Friday, May 16, 2025
Anthony Barbieri knew the Malverne baseball team would have its growing pains this year, making the move up from the Countywide division to Nassau Conference A-2, battling the likes of perennial powerhouses Seaford and Plainedge.
He planned on leaning on core returning pieces in outfielders Brian Major and Frankie Brienza to help the transition. But those plans changed when both seniors were lost for the season before the first pitch.
“The game is definitely sped up on the players more than I think I could have anticipated,” Barbieri said. “But we’ve been making the adjustments, and it’s been giving other guys opportunities. It’s just been that next man up.”
The schedule makers did the Mules (1-6, 0-6) no favors either, with Malverne opening up against both Seaford and Plainedge following a 12-5 non-league win at Hewlett. They were swept in both three-game series, but Barbieri saw gradual improvement from the league opener on April 1 against the Vikings to the April 17 defeat at the Red Devils.
“Nothing is going to ever come easy,” Barbieri said. “There’s always going to be the growing pains, and I'm just very happy with the progress. It’s a long season, and I’m hoping by the time we get to North Shore and Locust Valley coming up, we should see more competitive games and everything slows down.”
Barbieri has been impressed with the relief pitching, especially from senior Ethan DeJesus, who has already eclipsed his innings pitched from his junior season.
“He’s really stepped up and he’s been able to bridge the gap, allowing us to finish games,” Barbieri said. “He’s always on the attack, and he’s not intimidated by anybody. When he’s on the field, he thinks he’s the best pitcher, no matter who we’re facing.”
Joshua Ferreira, a senior who was on junior varsity a year ago, has been important as that bridge gap to soak up the middle innings.
“The consistency from him has been huge because he throws decently hard,” Barbieri said. “He wasn’t consistent before, but it seems like he’s putting that together this year.”
At the plate, senior Aaron Munoz, who has changed his swing this season, has led the way, batting .306 with an RBI. Sophomores Jason Miletic, a transfer from Holy Trinity, and Dominik Izzo have also impressed at the top of the order.
“They’re both grinding at bats in the second and third spot in the order, and they're able to work quality at bats,” Barbieri said. “They’re not striking out as often, they’re putting the ball in play, which is huge because when you put the ball in play, anything can happen, and it gives our team an opportunity to try and get on base.”
And starting shortstop Tommy Brown has done a great job defensively in his first year on varsity.
“I know he’s only going to get better as he continues to grow, get stronger, and the future is really bright for him,” Barbieri said. “I’m extremely impressed with how he’s handled this huge adjustment.”
