The barometer for success on the high school baseball field is measured by more than wins and losses. While the Spartans haven’t found the win column as of yet in 2010, Elmont, a team laden with underclassmen, appears to be building a program that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Coach Robert Gates is pleased with the progress. “We have a very young team, so there are growing pains,” Gates said. “The young players have really stepped up in terms of dedication. They played together in the fall, worked out all winter at Cove Baseball Academy, and have dedicated themselves to getting better. There are plenty of positives.”
Despite opening the season with seven consecutive losses, the Spartans have received solid starting pitching. Sophomore Ricardo Tross has been the most effective member of the staff. Tross, who Gates refers to as the hardest worker on the team, showed tremendous progress in scrimmages, and pitched brilliantly in a loss to first-place Roslyn. Tross has also been getting done at the plate.
Fellow sophomore Enrique Sanchez is another reason for hope on the diamond. Sanchez has also pitched well, but hasn’t received much support for the defense. Junior Kevin Santiago has been the workhorse. Santiago has made three starts, and was called in from the pen on two occasions. He’s also had success at bat. Reliever Alvaro Pimentel is Elmont’s hardest thrower. The sophomore outfielder is leading the team in RBI.
Senior captain David Lugo, a four-year starter behind the plate for Elmont, has been solid defensively, and is hitting just under .350 for the season. First baseman Chris Alexander, also a senior captain, has done a great job at bat and in the field.
The third of Elmont’s senior tri-captains, Jason Sotalin, has been solid in center field. Junior outfielder Thomas Caraballo, who is likely the team’s best athlete, has made some nice strides. Senior Roberto Santiago, who returns after missing all of 2009 with a knee injury, has hit the ball well. Santiago has been serving as the team’s designated hitter.
Gates, who is assisted by Dave Spinnato, is high on Danny Aguilo. The freshman shortstop has been Elmont’s top defensive infielder, and has been tough to strike out. “Danny has given us more than we expected from a freshman,” Gates said. “He’s a real tough, heady player. Danny is quickly becoming a vocal on the infield. He has a nice future on the baseball field.”
There are brighter times ahead for the Spartans, who have played the toughest part of their Conference A-III schedule. “Being a young team, I knew we’d be challenged at the plate,” Gates. “The pitching has been good, but the defense has been a little disappointing. If the guys stay dedicated, I’m very confident that we can build the program up.”
On April 30, the Spartans will play a non-league game with district rival Carey at 4:30 p.m. on the campus of St. John’s University.
