Up Next Powered by The Yard Sports Academy: Dominick Carbone
(This is the final installment of our popular series titled ‘Up Next’ in which we highlight the next crop of superstars on Long Island. Previously, we have featured Tyler Cook,Charles West,Jayden Stroman, Liam Stemmler, Paul Napolitano , Sadier Vicioso , Frank Kelly, 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 it comes to the quickest path to the upper levels of baseball, there is nothing quite like the hard-throwing southpaw.
Besides the fact that only 10 percent of the population is left-handed, an even fewer percentage of that is capable of firing a fastball above 85 MPH. So the ones that can do it are often rewarded for it.
One player to keep an eye on is Rocky Point freshman Dominick Carbone. As an 8th grader on JV last season, he showed what he was capable of. He started five games on the mound and compiled a perfect record of 3-0 over 30.2 IP. Most impressively, he struck out 44 batters, walked just seven, allowed only 13 hits and allowed 0 runs. His WHIP of 0.65 is remarkable as well.
He played summer ball for Team Francisco Notorious 9 and reportedly touch 86 MPH with his heater although he sat a few notches below that.
Expectations are understandably high for the talented southpaw.
“Dom has unlimited potential and show be an early commit to a top college,” said Joe Francisco. “He has the ability to play this game at a very high level. Speed, arm strength, hitting he has all the tools,” he added.
I had a chance to speak to him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are your biggest role models in life and why?
I really do not have any biggest role models, but I’ve had 3 Influential key coaches that got me to the point I am at (A. Aschettino, M. Fasano, J. Grebe) and of course my father who always pushed me to get the best out of me.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Pete Alonso
Mike Trout
Was baseball always your number 1 sport?
Yes from the age of being able to hold a bat and ball . I have played basketball as well, but baseball has always been #1.
Do you come from an athletic family?
Not really no one has every played college or professional sports. My father played ball when he was 12, he was a New York state champ for little league. My sister is a varsity RP cheerleader that has won states and many regional New York titles.
What did you work on this winter to improve ?
My hitting, I had a rough time coming into the summers season out of school ball. I was not consistent .
Can you explain your time with Team Francisco and what you’ve enjoyed about it?
Everything is great with TF, we are like a family. We train hard, play hard and bring a lot of energy to the field. The players all have each others backs and push each other to get better. Coach Joe, is a great trainer, he tries to push us to the next level. I’m looking forward to training with him and everyone out of the TF academy. Hoping that they can help me achieve my future goals.
What are your goals for 2020?
To stay more consistent hitting and to pitch deeper into a game and stay healthy.
What’s been your most exciting moment on a baseball field ?
My most exciting moment was when I pitched a winning game against Warstic Citius at the NYBC, which is a top-10 nationally ranked team and I only gave up 1 earned run.
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
