Monday, May 19, 2025
Freeport baseball is laying the foundation for success this spring aided by the rebirth of a crucial feeder program.
For the first time since 2021 Freeport was able to field a JV team, which longtime varsity head coach Roberto Delgado said will help develop younger players for future success on the bigger stage. Former JV head coach Osbandi Nunez, who led the Freeport Middle School team since 2022, is back in his old position which previously helped guide the Red Devils to the playoffs four straight seasons from 2015 to 2018.
“We have been really down with numbers the last four or five years since the pandemic, but I’m really excited for the future of the program with more kids willing to play,” Delgado said. “I’m looking forward to having a good season and reboosting the program.”
For the 2025 season, Delgado has some talent in key positions that he hopes could propel Freeport into the playoffs for the first time since 2018 in a challenging Conference AAA.
Senior Xavier Guardado brings versatility as a starting third baseman who can also pitch when needed. Guardado registered two hits and drove in one run in Freeport’s dominating 12-0 non-league victory at Cold Spring Harbor on March 29.
Joshua Lightburn brings additional veteran leadership to the team as a senior utility player who can play outfield or infield and also pitch out of the bullpen. He registered two hits in the Cold Spring Harbor win.
Junior Frewin Diaz Baez helps lead the pitching staff as a starting catcher in his third season on varsity.
“He has matured a lot and he’s going to help us tremendously,” Delgado said of Diaz Baez, who collected two hits and an RBI in the Cold Spring Harbor win.
The pitching staff gained junior Kelvin Abreu, who got playing time at quarterback on the football team in the fall. Abreu recorded four strikeouts in two scoreless innings of relief work against Cold Spring Harbor.
Freshman Yadiel Sime has also emerged as another pitching option who Delgado said is a capable starter. Sime, who is designated hitter when not on the mound, earned the win against Cold Spring Harbor with three shutout innings and three strikeouts to go along with two hits and three RBIs at the plate.
The Red Devils entered the week at 0-4 in Conference AAA and 1-5 overall with a challenging schedule that included league games against Farmingdale and Port Washington. Freeport is coming off a two-game sweep at the hands of Port Washington, but was competitive in its last game on Monday in an eventual 6-1 loss with the game tied 1-1 in the third inning.
Freeport faces Herricks for two games starting at home Tuesday at 5 p.m. and then hosts Oceanside for another two-game series starting Friday afternoon. The Red Devils also have upcoming conference games against Syosset, Massapequa, Hicksville and Plainview.
“ I am expecting us to win some games and be able to compete,” Delgado said. “We hope we can get a playoff spot.”
