(Editor’s Note: Johnny Castagnozzi is a 2020 graduate of Massapequa HS. He was the first player in Tom Sheedy’s tenure to start as a 9th grader. All he’s done is lead them to back-to-back Class AA Long Island Championships including a NYS Class AA Championship this past June. He committed to the University of North Carolina as a sophomore. The following words are his own…)
Thanksgiving is a time of year to look back on the many things that we have in our lives that we appreciate. For me there are so many things that come to mind.
First, I have been blessed with an incredible family. They support me in every aspect of my life. My Mom and Dad who do everything possible to help me to develop as an athlete and as a person. They’ve given me strength even when things are not going as well as they could be and they never give up on me. My older sister Nicole is a role model for me. Over the years, she has shared so many of the lessons that she learned growing up. My Grandparents have also made a huge impact on my life. They are always there for me, sticking it out at my games even when it is 30 degrees. My Aunt, Uncle, and cousins have always been in my corner too. They’re always good for a laugh or two. Finally, I am incredibly thankful for my friends who I can always count on to make me laugh and have a good time. I’m so thankful for my boys!
Baseball is something that has given me opportunities that I could never have dreamed of. I am so very happy to have the game be a part of my life because it’s taught me how to overcome adversity and to never give up. It is a very humbling game and it will make you earn any success that you can get. Through the game, I have met many friends and role models who I hope to always have in my life. My coaches and trainers have not only taught me how to play the game, but they have also showed me how to be a better human being.
I am very thankful to be able to go to such a great high school in Massapequa. I am most thankful for all people that I have meet through that school who help me everyday to be a better student athlete. While I have been blessed with the opportunity to play the game that I love at a school with so many other great players and friends to then being offered the chance to go on to the University of North Carolina is truly a dream come true. I am excited for the future. Along the way I want to accomplish all of the goals that I’ve set for myself which includes the final destination of pro ball. That is something that I have dreamed of ever since I was a little kid.
I am thankful for everyone who has helped me to improve as a player and as a person. I thank God for giving me a family that loves me, coaches and teachers who guide me, and friends who support me
