Built around players
and families.

Johnny Castagnozzi leads Canes Long Island as Founder & Director. He came through the Canes program himself, competing at the highest levels of travel baseball as a Canes National shortstop before continuing his career at the University of North Carolina.

At UNC he was a four-year infielder, appearing in 168 games for the Tar Heels and finishing his collegiate career with 125 hits, 19 home runs and 81 RBIs. He was an impact performer in the ACC — 10 home runs in 2022, 30 RBIs in consecutive seasons, and production in the moments that decide games, including a walk-off home run, an NCAA Regional home run, and a ninth-inning grand slam at Notre Dame to take back the lead.

His foundation was built here. Johnny helped Massapequa win three consecutive Long Island Championships from 2017 through 2019 along with the 2018 New York State Championship, and was named a 2020 Northeast Region First-Team All-American. Before college he was ranked by Perfect Game as the No. 1 shortstop in New York and the No. 3 overall player in the state.

That path — local Long Island baseball, elite travel competition, and four years of ACC baseball — directly informs how Canes Long Island develops players. Johnny knows what the next levels ask of a player, and the program is built to prepare young players for those standards through teaching, accountability, and year-round work.

Paul Buonaguro serves as Director of Baseball Operations for Canes Long Island, helping oversee the day-to-day organization of the program and serving as a primary point of contact for players and families.

Paul brings many years of experience working with young athletes as a coach, organizer and program leader. His background spans youth baseball as well as extensive involvement in competitive youth sports, giving him a broad perspective on player development, team organization and the relationship between coaches, athletes and families.

Sports and coaching have long been part of the Buonaguro family. Paul's brother, Mitch Buonaguro, built a decades-long career in NCAA Division I basketball that included serving on Villanova's 1985 national championship coaching staff and later leading Division I programs at Fairfield and Siena. That family connection to high-level coaching has helped shape Paul's appreciation for preparation, communication, accountability and creating an environment in which young athletes can develop.

At Canes Long Island, Paul's focus is on making sure the organization works effectively for both players and their families. He supports the program's day-to-day baseball operations, the tryout and player onboarding process, and works closely with families throughout their experience with the program.

For parents with questions about Canes Long Island, tryouts, team participation or their son's involvement in the program, Paul is a primary point of contact.

Christian George joins the Canes Long Island coaching staff following a standout playing career at Massapequa High School, where he was a middle infielder for one of Long Island's premier high school baseball programs. During his senior season, Christian hit .412 while helping Massapequa make a deep postseason run.

Christian competed at a high level throughout his travel baseball career and earned Perfect Game All-Tournament Team honors at the 2024 17U PG East Coast Elite Championship. A shortstop and second baseman, he originally committed to continue his baseball career at Salve Regina University.

Christian is currently enrolled at Adelphi University, where he is pursuing a degree in Education. His background as a high-level player, combined with his interest in education and working with young athletes, provides a strong foundation for teaching the game. Christian brings energy, baseball knowledge, and a player-focused approach to helping Canes athletes develop their skills, baseball IQ, confidence, and understanding of the game.

Andrew Reiter brings a strong athletic background and a passion for coaching and developing young players to the Canes Long Island program. A graduate of Massapequa High School, Andrew was a varsity athlete and member of Massapequa's 2019 New York State Dual Meet Championship team, while also playing baseball throughout his youth and competing at the club level.

His experiences as a competitive athlete helped shape his approach to coaching, with an emphasis on fundamentals, preparation, discipline, and helping young players develop confidence both on and off the field. Andrew enjoys working with Canes athletes and helping them continue to grow their skills, baseball knowledge, and understanding of the game.

Outside of baseball, Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University at Buffalo and is currently pursuing his Master of Architecture at Pratt Institute, continuing toward his lifelong goal of becoming an architect.

Tyler George brings a strong playing background and lifelong connection to Long Island baseball to the Canes Long Island coaching staff. A graduate of Massapequa High School, Tyler was a member of the Chiefs varsity baseball program, competing as an outfielder for one of Long Island's most successful high school baseball programs.

Tyler also competed at a high level throughout his travel baseball career and earned Perfect Game All-Tournament Team honors at the 2020 17U Mid-Atlantic Select Championship. His experience as a player has helped shape his approach to working with young athletes, with an emphasis on fundamentals, preparation, baseball IQ, and developing confidence on the field.

Following Massapequa, Tyler attended High Point University, where he earned his degree in Political Science with a concentration in Legal Studies and received Dean's List recognition. He currently works as a Production Assistant in the Media Desk Newsroom at Fox News. Tyler brings his playing experience, knowledge of the game, and ability to relate to young athletes to the Canes Long Island program.