Entering their third season, the Staten Island FerryHawks have assembled their most promising roster yet. The 27-man squad boasts six former Major Leaguers, including Pablo Sandoval, Taylor Motter, and Joe Dunan. Six returnees from last year’s team, which finished with a 49-75 record, add experience and familiarity to the roster. First-year manager Mark Minicozzi brings a wealth of Atlantic League experience to the helm, as do bench coach Aharon Eggleston and pitching coach Johnny Barbato. College of Staten Island head coach Mike Mauro returns for his third season as a volunteer assistant.
The FerryHawks will open their season on the road against the Charleston Dirty Birds on Thursday before returning to St. George for their home opener against Southern Maryland on May 3. Minicozzi expressed confidence in his team’s potential, citing their talent and the support of the Staten Island community. “We’re bringing some pretty good talent to the Island,” he said. “With the facilities we have, the ballpark we have, I think the Staten Island areas deserves to have the best players in this league playing here.”
The projected lineup features Shane Matheny at second base, Taylor Motter at third base, Pablo Sandoval at first base, Joe Dunan as designated hitter, Justin Williams at left field, Jeison Guzman at shortstop, Ben Norman at center field, Robert Brooks at catcher, and Nate Scantlin at right field. Minicozzi emphasized the versatility of his lineup, with several players capable of playing multiple positions.
The pitching rotation includes Christian Capuano, Mike Shawaryn, Aaron Leasher, Tyler Dyson, and Mark Faello. Capuano returns after becoming the first FerryHawks player to win 10 games in a season, while Shawaryn brings Major League experience with the Boston Red Sox. Leasher is the lone left-hander in the rotation. Dyson is returning from injuries, and Faello earned the No. 5 spot after a strong performance in spring training.
Minicozzi plans to use a closer-by-committee approach, with lefties JP Woodward and Bryan Warzek as well as hard-throwers Joe Jones, Bryan McKenna, and Robbie Baker in the mix for saves.
Tickets to the May 3 home opener and all other games are available through the team’s website. Part-owner and team president Eric Shuffler expressed excitement for the upcoming season and invited fans to join the FerryHawks for a summer filled with fun, food, and wins.
