Season Preview: Mamaroneck Baseball

Mamaroneck will go for an unprecedented third straight Class AA baseball state championship this season, and it won't be easy. The Tigers, ranked 26th nationally by Baseball America, return just one starter and already lost preseason first-team All-America Mike Rosenfeld.

"We have big targets on us as two-time defending state champs," coach Mike Chiapparelli said. "To try and make our ranking stand up we're going to have to step up."

Rosenfeld, who hit .450 with four home runs and 30 RBI in 60 at-bats last season, had Tommy John surgery last week and will be out for the season.

The only returning starter is Sam Gruppo, the No. 1 pitcher and left fielder who hit .289 with 18 RBI last year. But after sitting behind an exceptional group of upperclassmen last season, this year's group of seniors — who went 21-2 on the junior varsity two year ago — is ready for its time in the spotlight.

Centerfielder Jordan Zelin has a good arm and will sit atop the lineup. Hitting second is middle infielder Dean Chiapparelli, a late call-up last season who batted .530 and provides power from the left side.

Scott Hagan, who will pitch and play rightfield, had 15 home runs last year in his high school and summer seasons and will join with Gruppo in the heart of the lineup.

The No. 5 spot could be filled by Ryan Gerspach, a lefty with a great curve and changeup. He will be the No. 2 pitcher.

A couple of big power hitters follow — 6-foot-2, 230-pound Richard Dropkin at designated hitter, and 6-foot-4 first baseman Andy Sickles.

The eighth spot could go to catcher Mikey Ron, who was 7-1 as the starting catcher last year before pulling his hamstring. He is in a position battle with Jordan Katz. Batting ninth is sophomore middle infielder Matt Pizansky.

Filling out the rotation is righthander Greg Denyssenko, who has great control and moves the ball around the plate well. The closer is durable righty Bobby Gross.

"He's everyday Bobby," Chiapparelli said. "He can go 5-6 outs and come back the next day."

The Tigers will be challenged from the start — they play four games in Fort Lauderdale, then face Centennial (Md.) before traveling to Albany.

After completing that portion of the schedule, Mamaroneck will turn its attention to doing something else the program has never accomplished — winning a fourth straight league title. Mamaroneck has won three straight league titles five times.

"That's the challenge," Chiapparelli said. "It's not easy to dominate four years straight."