Typically a sign of future success for a varsity baseball program is the record of their JV team. We have seen this time-and-time again with perennial powerhouses such as West Islip, Massapequa and Shoreham-Wading River who typically have the same type of dominance on the JV-level as they do on varsity.
With that being the case, there is plenty of reason for optimism for Plainview-JFK. Despite graduating many of their impact players from the back-to-back conference winning teams of 2017-’18, their JV team went 15-3 last season led by Dylan Banner, who was in 8th grade. The 6’1 175 lb SS/RHP (who wears a size 15 shoe) is undoubtedly a player to watch for the next four seasons.
While playing for the vaunted Body Armor Titans, he posted these numbers over 78 games:
.386 AVG, 33 HRs, 106 RBI at the plate
8-1 record, 1.52 ERA, 57 K, 7 BB, over 47 innings
Additionally, he was the winning pitcher during the Championship game in the Cooperstown, while also homering. In the semi-finals, he secured the save against Eastern Massachusetts.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some influential people in your life?
Some influential people on my life are my family my Dad always takes time out of his day to train with me and take me to the field and just throw the ball around. Also my Coach Brian Anderson he has been with me for about 7 years and basically taught me everything i know.
What has your experience with the Body Armor Titans been like?
It’s an absolute honor to play on the Body Armor Titans. Not only are my teammates such good baseball players, but also such good people and friends. We always have each other’s backs no matter what. The coaching staff for the Titan organization is unreal they are there for you no matter what, baseball related or not. They are good coaches and good people in general. The group of kids that i play with throughout the summer is unreal we all have so much talent and a lot of potential in life.
Who is your favorite player in Major League Baseball and why?
David Wright has always been on of my favorite athletes in any sport. I am a Mets fan and he has been my role model throughout my life.
What has been the biggest thrill of your playing career?
By far the biggest thrill of my baseball career was playing in the championship game at Cooperstown Dreams Park and winning it all.
How would you evaluate your performance this season?
I thought this year was going to be a tough transformation year to the big field but playing JV in the spring with the Plainview Hawks I learned a lot. This summer season with the Titans i played very well i thought i could have cut down the errors in the field.
What do you feel you need to work on this off-season?
During the off-season I want to get bigger and stronger but most important I want to get faster and lot quicker which will help me in the field.
What are your goals for 2019?
My goal is to play at the varsity level with Plainview and do very well with them and lead us to a championship.
