FRANK RIZZO

frizzo@antonmediagroup.com

In introducing his seniors before the last game of the season, coach Ryan Mulholland noted that the Westbury baseball squad had already accomplished something special this spring.

Its nine wins, he told parents, relatives and friends of the 12th graders playing their swan song,“were the most in 20 years—2003 was the last time they won that many games. And if we win today, it’s our first winning season in over 30 years. It’s a history making group that we have here and we’re really proud of them.”

He spoke of his players’ dedication and commitment, their participation in off-season workouts in the cold winter months. And the seniors, he emphasized, led the way.

However, visiting Valley Stream Central upended Westbury’s aspiration with a 15-8 win on May 10, ending the Green Dragons’ season with a 9-9-1 record. Westbury also finished second in the Countywide II league with a 9-7-1 record.

Nonetheless, Mulholland considers the season a success, and in his second year has turned around the culture of a sport that has underperformed at the school. In 2021, the year before he took over, Westbury finished the season without a win.

Aside from the loss to Valley Stream Central, the season ended on a high note for the Green Dragons. After back-to-back tworun losses to Conference II champ Elmont, Westbury reeled off nine straight wins, toppling Lawrence, Roosevelt and Hempstead successively in three-game series.

Seniors Felipe Zeferino, Christian Hernandez, Hugo Morillo, Zain Sosa, Jonathan Ellis and Ali Bolling were recognized before the last game. Each received an 8x10 photo and a ball signed by all their teammates. Visit www.nassauillustrated. com for a longer story.