Thursday, October 1, 2026
Amityville baseball may be off to a challenging 0–6 start, but inside the program, belief hasn’t wavered. Under coach Jack Zider, the Tide are embracing adversity as part of a bigger journey, one defined not just by wins and losses, but by growth, resilience, and unity.
“They’re staying positive,” Zider said. “If you’re not doing that, then you’re not doing it right.”
That mindset has been tested early. Amityville returned to a more competitive league this season, facing programs with recent championship pedigrees. For many players, especially seniors seeing some of these opponents for the first time, it has been a wake up call. The level of competition has been relentless, with the Tide already matching up against elite arms, including pitchers from Kings Park committed to Division I programs like UConn and Rutgers.
“Our schedule is very tough,” Zider said. “We’ve moved back up into our natural placement, and the guys are learning that when you go up against top talent, the stakes are high.”
Despite the record, effort has never been in question. Zider calls this group one of the hardest working teams he’s coached. The roster features six seniors and no freshmen, along with a strong core of five sophomores who are already making an impact. Leadership has also stood out, with veteran players taking younger teammates under their wing and fostering a culture of accountability and support.
At the forefront is co-captain Aidan McCullough, a four-year varsity starter committed to St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn. McCullough has been a steady force at the plate, reaching base in every game so far this season. “He’s a dream to coach,” Zider said.
Fellow co-captain Alex Waye has also been a key contributor. The returning All-County pitcher built a dominant junior season, posting 38 strikeouts over 18 innings with a 1.87 ERA. He picked up right where he left off, allowing just one earned run over four innings on opening day against Mt. Sinai.
Versatility is another strength for the Tide, embodied by Darell Sanchez. A Queens College commit, Sanchez contributes as a center fielder, catcher, and occasional pitcher. Though not a captain, he’s widely viewed as a team leader, and his presence will be difficult to replace next year. He’s already added a home run to his resume.
Senior Ewerson Borges-Fernandez, who hit over .400 last year, continues to provide offensive production, while sophomore Elijah McCullough is emerging as both a talented player and a high character presence. Another sophomore, Cole DeBruin, brings energy and grit to second base, serving as a vocal leader in the dugout despite his smaller stature.
Meanwhile, junior Justice Wright has impressed defensively in left field, contributing to a team that continues to sharpen its fundamentals.
The players themselves pushed to return to this more competitive league, motivated by the opportunity to qualify for the playoffs. While the adjustment has been difficult, their belief remains strong.
“They still believe that they belong,” Zider said. “Now it’s about figuring out how to translate that belief into performance.”
If the early season has proven anything, it’s that the Tide won’t back down. With a committed core, emerging young talent, and a coach who believes in their potential, Amityville is determined to turn lessons into results.
“They’re going to figure it out,” Zider said. “I know they will.”
