When Max Nielsen was in sixth grade, something was going on that would wind up shaping his future.
It wasn’t anything he could control either, ironically.
A southpaw named Anthony Kay was dominating hitters on Long Island to the tune of a 0.00 ERA over 55 IP. That success attracted the attention of virtually every college baseball coach in the northern hemisphere.
Tryouts for 2017 will be Jan. 15th at MacArthur HS at 2pm !
He ultimately chose to attend the University of Connecticut (UCONN), where he would hopefully anchor the rotation for the Huskies over the next four years.
In reality it was only three years, but it was good enough to get drafted in the first round of the 2016 MLB draft by the New York Mets.
That three-year tenure was not just beneficial for Kay’s future and UCONN’s success, but it also was good for future southpaw pitchers from Ward Melville HS.
Enter Max Nielsen.
The humble southpaw just completed his second year on varsity for Head Coach Lou Petrucci. Last year, he fired two one-hitters in the uber-competitive League I of Suffolk County. He is still not old enough to get his driver’s permit, though.
Nielsen, now the second player from the graduating class of 2019 to announce his verbal commitment to a college, followed in Kay’s footsteps and will be attending UCONN thanks in part to his pitching ability but also his strong academic prowess.
I had a chance to speak with the young southpaw and here’s what he had to say.
Max Nielsen (right) standing with Matt Marsh at the University of Connecticut campus
Can you talk a little about the recruiting process and why you chose UCONN?
The recruiting process was a wild ride, there was many ups and downs to it, it showed me how to become a better player and person. My choice for the University of Connecticut was pretty easy to make–I love everything about the school. The campus was beautiful, it is a very good academic school. The coaches are incredible people, they made me feel like I was part of the UCONN family and I knew they would help me grow and develop as a baseball player.
Who are some of the most influential people in your playing career?
In my mind, my father, coaches (Matt Marsh of Prospect Academy, Lou Petrucci of Ward Melville) and teammates are the most influential people in my playing career. They always push me to work harder, get better and never give up.
Did Anthony Kay have any impact on your decision? Do you have any relationship with him?
Anthony Kay did have an impact on my decision, I have talked to him about UCONN and from what he said it was a perfect fit for me. Also knowing that Kay was drafted, allows me to see all of the opportunities that UCONN will present to me to help me become a Major League Baseball player.
Who are some athletes that you look up to?
One athlete I have always looked up to is Derek Jeter because he was the hardest working player there ever was and he was just a great player on and off the field.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball has always been my main sport. I have been playing since I was 5 years old and ever since I knew that I wanted to be a professional baseball player.
Was it overwhelming being on varsity as a 9th grader?
Being on varsity as an 8th grader and starting as a ninth grader was very nerve racking. Every time I went out to the mound I felt like people were judging my every move. My first year I was intimidated but my teammates and coaches treated me like I belonged there and by the end of the season they weren’t just my teammates they were my family.
If a career in professional baseball doesn’t present itself, what would you like to do?
If I do not get the opportunity to play professional baseball I would like to become a physical therapist.
