Up Next Powered By The Yard Sports Academy: Frank Kelly
(This is the seventh installment of our popular ‘Up Next’ Series in which we spotlight the next wave of superstars on Long Island. Previously, we have featured Charles West,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.)
“How do they do it?”
That’s a common question you hear when discussing Massapequa‘s unprecedented run of success. They’ve won the past three Class AA Long Island Championships. They also had a streak of four in a row from 2006-2009.
The easy answer is that it starts at the top with some terrific coaching from Tom Sheedy and his staff. But it would be foolish not to credit the Little League for developing the fundamental skills from the time the kids are in elementary school so that when they are in high school, the rudimentary skills are second nature. When you combine natural talent with great coaching, it’s a winning combination. Additionally, some kids are just special. So if you add that intangible trait of thriving when the chips are on the table, then you have the potential for a game-changing player.
Up Next is Frank Kelly, younger brother of Coastal Carolina-commit Wade Kelly.
He’s the type of player that people rave about. I’ve gotten recommendations from several people saying he could be an impact player immediately. After missing most of last year due to an injury, he didn’t put up the gaudy numbers but he’s back to 100 percent and is a name to remember.
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 models in life are my dad and my brother because my dad taught me all I know about the game, and my brother always pushes me to do my best whether I’m just hitting in the cage or working out.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
My favorite player in the MLB is Javier Baez. I love watching the way he plays and as a shortstop I learn so many little things from watching the way he moves around on the field.
Can you discuss the impact of your brother, Wade, on your playing career?
Mostly in the past couple years, Wade has really helped me out on and off the field. He was always a great role model for me on the way I should act and always hustle. But especially now as I’m getting older and beginning high school, Wade teaches me about what I should expect as I play at the next level. It has impacted my playing career greatly because he has gone through the process already so now I know what I need to do and how hard I have to work to succeed.
How have you enjoyed your time with Team Beast ?
I have chosen to play for the Beast 2023 team for next season. The very competitive schedule and tournaments that they’re traveling to caught my interest. I’ve only had a few workouts with the team so far, but I know that I made the right choice after seeing the talent level of all my teammates and I’m really looking forward to playing for Coach Gibson.
Favorite musical artists?
Florida Georgia Line
Favorite type of food?
Chicken sandwich from Chick-Fil-A and my Mom’s Lemon Chicken.
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat
Do you have any private instructors ?
Over the past couple of winters, and then becoming my coach in 2019, PJ Antoniato, really helped me become a better infielder and overall player from his experiences at St. Johns University and in the Phillies organization.
What are your goals for 2020? What are you planning to work on this winter ?
After getting hit by a Pitch that fractured my forearm and losing most of the summer season, I’m working out to come back better and stronger in 2020. I’m also really looking forward to starting my high school career at Massapequa.
Vinny is the President of Axcess Baseball. He is a 2013 graduate of Adelphi University and he is currently the Long Island area scout for the San Diego Padres
