The All-League star from Connetquot has decided to stay close to home to continue his career.
First baseman Michael Empaynado has committed to play baseball next season for St. Joseph's College on their Long Island campus.
Empaynado, or "Taco" as he is known led Connetquot to the Class AAA County Championships this season. They won the Suffolk County championship for the first time since 2019.
His season stats were outstanding as he finished with 20 games played. Over those 20 games he put up a .446 average, going 29 for 65. His on base percentage showed that he could also take a walk and get on base with 11 walks to push his OBP to .513. His power was also a calling card as his OPS (on base plus slugging) was 1.036 and he also drove in 22 runners in just 20 games.
St. Joe's baseball enjoyed a 25-17 record last season going an impressive 15-5 in division play. The went to the Skyline Conference Championship Tournament but fell short of a title.