Plainedge was one of the hottest teams on Long Island entering the postseason in 2017. They were riding a 13-game win streak in large part to the powerful bat of Nicholas DeMicco. He hit three of his five HRs on the season during a two-game stretch in victories over Mineola and Division.
On Friday, he committed to Molloy College, the latest in a series of recent signings that promises to benefit the Lions future.
DeMicco spoke with Vinny Messana, and here’s what he had to say…
First off, congrats on the commitment. Talk a little bit about your experience with the recruiting process.
The recruitment process was a lot more stressful than I thought it would be, honestly. Trying to read the coaches and trying to tell what they wanted for their program was challenging. I also had fun at all the showcases and camps, performing in front of the coaches and playing with new people. Molloy is a school that I’ve been interested in for a long time, and have wanted to be a part of their baseball program for a while. I’m very proud that Coach Fucarino saw something in me and is giving me the chance to play for him. I am confident that Molloy is the right decision.
It was a very successful season for Plainedge. What are your biggest takeaways from the season?
School ball last season was a great experience. It was one of the best times I have ever had playing baseball. The best part of the season was getting close with all my teammates, a lot of whom I have been playing with since my younger little league years. It was my first year on varsity so the atmosphere was different. I knew that I would be an important part of the team going into the season so me and the team had to work really hard. Throughout the season I played with my friends, and I got even closer with all my teammates. We had a good run, but our bats came up short at the end. Overall it was an amazing season.
Who have been some people that have been positive influences on your playing career?
My parents have always been my biggest influences my entire life. Besides paying for all the years of travel baseball and making sure they’re there to watch every game, they have always supported me and pushed me to do better. Also, my sisters Julia & Kaley for always showing up and taking videos of my at bats. I would also like to mention Anthony Passalacqua of Long Island Baseball. Over the past couple of years he has trained me and taught me a lot about the game of baseball. He has showcased me in front of many college coaches over the years and was a big reason why I committed to Molloy.
What are your goals for 2018?
My goals for the upcoming season is to go further in the playoffs then last season and for our team to win the LIC. I know we have the potential and talent to do it and I am confident that we will.
Who are some MLB players you admire?
I have always looked up to Derek Jeter and Mike Trout because of the way they play the game.
