THE OFFICIAL HOME OF
L. I. KNIGHTS Sports & Athletics
OUR 13u 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.
Danny Parise
Coach/Hitting Instructor
Coach Danny Parise is the driving force behind our players’ growth at the plate. With a deep understanding of hitting mechanics and situational strategy, he instills the fundamentals, discipline, and confidence needed to succeed in the batter’s box. His approach blends technical instruction with mental preparation, teaching athletes how to read pitches, adjust their timing, and deliver under pressure.
Coach Parise emphasizes balance, bat speed, and consistent contact, while also guiding players to develop advanced skills such as pitch recognition and situational hitting. He believes success at the plate comes from preparation and resilience, ensuring athletes are equipped to handle both practice and game-day challenges. Beyond mechanics, he fosters a mindset of focus and accountability, helping players build confidence in themselves and trust in their teammates. Under his leadership, hitters learn not only how to swing with power and precision, but also how to compete with honor, hustle, heart, and family.
Anthony Chiuchiolo
Coach/Fielding Instructor
Coach Anthony brings precision and passion to the diamond, specializing in the development of both infield and outfield skills. With a sharp eye for technique and a deep understanding of the game’s mental demands, he equips players with the tools and mindset needed to thrive defensively. Whether it’s footwork, glove work, or field awareness, Coach Anthony ensures every athlete is prepared to make the play when it counts.
He emphasizes fundamentals such as positioning, reaction time, and communication, while also teaching advanced strategies like double-play execution, cutoff responsibilities, and situational awareness. His coaching style blends discipline with encouragement, helping athletes build confidence and resilience under pressure. Beyond skill work, Coach Anthony instills values of accountability, teamwork, and focus, ensuring players grow not only as defenders but as leaders on and off the field.
Rich Kasten
Coach/Speed & Agility Instructor
Coach Rich Kasten is dedicated to enhancing the speed and agility of our athletes, with a strong emphasis on body mechanics and movement efficiency. His training approach goes beyond traditional drills—he teaches players how to move with purpose, control, and explosive power. By focusing on proper technique and athletic fundamentals, Coach Kasten helps each player unlock their full potential on the field.
He emphasizes acceleration, quickness, and balance, while also developing core strength and coordination to maximize performance. Athletes under his guidance learn how to translate speed into game situations, improving their ability to react, change direction, and maintain endurance. Beyond physical training, Coach Kasten instills discipline and confidence, ensuring players grow not only as athletes but as resilient competitors prepared for every challenge.
Pete Caponigro
Coach/Bench
Coach Pete Caponigro is the heartbeat of game-day operations. He fosters communication between the manager, players, and coaching staff, keeping everyone focused and aligned. Whether in high-pressure moments or routine practices, he keeps the team motivated and mentally sharp.
Coach Pete plays a key role in strategy—collaborating on in-game adjustments, managing substitutions, and ensuring the bullpen is always ready. He also makes sure every player knows their batting order and role each inning. With his steady presence and sharp mind, Coach Pete turns preparation into performance.
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.