When it comes to baseball programs in the northeast, St. John’s University is at the mountain top in 2019. They have been for the past several seasons, since Stony Brook‘s cinderella run in 2012. They have made the NCAA Tournament 37 times, won nine Big East Championships, made it to Omaha six times for the Div-I College World Series and sent over 100 players to professional baseball.
Simply put, they look for the best players.
So when a Long Island player commits to St. John’s just before his junior season in high school and having not played varsity yet, it’s significant. They’ve pinpointed several of the region’s top players before they’ve rose to prominence, most recently Jake Lazzaro in 2017.
Joe Durso became the latest player to join the list. The Kellenberg rising junior is a stud athlete, starring on the gridiron, the hardwood and the diamond.
But who is he?
I had a chance to talk to him and here’s what he had to say…
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process, how you came to your decision and anyone that helped you along the way?
The college recruiting process came at me extremely fast starting this summer. St. John’s became interested in me and the whole process took off. Shaun Manning, my coach at Next Level, was instrumental in the process and I will be forever grateful to him. After a long discussion with my parents, we decided that St. John’s would be the best fit. St. John’s Tobin College of Business is one of the best in the country. I will also have the opportunity to play at home in font of my friends and family as well as traveling all over the country playing the game I love.
Was baseball always your No. 1 love? Where does it rank with your passion for basketball and football?
Yes, baseball has always been my No. 1 sport. I love football, I love basketball, I plan on continuing to play basketball at Kellenberg but I have decided not to play football anymore so I can concentrate on baseball during the fall.
Who are your favorite professional athletes and why?
My favorite professional athletes are Blake Griffin and Yadier Molina because I feel that I possess some of the same qualities as them. They both play their games hard with fire and never lose intensity.
Who are your biggest role models in life?
My biggest role models in life are my parents and my family as a whole. They are my biggest supporters and most loyal fans and I wouldn’t know where I’d be without them.
Do you have any private instructors?
I started going to Joe Francisco in 6th grade. He taught me how to finish my swing and get through the ball. I would also like to thank the entire Next Level organization. Specifically Mike Ambort, who is partly responsible for the catcher I am today. I would also like to thank my father, who caught professionally for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Chicago White Sox, for putting the gear on me and pointing me in the best direction.
Do you have any superstitions?
Yes, every time I go up to the plate I make the sign of the cross to put my at bat in His hands. Also, I feel that if I don’t have my evo shield in my right back pocket when I hit I am not going to have a good at bat.
Who are your favorite musical artists?
I listen to many genres of music. It’s a very wide variety. Rap, hip-hop, country and a little bit of Frank Sinatra. Some of my favorite artists are NAV, Darius Rucker, Luke Combs and Biggie Smalls.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone is Clash Royale. I’ve been playing since I was in 7th grade and I am forever hooked. Instagram has also helped me connect to other catchers across the country.
What are your goals for 2020?
My main goals for 2020 are to win my third consecutive Catholic League title at Kellenberg and to be the best student, catcher and person on Long Island.
