Thursday, October 1, 2026
Now in his sixth year at the helm, coach Mike Birnbaum has taken Babylon baseball to new heights. Since 2020, the program has grown into one defined by resilience, hard work, and a deep sense of pride.
This spring, the Panthers have continued that legacy, clinching a playoff berth with a stellar 14-3 record despite being challenged by a wave of injuries. Birnbaum credits the team's culture more than any one person. “With or without me, the program goes,” he said. “All of that credit belongs to the players.”
That player driven culture is exemplified by senior captains John Harkins and Aidan Kistner, who have led the Panthers both vocally and by example. Harkins sets the offensive tone in the leadoff spot. Though fellow senior James Rugolo has been sidelined by injury, his presence remains strong in the dugout, a testament to Babylon’s first mindset that defines this group. “Whether it’s on or off the field, they are huge pieces to our team,” said Birnbaum.
Sophomore Jake Ostertag has taken the league by storm, hitting an eye-popping .551 with 4 home runs and a team-leading 30 RBIs. Senior Joe Cavallo has also delivered in a big way, clubbing 3 home runs and driving in 22 runs while also handling closing duties on the mound. “We love having guys like him that can do it all for us,” Birnbaum said.
Behind the plate, senior catcher Gio Rodriguez has provided stability for the pitching staff, while Charlie Murphy has stepped up as a valuable hybrid catcher/outfielder. Brett Coffey adds versatility with the ability to play multiple infield positions. “It really gives us some flexibility with our defensive alignment,” said Birnbaum.
Tobin Gold, who Birnbaum called an excellent fielding first baseman, has lived up to his name, flashing Gold Glove level defense.
On the mound, the staff is anchored by ace senior Gavin McDonnell, who’s been nothing short of dominant. “We love the production we’re getting from him on the mound,” Birnbaum said. “He also has been a nice surprise offensively as well.”
Junior pitcher Owen Killeen has flashed strong potential. “He’s got really good stuff that makes him so tough to hit off,” said Birnbaum. Junior Conor Cavaliere and sophomore Joe Rubendall round out a deep and talented pitching staff. “They both have such high upsides,” added Birnbaum. “They have bright futures in this program for sure.”
Sophomore John Stricoff has proven he can handle all three outfield spots with ease, while senior Mike Bender brings elite athleticism and positional versatility that allows him to contribute all over the diamond.
The Panthers are riding a seven-game winning streak. After taking the series finale over Center Moriches with a 5-4 win on April 19, Babylon has swept back-to-back 3-game series with Mattituck and Port Jefferson, scoring 10-plus runs in four of those wins.
For Birnbaum, his team's success is no accident. “I tip my cap to them,” he said. “They’re hungry, they want to be the best. They come in over the winter, late at night, prepping. They work so hard. You can’t ask for anything else.”
