John Lonardo begins his 14th season as head coach of the SUNY Old Westbury Panthers Baseball team. Over eleven stellar seasons at the helm of the Panthers, Lonardo has had some amazing and historic achievements. He is the all-time leader in wins at Old Westbury, compiling a record of 271-199-3. His instinctive ability when recruiting has given way to countless solid student athletes and developed numerous All-League players, New York State Regional All Stare, ECAC All- Stars. Since 2001, three of Lonardo's recruits have made school history by signing professional baseball contracts. In 2009, Robert Whitenack become the first Panther ever drafted after he was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the eight round.
Throughout his impressive coaching career, Lonardo received several awards for his accomplishment over the years. He was a three-time recipient of the Louisville Slugger Coach of the Year award and was named the Knickerbocker Conference Coach of the Year numerous times, and was named 2009 Skyline Conference Coach of the Year, posting a program record 27-13 record, turning his squad around from a 13-27 mark in 2008. During his tenure, the Panthers made three NCAA Regional appearances (1997,2000,2001) and a handful of ECAC Championship appearances (1994,1995,1998,1999,2002). Coach Lonardo's team as a whole has led the NCAA's in steals in 1994 and 1995, including individual accomplishments when Matt Stevens led the NCAA's for stolen bases in 1995 and Chris Okolski led the NCAA's in saves in 1997.
TEAM STATS NATIONAL RANKINGS
(since 2002 - exluding 2004-2006)
| Year |
Category |
Rank |
Actual |
| 2008 |
Stolen Bases Per Game |
3 |
3.25 |
| 2009 |
Stolen Bases Per Game |
4 |
3.48 |
| 2009 |
Stolen Bases |
4 |
139 |
| 2008 |
Stolen Bases |
5 |
130 |
| 2003 |
Stolen Bases Per Game |
5 |
3.16 |
| 2007 |
Stolen Bases Per Game |
10 |
2.88 |
| 2009 |
Hits Allowed Per Nine Innings |
15 |
8.86 |
| 2007 |
Triples Per Game |
21 |
0.47 |
| 2009 |
Strikeouts Per Nine Innings |
23 |
8.0 |
| 2009 |
Triples |
24 |
20 |
| 2008 |
Strikeouts Per Nine Innings |
27 |
7.8 |
| 2009 |
Triples Per Game |
28 |
0.5 |
| 2002 |
Earned Run Average |
44 |
3.91 |
INDIVIDUAL NATIONAL RANKINGS
(since 2002 - exluding 2004-2006)
| Year |
Category |
Player |
Rank |
Actual |
| 2008 |
Strikeouts Per Nine Innings |
David Collado |
4 |
12.68 |
| 2003 |
Stolen Bases |
Angel Melendez |
7 |
1.14 |
| 2007 |
Triples Per Game |
Darly Alcantara |
8 |
0.18 |
| 2009 |
Hits Allowed Per Nine Innings |
Robert Whitenack |
12 |
6.15 |
| 2003 |
Walks |
Rob Sandora |
12 |
0.91 |
| 2003 |
Stolen Bases |
Melvin Swain |
13 |
0.91 |
| 2003 |
Runs Per Game |
Angel Melendez |
13 |
1.41 |
| 2008 |
Hits Allowed Per Nine Innings |
Robert Whitenack |
18 |
6.34 |
| 2003 |
Toughest to Strikeout |
Lance Sigman |
18 |
26.3 |
| 2009 |
Strikeouts Per Nine Innings |
Robert Whitenack |
28 |
10.56 |
| 2009 |
Strikeouts |
Robert Whitenack |
35 |
79 |
| 2009 |
Saves |
Jorge Hiraldo |
37 |
5 |
| 2003 |
Walks |
Angel Melendez |
41 |
0/76 |
| 2009 |
Triples |
Emmanuel Mateo |
42 |
5 |
| 2008 |
Earmed Run Average |
Robert Whitenack |
48 |
2.28 |
Since 2002, Lonardo has served as the Baseball Chairperson for the Skyline Conference and is an active member of the American Baseball Coaches Association. In September 2006, he was appointed to the NCAA Division III Baseball Championship Committee, where he serves as chairman for the New York region. In addition to coaching, Lonardo is the 6th Athletic Director in Old Westbury history where he oversees 12 varsity athletic programs. He is responsible for all coaches, support staff and the operation of the Athletic Department. Lonardo is a 14 year member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (A.B.C.A.) and on the National Committee for NCAA Division III Baseball. Lonardo donates his time as a clinician, where he speaks about the finer points of the game. He has given clinics and camps to the New York Baseball Academy and the PSAL (Public School Athletic League).
Lonardo graduated with his Master of Arts in school counseling from Long Island University's C.W. Post campus. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Queens College.
Lonardo and his wife, Stephanie, have one daughter, Santina and one son, Vito
