(This is the sixth installment of our popular ‘Up Next’ Series in which we spotlight the next wave of superstars on Long Island. Previously, we have featured Jayden Stroman, Liam Stemmler, Paul Napolitano , Sadier Vicioso and Matt Gileno. None of these players have appeared in a varsity game, but we are confident that they will soon. The series is Powered by The Yard Sports Academy, which you can check out here.)
Charles West, aptly named for a left-handed pitcher, didn’t waste his time this summer facing competition that would be helpless against him.
He chose to go the more challenging route–pitching a year up–against competition that would provide more of a challenge. The end result was that they weren’t very successful either–as the 14-year-old was equally as dominant against the better competition. He struck out 10 against nationally-ranked Oklahoma Mudcats and a 13 K, one-hit gem in another outing.
He was undefeated at the middle school level, earning the win in four of the team’s 10 games.
The freshman at Ward Melville will now face his next challenge and that’s high school baseball. If history is any indication, he could be another pitcher to keep an eye on that dons the Patriots green & gold.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are your biggest role models in life and why?
My biggest role model would be my dad. He was the person who got me into baseball and was my first coach. He has always helped me with everything I’ve needed and has never pushed me to do something I didn’t want to do or play. He’s helped me whether it was in school, me wanting to work on something in baseball, he would always help.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
I’m a fan of the Mets pitching staff, I watch games to learn from Jacob DeGrom and Noah Syndergaard, especially how they handle stressful game situations. I love the passion of Ronald Acuna Jr, my coaches try very hard to get me to break out of my shell, I admire Acuna for that. As an outfielder, I grew up admiring Lorenzo Cain, how he tracks balls in the outfield.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball has always been my number 1 choice, I first started playing when I was 3 and it is the primary sport I have ever wanted to play since. I do play school volleyball in the fall, to mix it up.
What has been your biggest thrill on the baseball field?
The biggest thrill of my career was with Body Armor Titans playing in a triple crown tournament in Myrtle beach. We were playing the Oklahoma Mudcats who were ranked, and I had the start. Early in the game my teammates scored some early runs which gave me a lot confidence. I went through 4 innings only letting up 1 run, but then in the 5th inning when I faced the batting order for the 3rd time through I gave up a couple more runs. We were tied at 5 when I was relieved in the 5th inning. We ended up going into extra innings where my teammates were able to pull away with the win in the most exciting game, I have ever played in. My coach, Brian Andersen, told me it was one of the most impressive pitching performances he has ever seen. Overall the tournament was really exciting, we played really great competition from all over the country and even though we didn’t come out with the first-place trophy that week, it was still the greatest tournament I had ever played in.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I work with Bobby DeMichael at Prospect for pitching, who has improved my mechanics significantly over the last year, and has been the primary reason for the success I’ve had this last season, I’m looking forward to picking up our bullpens in January. I have also worked on hitting with my summer coach, Brian Anderson. He’s gotten my swing down really good and he has made a better competitor overall.
Favorite type of food?
My favorite type of food would be Mexican. I love tacos, burritos, quesadillas anything spicy I would eat. Overall, my favorite food would be my mom’s rice balls though.
Favorite musical artist?
My favorite band would have to be hard rock band Pop Evil, they have several songs that pump me up before games, like Waking Lions and Footsteps. I like to listen to hard rock, I’m not really into the popular songs coming out today. My go to pre-game songs are Fuel by Metallica and Come and get it by I Prevail.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone would be trivia crack. I like to compete against my friends and family, we just have good times challenging each other.
