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.
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.
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.
Kelvin Rodriguez
Coach/Bullpen and Pitching
Coach Kelvin Rodriguez serves as the Bullpen and Field Coach for the L. I. Knights Sports & Athletics 12U Baseball team, bringing a strong presence, attention to detail, and a team-first mindset to the program. In his role, Coach Rodriguez focuses on developing pitchers both physically and mentally, ensuring they are prepared, confident, and ready to compete in any situation. His work in the bullpen emphasizes consistency, control, and accountability—key elements that align with the Knights’ standard of play.
​
On the field, Coach Rodriguez plays a vital role in defensive development, helping athletes sharpen their instincts, positioning, and overall awareness of the game. He is committed to building fundamentally sound players while reinforcing the core values of discipline, effort, and respect. Coach Rodriguez’s dedication and passion for the game make him an important part of the Knights’ mission to develop not only skilled athletes, but strong, character-driven individuals.
Jesse Farmer
Coach/Bench Coach
Coach Jesse Farmer serves as the Bench Coach for the L. I. Knights Sports & Athletics 12U Baseball team, providing steady leadership, in-game awareness, and constant communication from the dugout. In this role, Coach Farmer is instrumental in managing game flow, supporting decision-making, and ensuring athletes remain focused, prepared, and engaged every inning. His presence helps keep the team organized and locked in during key moments.
​
Coach Farmer works closely with players on situational understanding, reinforcing the mental side of the game—anticipation, positioning, and execution under pressure. He is committed to building confident, disciplined athletes while maintaining a positive and competitive environment. Through his leadership, Coach Farmer plays a vital role in upholding the standards of L. I. Knights Baseball—accountability, teamwork, and doing things the right way.