Move over lacrosse; our national pastime is alive and well in Manhasset!

The MHS Varsity baseball team, under the leadership of head coach, Rich Hess and assistant coach, Bruce Minerly, has been performing some of its own magic both on its new home field and on the road. The Indians are currently 8-6, already surpassing last year's win total by two games and they still have seven games remaining.

Junior co-captain, Danny Barnes, was named one of three of Newsday's Nassau County Rising Stars at the start of the season and has more than lived up to this honor. As a pitcher, Barnes has a 4-1 record with a 0.66 ERA and 49 strikeouts and at the plate he has a .535 average with six homeruns. With a 2-2 record and 20 strikeouts, Mike Rubertone has been a major force for the team and; senior Chris Zaccherio, with a 1.05 ERA and a .353 batting average, pitched the team to an important win last week against North Shore High School throwing a one hitter with seven strikeouts. Rounding out the strong pitching staff are Mike Napolitano, freshmen Stephen Madison and Michael Snee, and closer John Avanzino. Catcher, Kyle Gans's, strong arm has consistently shut down the opponents running game.

Offensively, senior co-captain Avanzino, who is heading to Bucknell University next year to play for the Patriot League Bison, is hitting .450 with 12 RBI's while eighth-grader Matt Demitroff, hitting .405, will be a threat to Manhasset opposing pitchers for years to come. Sophomore, Adam Montgomery, hitting .344 in the DH role adds spark to the offense.

Outfielders, Carmine DiGruccio, Gianni Beleddo, Napolitano and Madison, who also plays third, and rookie doubleplay combination, shortstop Chris Martelli and second baseman Demitroff, have been key contributors to Manhasset's improved defense.

When asked about his hopes for the Indians, Coach Hess said,

"Our ultimate goal for the 2006 season is to reach the Nassau County playoffs. The main difference from last season to this season is 2005 was injury-riddled and we have remained healthy for the 2006 season."

On May 13 Manhasset will hold its Annual Day of Baseball with the JV team playing at 12 p.m. and Varsity at 3 p.m. Come out to support the teams and see the new field and scoreboard!