Marines Begin New Era On The Diamond

It’s a new day in Long Beach, where Jason Zizza takes over as head coach after Carmine Lombardo led the Marines for 37 seasons.

With a new coaching staff and a new philosophy, Long Beach should be a fun team to watch in 2011. The Marines will be competing with Carey, Calhoun, Mepham, Bellmore JFK, and Valley Stream Central in league play. 

Zizza, who is assisted by Marino Bragino, is excited about Long Beach baseball.

“We’re trying to change the culture here at Long Beach,” Zizza said. “We want to create a positive atmosphere in every aspect, from the way we practice, how we carry ourselves on the field, and what we do off the field.” 

Right hander Mickey Silberfeld leads an experienced pitching staff. The senior captain pounds the strike zone and gives his team the opportunity to win when he takes the mound. Silberfeld, who will play middle infield positions when he’s not pitching, will bat third for the Marines. 

Dylan Stamile has a live fastball and throws his curve for strikes. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound senior will play shortstop when he’s not on the hill. Stamile, a gap hitter with the ability to hit the long ball, will hit fourth for Long Beach. 

Senior Kevin LaMontagne is a hard-throwing right hander who spots his changeup well. LaMontagne figures to the Marines’ third starter. Senior Will Schellhorn is also competing for a spot in the rotation. Juniors Danny Mayper and Sal Rusicia will also see time on the mound. 

Senior captain Albert Doerbecker, who recently signed on to play at Maritime College, will handle the majority of the catching duties. Doerbecker is a very good defensive catcher with excellent baseball IQ, as well as a solid contact hitter. Sophomore Matt Firpo will also see time behind the plate for Long Beach. 

Junior Lorenzo Torres is the prototypical leadoff batter and an outstanding centerfielder. Torres is a contact hitter who puts it in play and a pest on the base paths. Rusicia will play left field and hit in the two-hole. 

Phil Aquila moves from the outfield to third base for his senior season. Aquila has worked hard to become a solid glove man at the hot corner. Across the diamond at first is junior Jake Kempinski. 

Bill Foley put a lot of time into conditioning in the off-season and won the second base job. Zizza is looking for big things from Foley at the plate. Senior Brian Whaelen is a strong defensive right fielder.

“We’re taking a day-by-day, game-by-game approach,” Zizza said about his high hopes for his first team. “We’ll be playing an aggressive brand of baseball, and look to make things happen with bunts, stolen bases and timely hitting. We’re very optimistic about the season.”