Wantagh's Gavin Diegnan wins Joe Corea Award, given to top two-way baseball player in Nassau
Gavin Diegnan of Wantagh poses for a portrait after winning the Joe Corea Diamond Award at the Nassau County Baseball Coaches Dinner on Wednesday. Credit: James Escher
A year ago, Gavin Diegnan was a part-time pitcher still finding his swing. This spring, he emerged as one of the most dangerous two-way players in Nassau baseball.
The Wantagh senior capped his stunning rise by winning the Joe Corea Diamond Award for the top two-way player in the county Wednesday night at the Nassau Baseball Awards Dinner at the Uniondale Marriott, the finale of a spectacular season where he dominated on the mound and at the plate.
“This award was made for him,” Wantagh coach Keith Sachs said. “We always knew he had talent but to see the type of player he became this year was unbelievable.”
The leadoff hitter helped lead Wantagh to a 23-5 record and a county title. Diegnan batted .512 with 43 hits, 33 runs, 10 doubles, three triples and two home runs. He posted a .582 on-base percentage and emerged as one of the county’s toughest outs. On the mound, he went 7-1 with a 0.81 ERA, throwing complete games in every start.
“It started with our winter workouts,” Diegnan said. “I worked hard on my stance, critiquing the little things, and focused on hitting the ball to all fields. When I saw my name in the leadoff spot for the first scrimmage, I knew I had a big role to play. It was a dream come true.”
Gavin Diegnan of Wantagh connects with a two-out single in the bottom of the fourth inning in Game 3 of the Nassau Class A baseball final against Seaford on June 1 in Farmingdale. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Diegnan’s turnaround came after a junior season where he saw limited time as a No. 3 pitcher and hit sparingly. This spring, he transformed into a reliable ace and a sparkplug at the top of the order.
“He hit a little bit last year and split time on the mound,” Sachs said. “To go from that to a dominant two-way player says everything about his work ethic. From the first day of this season, you could just see it in his eyes, his whole aura changed. He became a different kid.”
Sachs said a typical Diegnan performance this spring involved “a complete game shutout and going 3-for-3 at the plate.”
“Everyone had confidence in him,” Sachs said. “The way he stood in the box, the way he commanded the mound, it was light-years different. He worked all summer, all winter, and never stopped making adjustments.”
Diegnan, who will play at Post University in Connecticut, holds a 3.9 GPA and has made honor roll every quarter while taking college-level classes.
“Seeing the success we had last year and not achieving what I knew I was capable of really motivated me,” Diegnan said. “This means the world to me. I wouldn’t have been there without my family, my coaches, and my teammates. To know the hard work paid off, it's a dream come true.”
