The Island Trees Varsity Baseball team is coming off a highly successful 2000 season and the Bulldogs are looking forward to an even bigger year in 2001. Island Trees enters the season as the defending BVI champions, after posting an amazing 20-1 record. The team reached the Nassau County semifinals last season, before being ousted by eventual State Champion Garden City. The Bulldogs are returning 11 seniors from last season's varsity squad. These seniors will be asked to anchor a very talented and playoff tested team.

Offense - The Bulldogs are led by All-State center fielder Greg Thomson. The power hitting lefty was runner-up for the Diamond Award (awarded to the best player in Nassau County.) Greg posted a county best .589 batting average, smacked seven homeruns and knocked in 54 runs. All-County designated hitter, Ryan Pastore hit .472 with 29 RBIs last season and will provide tremendous leadership. Senior catcher, Joe Iglio returns for his fourth season on the varsity level. Iglio's presence behind the plate is vital to the defense of the Bulldogs. The righty-swinging catcher also hit .332 and knocked in 29 runs. Iglio is known as a timely hitter, as shown by his tremendous playoff homerun against Valley Stream South. All-County senior second baseman Chris Mason also returns for his third year as a Bulldog. Chris set a school record with 39 runs scored last season. Mason enters his senior year with a career .400 batting average. Michael Cavalcante, a senior right fielder and pitcher, returns after a fine junior season. Michael is known for his cannon-like arm from the outfield. He exploded on the scene offensively last season by hitting .397 with three homeruns and 28 runs batted in. All-League left fielder Dan Beale stole 14 bases last season and hit .302. The third baseman is junior Matt Ostrowski. Last season Matt provided some pop with his bat and some splendid play at third. Slick fielding by Michael Thompson was an All-League selection, providing amazing defense that has not been seen at Island Trees in years. At first base, the Bulldogs will return seniors Tom Lombardi and Chris Schnepp. Tom Lombardi possesses tremendous offensive potential and Chris Schnepp provides the team with consistency.

Pitching - The Island Trees pitching staff will be anchored by junior Michael Thompson. The staff is a mixture of savvy veterans and talented youths. Thompson enjoyed a stellar sophomore season going 6-1 with a staff leading 1.67 ERA. Lefty Michael Cavalcante returns to add stability and maturity on the mound. The coaching staff is looking for a big year from Cavalcante. Lefty knuckleballer Bryan Mercer adds another dimension to this hard throwing staff. He combines experience and a wide array of pitches to keep opposing hitters off stride. Sophomore John Zarrelli won a spot on the varsity staff with a tremendous spring.

Additions -Sophomore Rob Giovi is a smooth fielding middle infielder who will also provide speed and offensive punch. Juniors Chris Caltabiano, Jeremy Small, Pat Iannone and Chris Lorenzini will provide much needed depth to the Bulldog roster.