The Island Trees varsity baseball team looks forward toward an exciting and successful 2003 campaign. The Bulldogs are three time defending League Champions, and would like to continue their winning tradition and commitment to excellence. The team graduated two-time All-County player, Michael Thompson, as well as All-County third baseman, Matt Ostrowski. Island Trees also graduated three time All-State player, and Diamond Award winner, Greg Thomson. The 2003 Bulldogs are a young, but experienced team that will compete in a tough league that pits them against teams such as Clarke, Bethpage, Valley Stream South, Mineola and Roslyn.

Pitching - The pitching staff will rely heavily on senior, John Zarrelli, an All-Conference selection in 2002. Zarrelli was 4-0 last season, and has a career record of 10-1. He allowed only 25 hits and 10 walks in 35 innings in 2002. He also struck out 42 hitters and had a very respectable ERA of 2.40. A host of juniors will round out the rest of the Island Trees staff. Hard throwing, Anthony Rinaldi looks to fill a spot in the rotation, and Bryan Dirr, a crafty right-hander has also been impressive during the spring. The rest of the staff will be filled by Matt Rottkamp, Tom Leonick, Anthony Thompson, and durable senior middle reliever, Chauncey "everyday" Garcia.

Infield - The Bulldogs return 3 year varsity second baseman, Rob Giovi, and shortstop, Anthony Thompson will return for his third year on varsity. Thompson was an All-Conference player last season by hitting .386 with 2 HRs and 20 RBIs. Anthony Rinaldi returns to third base after hitting .340 as a sophomore last year. Rinaldi was an All-League choice in 2002. Juniors Matt Rottkamp and Tom Leonick will round out a tight defensive unit around the horn. Senior catcher Chris Hoebler will offer leadership behind the plate, along with sophomore Ilker Ucaner.

Outfield - Senior All-Conference performer, Chauncey Garcia returns to lead an experienced bunch in the outfield. Garcia hit an amazing .489, scored 26 runs and drove in 15 from the leadoff spot a year ago. Juniors Bryan Dirr and Matt Sinisi will round out the last line of defense for the Bulldogs.

Roster - Rounding out the Bulldog roster are seniors Dan Clarke and Pat "Hardcore" Naughton. Juniors Peter Schillizzi, Michael Courtney, Mike Garcia, Andrew Greges and George Fotedis will add depth to the Island Trees club. The Bulldogs will also welcome back former Island Trees standout, John Pandolfi to the coaching staff.

As always the varsity baseball team at Island Trees will count on the tremendous support of the community and parents in anticipation of a successful 2003 season.

The Island Trees baseball club got off to a fine start last week by winning three straight non-league games.

The Bulldogs opened their season on Wednesday, April 4 by hosting the Lynbrook Owls. Island Trees got tremendous pitching from senior John Zarrelli and shutout Lynbrook 5-0. Chauncey Garcia got the Bulldogs off to a fast start with a leadoff double in the bottom of the first inning. After a groundout, Garcia scored on a single by Bryan Dirr. Dirr led the Island Trees offense with 2 hits and 2 RBIs. The star of the game was Zarelli. He allowed only 2 hits and struck out 11, while not issuing a single walk. Zarrelli improved his career record to 11-1.

On Friday, April 4, the Bulldogs defeated Bellmore JFK, 13-2 on an absolute frigid day. The temperature may have been cold, but the Bulldog bats were certainly hot. Once again the Bulldogs got off to a fast start by scoring five5 times in the top of the first inning. Rob Giovi singled in two runs and then Anthony Thompson capped the 5 run rally with a tremendous home run to straight away centerfield. Anthony Rinaldi added a two run double in the second and the Bulldogs never looked back. Thompson, Giovi and Rinaldi combined for six hits and 11 RBIs on the day. Bryan Dirr pitched five innings for his first varsity win. The game was shortened to five innings due to darkness.

On Saturday, April 5, Island Trees hosted the Seahawks of Carey at 11 a.m. Anthony Rinaldi pitched the Bulldogs to a 9-0 shutout. The win was his first on the varsity. Rinaldi allowed only 1 hit and two walks in the complete game victory; he also struck out 13. Bryan Dirr, Rob Giovi and Anthony Thompson each had two hits to lead the Island Trees offense. The Bulldogs broke open a close game by scoring five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Island Trees has a bye during the April 7 to April 12 week, and will begin league play on April 14 at home against Bethpage.