Weather Disrupts 2026 Bryan Bonin Grand Slam Challenge; Rosters Revealed

The 19th annual Bryan Bonin Grand Slam Challenge, a highlight for the Long Island baseball community, has been rescheduled due to anticipated inclement weather. Originally planned for Monday, June 22, at 7 p.m., the event will now take place on Tuesday, June 23, at the same time and venue: Farmingdale State College. The decision was made in the best interest of all involved, as stated by Long Island Lutheran coach Shaun Manning: “We felt it was in the best interest of all involved to move the game. The weather is expected to move out and clear for a night game on Tuesday.”

This prestigious event, named in 2023 in honor of Bryan Bonin, a beloved former Commack varsity baseball coach, holds deep significance. Bonin tragically passed away at the age of 33 in January 2022 after a courageous battle with melanoma. The Grand Slam Challenge annually showcases senior baseball talent from Nassau, Suffolk, and the NSCHSAA all-star teams following the state championships. To support Bonin’s enduring legacy, there is a $10 donation per ticket, with all proceeds directly benefiting the Bryan Bonin Scholarship Fund, which provides financial support for scholarships or assists families facing similar challenges.

Adding to the excitement, the annual event will also feature a home run derby, scheduled to commence at 5:30 p.m. Seven skilled competitors are set to participate in this pre-game spectacle: CJ Alfano (St. Anthony’s), Jaden Valdez (Kellenberg), Mason Miles (East Hampton), Bobby Wescott (Plainedge), Jacob Vaccariello (St. Anthony’s), Mike Rayburn (Center Moriches), and Brody Tellier (Sayville).

The roster for the SUFFOLK ALL-STARS includes catchers Shane Meehan (Sayville), Jeff Gregor (Pierson), and Roman Dixon (Hauppauge). The infield comprises Max Rayburn (Center Moriches), DJ Filippone (Connetquot), Keegan McElligott (St. John the Baptist), Ethan St. Jean (Hills West), Tucker Brown (Hauppauge), Jagger Adamo (Connetquot), Connor Kenefick (West Islip), Brady McGowan (Eastport-South Manor), and Brody Tellier (Sayville). Outfielders are Luke Rebore-Costanzo (Center Moriches), Aidan Roman (Copiague), CJ Alfano (St. Anthony’s), and Jake Zabbara (Mount Sinai). The pitching staff features Dylan Cogliano (Smithtown East), Brendan Seddio (Newfield), Ricky Nunez (Lindenhurst), Jacob Vaccariello (St. Anthony’s), Aidan Casey (St. John the Baptist), Brendan Rivera (Longwood), Luke Coats (St. Anthony’s), Dan Gilroy (Center Moriches), and Michael Buonaguro (Centereach).

Guiding the Suffolk team are Coaches Paul Gibson Jr. (Center Moriches), Jarad Vollkemmer (Center Moriches), Matt Salmon (Commack), Paul Parsolano (St. Anthony’s), Ryan Dalton (St. John the Baptist), and Greg Naccari (St. Anthony’s – game statistician).

The NASSAU ALL-STARS roster boasts catchers Jayden Gaghan (Plainedge), Charlie Lods (South Side), and Anthony DiNello (Massapequa). Infielders are Jayden Valdez (Kellenberg), Bobby Wescott (Plainedge), Ryan Tullo (Wantagh), Mike Calapai (Plainedge), Mark Vera (Carey), and Jaden Alvarez (Holy Trinity). Dylan Santucci (Syosset) is the Designated Hitter. The outfield consists of Matt Kurz (Clarke), Jayden Gigante (Carey), Matt Garib (Long Island Lutheran), Jack Murphy (Garden City), and Caden Erker (Massapequa). The pitching talent includes Matt Muzikant (Long Island Lutheran), Taylor Nitsch (Plainedge), Joe Carey (Garden City), Tyler Scarry (Division), Carlos Pereira (Chaminade), Kevin Prosceo (Kellenberg), Casey Quinn (Wheatley), James Beckworth (Clarke), Will Lynn (Bethpage), and Jack Scannapieco (Massapequa).

Leading the Nassau team are Coaches Colin Fratrik (Plainedge), Mike Gattus (Bellmore JFK), David Izzo (Garden City), Shaun Manning (Long Island Lutheran), and Rich Hess (Valley Stream South).