Interim head coach Joey DiPiazza begins his first year with the Vikings baseball squad. Coming off a 2011 conference championship, the Vikings return only two players from last season's roster. Team captains and lone returners Joe Amorosi (Schalmont/Rotterdam) and Sean Geisel (Guilderland/Guilderland) will help patrol the infield, and both are expected to get on base and produce runs in the lineup.
Hudson Valley brings in a wealth of talent at the pitcher position in Dennis Buckley (Christian Brothers Academy/Colonie), Paolo LaPietra (Albany Academy/Troy), Jesse Levine (Monticello/Monticello), Josh Temple (Cohoes/Cohoes), Bryan Martel (Milford/Milford, NH), Michael Brienza (Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake/Ballston Lake), and Nicholas Viola (Niskayuna/Scotia). Each will be expected to contribute as a starter or out of the bullpen throughout the season.
Incoming freshman Alex Lushkevich (Saratoga Springs/Saratoga Springs) will start at shortstop and bat in the leadoff spot. Catcher John Craig (Shenendehowa/Clifton Park) will bat clean up and provide some power in the lineup, while the versatility of Andrew Kozak (Sidney/Sideny) to play all three outfield positions and pitch will earn him extended innings on the field.