Smaller programs such as John Glenn rely on strong individual grad classes to prosper together and deliver a playoff-berth for the school.
John Glenn would’ve likely made a playoff run in 2020 had there been a season thanks to seniors like Dan Brown (Pace), Aidan Desmond (Gettysburg) and Matt Polestino (SUNY New Paltz). While it is unfortunate that they didn’t get a season, they do seem to be on the right path considering some of the players they still have in the program for the next two years.
One particularly exciting player is two-way player Cole Lindquist. According to his coach, he said “he can literally play anywhere but he has really been shining on the mound.”
This summer while playing for MVP Beast 2022, “he has been lights out.” He compiled a record of 4-0 with a 1.47 ERA over 33 IP. Opposing batters mustered an average of .128 against him with only 15 hits. He also generated plenty of swings-and-misses with 58 strikeouts.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some individuals who have helped you during your baseball career to this point?
Some people that have helped me through my career are my parents – they have spent hours a day on the ball field and have sacrificed a lot to get me to where I am. Some coaches that have helped me a lot through the process is Coach Pete Kritikos, who I have known since I was 10-years-old. Some of my teammates and I have been with BEAST since the beginning. I have worked with Pete for so long, he has had such an influence on me as a player and a person. He has always believed in me and I am excited that I finally get to work with him in hopes of being recruited by a great program. Other influential coaches who have helped guide me are Coach Matt Rocchio and Coach Billy Reidel. They have been my coaches since freshman year. I was fortunate to be moved up to varsity in 9th grade and it was such a great experience. Both coaches knew how to make it fun for us while continuing to teach us the right way to play. I really missed not being able to play in the spring for them, but really looking forward to the upcoming school season. I also had coach Billy as my BEAST travel coach for 14U and 15U and we just had a great time with him – he was awesome. He was tough on us, but at the same time, he was fair and we always came first to him, just a great guy to play for. Another coach who I just really enjoyed playing for is Coach Pango (Alex Pangourelias), this was our first year together on the MVP Beast 2022 team, but we all just had a great relationship with him. Pango was always teaching, always coaching, no matter where we were in the game. He was really good. Lastly, within the last year, I have been fortunate to work with Rick Peterson, formally the pitching coach from the Oakland A’s (Moneyball years) and most recently with the New York Mets. Rick has been incredible for me with pitching. He really has worked with me a lot on the mental game, he really preaches being mentally tough, which I feel has helped me a great deal this past season. Going on year 2 working with him, I truly expect to see some major increases in everything, velocity, durability and overall mental toughness.
Has baseball always been your No. 1 sport?
Yes for as long as I can remember, even back to when I was playing ball at Tri-Village little league. I knew I wanted more than what they could give me. Which is why I went to travel with Inferno at 7u. Turned out to be a great move.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
My favorite players are Mike Trout and Jacob deGrom. Mike Trout is one of my favorite players because I’ve grown up watching him. I feel he is the best five-tool player out there and if I could model my game to half of what he has done I’ll be a pretty good baseball player in the future. Jacob deGrom is one of the pitchers I try to emulate mechanics wise, he is just so dominant with all his pitches. He is one of the reasons why I am such a big Mets fan and why I love to pitch.
What are you looking for in a college?
I’m looking for a good education and a strong program. I would also love to go to a college where I can compete for a spot as freshman. My goal is to play some place warmer, however, if the right college happens to be north I’m okay with that.
How were you able to stay sharp during quarantine?
During quarantine, I was fortunate enough to have a batting cage in my backyard so my dad and I went out every single day and took some cuts. I was able to stay in shape by working out in my basement. I also committed to a throwing program that was given by Rick Peterson which helped tremendously.
How was your summer playing ball? What were some team highlights that stand out?
Summer ball was great, with so much taken from us we were thankful to get out and play. Beast was able to put together a bunch of tournaments that allowed for safe competitive ball although the traveling was intense Unfortunately, due to Covid, we were unable to travel down south so I’m hoping this summer will be different. Really missed playing down south with my teammates.
What do you plan on working on this off-season?
Some plans I have for this off-season are to gain around 10-15 lbs to help get close to 87-90 MPH on the mound. I plan on continuing my throwing program that has helped tremendously with my arm strength and durability. I would also like to become more versatile in the field and even more dominant on the mound than I was this year.
What are your goals for 2021?
Some goals for the 2021 season are to improve all aspects of my game. I’d like to be more of a leader this coming year in both school and BEAST team. I would love it if I have the opportunity to be committed by the end of the summer to a strong program with strong academics.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone is YouTube because I like to watch old games that I was too young or not even alive to watch. I also use it as a news outlet for sports highlights I wasn’t able to see. YouTube is great for different training methods.
Dream car?
My dream car is a Lamborghini because I love the look and I like fast cars.
Favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is the Dominican Republic, I usually take a vacation down there with my cousins and we always have a great time. I have been there several times with my family and it is always great.
Favorite place to get a slice of pizza?
My favorite place to grab a slice of pizza is Mozzarella’s because the food is delicious and whenever I go there I run into someone I know. TJ, the owner, has been amazing donating to our school for fundraisers and events hosted by John Glenn. On top of that, he makes a really great slice of pizza and my friends and I love their wings.
