Monday, June 16, 2025
The Copiague baseball season may not have started as coach Ezequiel Hernandez envisioned, but the Eagles (4-7) are refusing to back down. Despite losing a few key players along the way, the team is pressing forward with grit, determination, and a strong sense of unity.
“This season hasn’t gone exactly as planned, but the guys have stepped up and done the job that’s required of them,” Hernandez said. “It’s all about teamwork which is something we’re trying to implement not just in baseball, but in the community as a whole. You can’t achieve greatness without it.”
One of the bright spots has been freshman pitcher Jake Vargas. Bursting onto the varsity scene with a powerful presence on the mound, Vargas has already begun to dominate hitters. Coach Hernandez is mindful of managing his innings carefully to ensure Vargas stays healthy and continues to develop. “He’s got a lot of potential,” Hernandez said. “We want to take care of his arm so he’s strong not just now, but for years to come.”
Junior Aidan Roman is another key contributor this season, demonstrating his versatility as an outfielder, infielder, and pitcher. Roman, who is serving as a team captain, is currently batting .450 with 12 stolen bases and has already earned two wins on the mound. “Aidan is one of those players who can do whatever I need from him,” Hernandez said. “He’s a leader by example and never backs down from a challenge.”
Senior shortstop Adrian Cruz has also been a steady performer, hitting around .400 and providing reliability up the middle. Alongside him, junior second baseman Anthony Peralta has been an essential piece to the Eagles' lineup thanks to his .300 batting average while leading the team in RBIs.
Catching duties have been handled by junior Carlos Gutierrez, who has stepped up to the challenge of becoming the team's starting backstop. “His leadership behind the plate has helped us a lot,” said Hernandez. “It really stabilizes things defensively.”
Copiague is starting to find its rhythm as the season progresses which is something Coach Hernandez expected. “Around this time is when we usually start to click,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see the guys come together.”
Senior outfielder and captain Cesar Fermin embodies the spirit of the program. A leader on the field, in the locker room, and in the classroom, Fermin sets the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete. “Cesar leads by example every day,” said Hernandez. “He’s the kind of player every coach wants in their program.”
Copiague has also been forced to play all its games on the road this season due to renovations to the home field. Despite adding that to a long list of obstacles, the Eagles still found a way to win four straight games in April, including a three-game sweep of Huntington, winning 4-1, 13-5, and an instant classic in the series finale, 15-14 thanks to Vladimir Bautista’s walk-off walk.
The Eagles have three-game sets against Half Hollow Hills East and Smithtown East remaining.
