Brentwood turned plenty of heads in 2017 when they won 11 games and qualified for their first postseason berth in 12 years. First year Head Coach Rich Gonzalez had a team led by 12 seniors that meshed well and gave the perennial League I powerhouses all they could handle.
Possibly the biggest reason for their success was of their unheralded junior ace–now senior–Justin Aviles. The 5’7″ RHP won four games and defeated some of their biggest adversaries (Floyd twice, Longwood and Connetquot in the postseason).
The uncommitted senior is coming off a lights-out start against Team Beast in the Northeast Elite tournament this past weekend. He won and struck out eight of the first nine batters of the ballgame. He used an overpowering fastball, an electric 12-6 curveball and great command to stymie the opposing batters.
He spoke with Vinny Messana, and here’s what he had to say…
You had a very strong season, even defeating perennial powerhouse Connetquot in the postseason. How did that feel?
This past year was very special for the Brentwood Varsity team making playoffs for the first time in 12 years and winning that game against Connetquot. It was awesome for everyone on the team as it was a whole team effort to get us there and motivation by coach Rich Gonzalez gave us what we needed to let teams know that Brentwood was never going to be an easy game for the opponent like in the years past.
What do you feel like Brentwood must do to get over the top and make a deep playoff run in 2018?
What we need to do to make another playoff run is to work even harder during winter training and to keep that same chemistry that we had last year and play as a family. I think we can make some noise again for this upcoming season. It will be tough losing our 12 seniors last year but I believe we can do something special.
You have very clean and repeatable mechanics. Do you credit that to any pitching coach?
Thank you. My coaches Joe Strazza, Dan Maccagli, and Chris Perez really helped me with my mechanics and taught me how to know the game within the game when on the mound.
Who have some influential people in your career been?
My grandfather, Robert, and my dad, Carlos, have really put a huge influence on my career. My grandpa is always at my games scoring the book and he was my first coach and introduced me into baseball and played on his BYA team starting when I was 6. My dad is a huge help as well and in life and just guides me down the right path and to stay away from the wrong crowd.
What Major Leaguers do you like to watch, or try to emulate?
Although I’m a die hard Yankees fan I love to watch Marcus Stroman pitch. I just love his energy on the mound and him only being 5’8 and me 5’7 really motivates me to keep working hard and just having fun playing the game and it doesn’t matter how tall you are to be a dominate player on the like Stroman.
Where are you in regards to your college recruiting process? Is a decision near?
As far as the college process I’m still looking at schools gained interest from some Div-I schools but still have not received a solid offer as of yet.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball was always my No.1 sports ever since started to walk I was always throwing the ball around the house and imitating Derek Jeter and I just fell in love with the game.
Vinny is the President of Axcess Baseball. He is a 2013 graduate of Adelphi University and he is currently the Long Island area scout for the San Diego Padres
You had a very strong season, even defeating perennial powerhouse Connetquot in the postseason. How did that feel?
Uncle Jim
That’s my grand nephew. Just remember that it is God who gives you the talent to succeed and give Him thanks
Marie
That’s my former student!!! I am so proud of him!!!!