Calhoun baseball begins title defense

It’s going to be difficult for Calhoun to match last year’s success on the baseball diamond, but that’s not stopping the Colts from trying.

Calhoun captured Nassau and Long Island Class A titles in 2022 in thrilling fashion. It faced elimination four times in the county playoffs and rallied from an early two-run deficit in the decisive Game 3 of the Class A championship series to beat Clarke for its first crown since 2012.

The Colts then defeated Rocky Point for the LIC and bring back a bunch of key pieces from their state Final Four roster, including postseason stars Matt Kalfas (6-for-7 in wins over Clarke) and Ryan Pucella (3-for-3, two RBIs against Rocky Point.)

“We’ve had a special athletic year, arguably the best in school history,” baseball coach Art Canestro said. “It’s a credit to all the student-athletes and coaching staffs. What we accomplished last season is very difficult to do. There are so many great programs in Class A.”

The top five hitters in the Colts’ lineup are back in the fold: Joey Goodman, Kalfas, Charlie Imhof, Pucella and Jordan Babbo.

“The kids have a good attitude and are working just as hard,” Canestro said. “We know teams are going to play against us like it’s the World Series, regardless of who came back and who graduated.”

Kalfas, who is bound for Fairfield University, is All-County in three sports (volleyball and basketball) and serves as Calhoun’s No. 1 pitcher and No. 2 batter. “He’s a tough out at the plate and he’s got a lively arm with movement and speed on pitches,” Canestro said. “When he puts it all together, he’s really difficult to play against.”

Kalfas, who plays outfield on non-pitching days, heads a rotation that’ll be deep but also undecided for quite some time, Canestro said. Babbo, Sean DiPaola, Aaron Small, PJ Kakalos and Danny Goodman are all in the mix to start and provide quality relief. “They all throw the ball well, it’s just a matter of figuring out how to use everyone,” the coach noted.

Pucella comes off an excellent year behind the plate and is also the clean-up hitter. “He does a great job handling the staff and has been calling pitches,” Canestro said.

Imhof returns at third base and bats third. He got 2023 off with a bang, homering and driving in six runs in Calhoun’s big victory over Long Beach. “Charlie has potential to be one of the top hitters on Long Island,” Canestro said.

Joey Goodman, a junior, returns in the leadoff spot and center field. His speed is a serious factor and he sets the tone for the Colts’ aggressiveness on the bases.

Babbo is a spray-hitting first baseman and likely to get plenty of RBI opportunities with the talent in front of him. Senior Brian Sanchez takes over at shortstop and is off to a hot start with the stick, also driving in six runs in the opener. Kakalos got the win in the opener and will play second base when he’s not on the mound.

“We’re striving to be as consistent as we can be,” Canestro said.