Background: Earlier this week, I emailed Coach Zider to ask if he would be willing to do an interview, as well as several players on the team. The players had already responded, and I planned to interview them after school. Since Coach Zider was available at a different time, I emailed him the questions instead. I also contacted several players, including seniors Darrell Sanchez, Alex Wayne, Aiden McCullough, and Ewerson Borges, along with sophomore Elijah McCullough.

Here at Amityville Memorial High School, the baseball program has faced challenges over the past several decades. The team endured a 126-game losing streak that stretched from 2015 until the 2023-24 season. However, that season marked a turning point for the program.

The 2023-24 team finally broke the streak and earned a long-awaited victory. For a team that had gone years without a win, the moment was unforgettable. Since then, the program has continued to improve.

The 2024-25 team was one of the strongest baseball teams Amityville has fielded in years, finishing with a 12-5 record and nearly winning its league. Although the team lost several key players to graduation, many talented athletes remain. The Warriors have worked harder than ever as they prepare to compete in League 6, one of the most competitive leagues in Suffolk County. Amityville was moved up after proving that it could compete and win consistently.

Interview with Head Coach Jack Zider

1. What are your goals for this season?

Coach Zider said that his goals are to improve in every aspect of the game, attract more students to the baseball program, and win games.

“Mostly, I want the kids to have fun playing this sport.”

2. What are your expectations for the team this year, and how would you describe it?

Coach Zider described the team as talented and respectful.

“This is a brilliant team. The players have a lot of talent and respect for one another. Many of them have been together for a long time, and they’re hungry to win.”

He emphasized that while winning is important, his main focus is on player development and enjoyment.

“If they win, they win. If they lose, they lose. The most important thing for me is that they have fun and improve as individuals.”

3. How challenging will the competition be this year?

Coach Zider acknowledged the difficulty of competing in League 6.

“This year is going to be challenging because League 6 has been one of the most competitive leagues in Suffolk County for years. Last season, the teams were constantly beating each other. There wasn’t a huge gap between them.”

4. As head coach, are you mentally and physically prepared for the season?

Coach Zider said he is ready for the challenge.

“I’m mentally prepared because I’m excited for this season. These kids are amazing. Physically, I’m feeling well. I just have a little issue with my shoulder, but it’s perfectly fine.”

Interview with the Seniors

I also interviewed four senior leaders on the team: Aiden McCullough, Alex Wayne, Darrell Sanchez, and Ewerson Borges.

1. How did you prepare for the challenges of this season?

Darrell Sanchez, Alex Wayne, and Aiden McCullough explained that they joined the track team and attended offseason workouts to improve their speed and athleticism.

“We’re all a lot faster now and more flexible in the way we move.”

Ewerson Borges participated in a pitching program over the summer to improve his skills on the mound.

All four players worked hard to improve areas of weakness and prepare for the upcoming season.

2. How do you want to be remembered at AMHS?

The players shared a similar answer.

“We want to be remembered as guys who loved baseball and proved that we were capable of winning games.”

3. Are you mentally and physically prepared for this season?

All four seniors answered confidently.

“Yes. We all worked hard over the summer to be ready for this season, and we’re still working hard because this is our last season.”

Looking Ahead

These seniors are determined to leave their mark on the program. Through hard work, dedication, and leadership, they hope to continue the progress that Amityville baseball has made over the past few seasons.

As the season continues, the Warriors will need support from the school community. If the team’s recent success is any indication, Amityville baseball is heading in the right direction.