Most 5th graders are busy playing video games and throwing popcorn in movie theaters but JT Caruso is not like most 11-year-olds.
JT (right) pictured with his six-year-old brother Jaxon (left)
The Mount Sinai native has turned some heads with his freakishly advanced feel for pitching at such a young age. Already under the guidance of pitching guru Neal Heaton, the boy who is not even old enough to complete the D.A.R.E. course already has cleaner mechanics and better command of his change up than some college athletes do.
I had a chance to speak with the young phenom and here’s what he had to say.
There are so many baseball players that I love watching. Two of my favorite baseball players are Aroldis Chapman and Giancarlo Stanton. I love watching Chapman because he can throw over 100 mph and is also a lefty like me. I like Giancarlo Stanton because of his ability to hit long home runs and he’s also a very good outfielder with a great arm.
I love both positions but if I have a choice I definitely prefer to be on the mound. When your on the mound it’s all on you to get it done. I really love the one on one battle between the pitcher and the hitter.
I think it would be the fact that I have been improving every year on the mound and also at the plate and I look forward to more improvements this year.
I have my weekly pitching lessons with retired MLB pitcher Neal Heaton who has taught me so much in the last year that I can’t wait to get on the mound. I also have weekly hitting lessons with my hitting coach Ryan Pembroke who is the current Mt. Sinai Varsity Assistant Baseball Coach and also the manager of the East Coast Lumber Jacks Travel Baseball Team.
Well I’m only in 5th grade so I’m not eligible to play school ball right now. I’m really excited about my 11u Long Island Titans Baseball Team because I feel that it’s definitely the best coached team that I’ve ever played on and the Titans are such a great organization to play for.
Absolutely! I know to reach my goal will be very difficult but I’m dedicated to baseball and will try my hardest. As for my other hobbies I also play Ice Hockey and Basketball.
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Sean Reilly
Awesome!! Go get me JT!!!
Sal Brajuha
Awesome!!! Lots of potential!!! Cant believe he takes after me! Lol
Tommy
Proud of you JT! Keep working hard and learn all you can!
Kathleen Reilly
So proud of you JT!!! They should see all of the goals you score for us in hockey 🙂
Joe
The skies the limit for this kid. Don’t stop working and learn as much as you can. Good luck JT!
Bobby
Just saw JT pitch last week. Outstanding young man with great stuff! Good luck in your baseball future JT!