The Post's All-Manhattan baseball honors

Manhattan's postseason success began and ended in Washington Heights. Nothing new there.

Despite losing legendary coach Steve Mandl to alleged illegal recruiting, the Trojans won their third city title, topping defending champion Tottenville, 6-4, in the final.

Xavier didn’t make a return trip to the CHSAA Class AA title game, but the Knights did advance to the eight-team double-elimination tournament and was one of the last four teams standing. Dalton reached the NYSAISAA tournament, but fell to eventual champion Poly Prep, while defending champion Collegiate failed to get there.

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George Washington catcher Nelson Rodriguez is The Post's All-Manhattan baseball Player of the Year.

Christina Santucci

George Washington 's Nick Carbone is The Post's All-Manhattan baseball Coach of the Year.

All-Manhattan baseball Player of the Year: Nelson Rodriguez, George Washington

The junior catcher established himself this spring as more than just a fearsome power hitter or splendid defensive backstop. He was a leader for George Washington in addition to his impressive tools. Sure, he hit .500 with 21 RBIs, 20 runs scored and three home runs, but Rodriguez’s value was more about handling the Trojans’ pitching, which excelled, shutting down the opposition’s running game and not trying to do too much at the plate.

His future remains limitless. Built like a truck at 6-foot, 240 pounds, he has been selected for the Under-Armour All-American game at Wrigley Field in August and many scouts view him as the city’s top prospect.

“He seems to have potentially the best all-around skill set for a New York City catcher since [former George Washington star] Angel Salome,” one Major-League scout said. “He’s got great instincts for his age, a tremendous build, solid arm, great hands, impressive power.”

All-Manhattan baseball Coach of the Year: Nick Carbone, George Washington

When it was all over, George Washington had won its third PSAL Class A city championship and the lengthy celebration had finally died down, Nick Carbone took a knee in the dugout at MCU Park in Coney Island and took a long, deep breath.

It was a wild year for the 29-year-old interim coach, who took over for legendary Steve Mandl (suspended for alleged illegal recruiting) and guided the talented Trojans to an undefeated league season, the prestigious Clarkstown South Tournament title and city title win over defending champion Tottenville.

“As tough as it was for the kids, it was five times tougher for him,” Mandl said. “He did a great, great, great job.”

Sure, Carbone inherited a loaded program, but the former Manhattan College outfielder also was put in an almost impossible position. An assistant for three years under Mandl before this spring, he didn’t change though he had a new job, which earned him the respect of his players. He also added small ball into the potent lineup’s attack – the squeeze play became his calling card – and that approach was integral in come-from-behind playoff wins over Norman Thomas, William Bryant, Lehman and Tottenville.