Island Trees
High School proudly announces the early signing
commitment of senior baseball player Bryan
Verbitsky to Hofstra University. After being
actively recruited by many top Division 1
baseball programs, Bryan decided to stay close
to home and accept a full baseball scholarship
to attend Hofstra and serve as Pride’s left
fielder and closer in 2011.
Bryan
has had a storied career for the Island Trees
baseball program over the past 3 seasons. The
coaching staff recognized Bryan’s passion and
love for baseball in 3rd grade when
he attended many camps and clinics held by the
program and Little League. Bryan also served as
the varsity team’s bat boy while in elementary
school. As a freshman, Bryan was brought up to
the varsity team early in the year and proved he
belonged by hitting .418 with 4 homeruns and 26
RBI’s. He became part of a magical season as the
Bulldogs were League Champions as well 2007
Nassau County Class A Champions. Bryan was named
All-League that season.
In his
sophomore season, Bryan continued his success on
the field, hitting .417 with 6 homeruns and 30
RBI’s while serving as the team’s closer with
his devastating fastball and slider. The
Bulldogs were once again League Champions and
made it to the Class A Semi-Finals in 2008 as
Bryan was selected as an All-County performer.
That summer Bryan was selected to the Empire
State team that represented both Nassau and
Suffolk Counties in the Empire games.
As a
junior, Bryan continued to elevate his game to
even higher levels through dedicated off-season
work. He hit an amazing .457 with 8 Homeruns and
34 RBI’s. On the mound, he evolved into the
Bulldog’s staff ace, compiling an 8-1 record and
1.44 ERA with 80 strikeouts in 63 innings. The
Bulldogs made it all the way to the County
Finals in 2009 where they lost in the third and
final game to Clarke H.S. by a score of 5-4.
Bryan was recognized by the Nassau County
Baseball Coaches Association once again as an
All-County player and received the prestigious
Diamond Award as the best position player in
Nassau County. It was the third time this decade
an Island Trees player has received this award
(Greg Thomson ’02, Joe Vaskas ’07). He also
made 1st team All- New York State as well as
Newsday 1st team All-Long Island.
Entering his senior season this spring, Bryan is
at the top of many Island Trees baseball career
records. He is first in batting average at .432,
second in hits (105), RBI’s (90), homeruns (18),
and runs (93).
According to his coaches, Bryan is that rare
five-tool player who can hit for average, hit
for power, run, throw, and field at a very high
level. They also added that it is no coincidence
that Bryan has been a member of teams that have
won 64 games over the past 3 seasons. His coach
Joe D’Auria added that “you won’t find a more
humble, harder working student athlete than
Bryan. I am fortunate that I still get to coach
him one more season.” In the classroom Bryan
also excels. He takes many honors courses while
maintaining an A average. Coaches and teachers
at Island Trees H.S. recognize Bryan for his
tireless work ethic and excellent attitude. They
also wish him much luck and success at Hofstra
University.
