The Mineola High School Varsity Baseball team has, as just about everyone else on Long Island, been looking with longing, with anticipation, with thirst toward spring.

After all, baseball is an outdoor sport. But, the first two weeks of practice were confined to the school gymnasium. Head baseball coach Helms Bohringer enters his 10th season with the Mustangs. With his defending conference A-6 champs, Bohringer welcomes back a "nice core of seniors, with a mix of talented juniors," as the coach put it. In detailing his returners, Bohringer had this to say:

Mike Destefano, OF-P, returning all-county, led the team in batting, looking to play college ball.

Tom Ownes, CF, returning all-county, led the team in RBIs, clutch hitter, excellent range.

Mike Bencivenga, catcher, solid player who does a good job with our pitching staff.

Derek Webber, SS, third year on varsity, very smooth fielder, can hit for power.

Pat Gaffney, 3B, played a tremendous 3B last year, above average fielder, excellent leader.

Tiago Rodrigues, P-OF, our #1 pitcher last year as a sophomore, this is his time to showcase himself, good fastball and change-up, plays outfield when he's not pitching.

Billy Campagna, P-2B, closer for us last year, saved three games, keeps the ball down and is a competitor.

The coach also listed the following juniors among his hot newcomers to the squad: Kevin Tiseo, OF-1B-P; Mike Santopetro, P-OF; Nelson Lopes, infield, John Cloghessy, 1B-P; John Rovegno, 2B.

Bohringer says with this year's team, "We're looking to repeat as league champs and go play more than two games in the playoffs. We're in a different conference this year, and I'm not familiar with many of the players." The coach pointed to defending Nassau County Class B Champion North Shore as the toughest opponent on the schedule.