(This is the eighth 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 , Frank Kelly 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.)
When he was two-years-old, Tyler Cook‘s grandfather would take him to the park.
Unlike most children that age, Tyler was there to take batting practice. The freakishly-talented toddler swung the bat well beyond his years, connecting on each swing as people watched in amazement.
“How old is he? 2?!” recalled his mother.
Fast forward 11 years and the reaction is basically the same when people watch the 13-year-old hit. He spent much of his season trotting around the bases, as he hit a remarkable 73 home runs–which led the vaunted HDMH team with teammate Jayden Stroman.
His father, John, played collegiate ball at Seton Hall before suffering an injury that cut his career short. He noted that Tyler was always very athletic for his age and was holding a bat from the time he was crawling.
The doctors project him to be between 6’3 and 6’4 which makes his future look bright considering he is a slugging catcher. He is currently in the North Shore school district, but is waiting to hear back from admissions of a CHSAA school.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
8th grader Tyler Cook getting his swings in pic.twitter.com/frOxmMThrC
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 19, 2019
Who’s your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Ronald Acuna Jr and Didi Gregorious. I like how Acuna plays and how he keeps it low key.
Who’s your favorite team?
The Yankees.
What’s been the most exciting part of your playing career?
Playing at Ripken I hit two walk-offs in one day. A home run in the quarterfinals and a ground-rule double in the semifinals. I also hit a home run in the championship later that day.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I like coming to work with Greg Thomson because I like how he teaches. He let’s me do my own thing but he corrects me when I make a mistake an makes sure I know what I’m doing.
Do you have any superstitions?
When I catch I always make sure to shake the umpires hand.
What’s your favorite type of music?
Rap and hip hop.
Who are your biggest role models in life?
I would say my mom and dad and my older brother.
