By Ryan Massad, Contributing Writer
Team: Shrewsbury High varsity baseball
Coach: Lee Diamantopoulos
Notable 2012 Stats: 4 – 3 record with 53 strikeouts and a 2.07 ERA
What is your favorite baseball memory?
“One of my earliest and most favorable memories playing baseball was pitching in the town championship game as a 12-year-old.”
What other sports do you participate in?
“Along with baseball, I also play football and run indoor track in the winter.”
Which of your three seasons playing baseball for Shrewsbury High has been the most special?
“I would say that this season was the most special for me, since I really developed as a player, and was able to get a taste of some high-pressure situations. Pitching against Saint John's in the second round of the playoffs was certainly one of those situations.
Which coach has encouraged you the most to succeed?
“Every coach I'se had so far has encouraged me to succeed. On the football field, track and the baseball field. Coach Diamantopoulos has really been able to help me mature as a player since freshman year. Also, my pitching/hitting coach Chuck Schoolcraft [Nashoba High School head coach] who I'se been working with for eight years, has helped me improve my skills greatly, and encouraged me to stay positive.”
Which teammate has encouraged you the most?
“All of my teammates on every team have helped me to succeed. Being a pitcher, it's nice knowing the defense has my back. However, one teammate who has been with me over all these years is Mike Coggeshall. Mike and I have a good friendship off the field, which I feel leads to a good connection on the field. It also applies in football, as he's the quarterback, and I's a receiver.”
What has been one of the biggest obstacles you'se had to overcome in baseball?
“One of the biggest obstacles I'se had to overcome in baseball is my hitting. Over the past few years, I'se struggled a lot hitting, but this year I feel like everything finally came together, and I was a lot more successful at the plate.”
Would you like to play baseball in college?
“I have not decided on a college yet, and I's not quite sure which sport I would like to play. I feel football, baseball and track are all options.”
What is your favorite class in school?
“My favorite class in school is math. Since a young age I'se loved dealing with numbers and solving math-related problems.”
Who is your favorite professional baseball player?
“My favorite pro baseball player would have to be Clayton Kershaw [Los Angeles Dodgers] because he's one of the most athletic pitchers in the majors, and I look up to him being a pitcher myself.
What would you like your legacy at Shrewsbury High to be?
“I would like to be remembered as an athlete that demonstrated leadership, and was a hard worker on and off the field. I also want to be recognized as a big contributor to any of the teams I played on.”