THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
L. I. KNIGHTS Sports & Athletics
OUR 12u BASEBALL COACHES
Meet the dedicated coaches who are committed to developing our players both on and off the field.
Joe Maggio
Director of Operations
General Manager
Joseph Maggio serves as the Director of Operations and General Manager of all sports programs for L. I. Knights Sports & Athletics, where his leadership blends vision, strategy, and hands-on execution. With a deep commitment to youth development and community engagement, Joseph oversees the full spectrum of Knights programming—from multi-sport expansion and coach recruitment to branding, sponsorships, and parent partnerships.
Known for his ability to balance operational rigor with creative innovation, Joseph has built a trusted organization that emphasizes honor, teamwork, family, and inclusion. He manages logistics across diverse sports, ensuring that every program runs smoothly while staying true to the Knights’ values-first identity. His expertise in communication and branding has elevated the Knights into a recognizable, respected movement in Long Island youth sports.
Joseph’s leadership is defined by transparency, fairness, and a relentless drive to create opportunities for all athletes. By fostering strong relationships with families, coaches, and community partners, he has positioned the Knights as a category-defining brand that empowers children to grow both on and off the field. His work continues to shape a legacy of inclusion, excellence, and character-driven development for the next generation.
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Jesse Fried
Coach/Hitting Instructor
Coach Jesse Fried is a major addition to our staff, bringing a development-first approach to every athlete and every position on the field. He provides in-depth instruction in hitting, fielding, catching, and pitching, while also emphasizing the importance of mental growth, game awareness, and confidence in young athletes.
Coach Jesse embodies what it means to represent the Knights. He fully believes in and lives out the values of the organization—discipline, integrity, faith, character, and commitment to excellence. His dedication to building better players and stronger young men aligns perfectly with the mission and standards of L. I. Knights Sports & Athletics.
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Sean Breslin
Coach/Fielding Instructor
Coach Breslin will serve as our First Base Coach and Outfield Instructor, bringing leadership and instruction to one of the most important areas of the field. As our Outfield Instructor, he will focus on defensive positioning, communication, footwork, glove work, tracking fly balls, and game awareness, helping our athletes develop confidence, consistency, and precision in the outfield. His instruction will directly elevate defensive performance and overall team execution.
His commitment to player growth and leadership on and off the field will help guide our athletes toward success while reinforcing the core values of the Knights organization—discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
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Berlyn Vargas Sr.
Coach/Bench Coach
Coach Berlyn Vargas Sr. discovered his passion for coaching while working alongside President and Director of Operations, Joseph Maggio, during a recreational league season. From day one, his commitment to athlete development, organization, and team focus has made a lasting impression on our program.
His attention to detail and ability to keep players prepared—both mentally and physically—have made him a vital part of game-day success.
Coach Berlyn plays a critical role on the bench, ensuring athletes are ready for defensive rotations, batting order, and the overall flow of the game. He truly epitomizes the role of a Bench Coach and provides tremendous value to every team he supports.
AJ Kuhl
Coach/Bullpen and Pitching
Pitching is one of the most demanding and strategic positions in baseball—and at the L.I. Knights, it’s treated with the precision and care it deserves. Our pitching and bullpen program is designed to build confident, mechanically sound athletes who can perform under pressure and grow with every outing.
Coach AJ Kuhl leads this critical area of development, working closely with every athlete on the mound to refine mechanics, strengthen mental focus, and elevate overall performance. From pitch sequencing and velocity control to situational awareness and recovery routines, Coach Kuhl ensures our pitchers are prepared for every challenge the game presents.
His deep expertise, unwavering passion, and commitment to player success make him an invaluable part of our coaching staff. Whether guiding a young arm through fundamentals or helping a seasoned pitcher make in-game adjustments, Coach Kuhl brings clarity, energy, and purpose to every session. Under his leadership, the Knights’ bullpen is more than a place to warm up—it’s a hub of growth, strategy, and readiness.