Sport: Baseball
Year: Third
Position: Catcher
Major: History
Hometown: Ronkonkoma, New York
How Did You First Start Playing Baseball?
I started playing baseball since the day I could walk. My dad had a bat and ball in my hand for as long as I can remember, having a catch in the backyard or playing wiffle ball.
Outside Of Playing Baseball, What Do You Like To Do?
Outside of baseball, I enjoy weightlifting and other types of physical training. I also love to cook and try to make new things. I am very passionate about my major, history, as well, so I enjoy studying it. I’m also an avid movie watcher.
Who Are Your Biggest Role Models?
My biggest role models are my parents. With the amount of adversity they have faced in life, it’s amazing to see how they have created such a comfortable living for me and my three siblings. Their values on doing things whole heartedly and with a purpose is shown in my everyday life, especially in regards to how I play baseball.
Are You A Fan Of Any Professional Teams?
I am a big New York Yankees fan. For as long as I can remember I would sit and watch them with my dad and uncle. They’re a big part of why I love the game and watching them as I grew up helped me learn a lot about baseball.
Do You Have Any Sports-Related Superstitions?
As far as superstitions, baseball players are known for them. I usually keep my batting gloves in my back right pocket when I play the field, and where I sit or stand in the dugout is dependent on how my team is doing that particular game.
What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?
My favorite sports memory actually happened this season. It’s something that I know I won’t forget for the rest of my life. After beating No. 10 Randolph-Macon in Virginia, I was sitting on the bus next to my teammate who had been cut every year from high school baseball, but overcame that and made the team here this year and he was on the phone with his family. He had only pinch-ran in the game, which is an important role but he was not in for too long, yet he described being a part of that win as one of the greatest days of his entire life. To me I try to play each game the same way, hard and intense baseball without ever taking a single play for granted. But hearing that really reminded me how beautiful this game is and the effects it has on the people around it. This memory will always drive me to play the best game possible and to never take this game for granted because you never know when you’ll play your last game. Very few get to stop playing on their own accords. To quote the movie Moneyball “How could you not be romantic about baseball?”