This is the fifth installment of the Up Next 2020 Series which highlights the top underclassmen on Long Island. To read the previous articles, here is Josh Knoth, Ben Cohen, Andrew Koshy and Sebastian Lippman.
Mount Sinai is building a powerhouse pitching staff. The Mustangs last captured the Class A County Championship in 2016 in large part to a dominant pitching staff anchored by Sam Kessler and Brandon Bonanno. They have high aspirations entering 2021 as they have numerous high-end pitchers like Miami-commit J.T. Caruso, Ithaca-commit Dan Kellachan, 6’4 Max Reichenbach and another stud 2023 RHP in Chris Batuyios.
Chris Batuyios (Mount Sinai 2023) pic.twitter.com/9oqk2wWdvJ
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 26, 2020
Over the course of 26.2 IP in the 2020 season, the flame-throwing sophomore struck out 41 batters, allowed just seven hits an allowed 0 runs (Per Perfect Game website). That’s right, that’s an unblemished 0.00 ERA and 0.71 ERA. His fastball has touched 87 MPH which is head & shoulders above the average velocity for pitchers his age.
He plays for the East Coast Lumberjacks and works with pitching instructor Tyler Badamo. The former minor leaguer Badamo had the following to say about Batuyios
“Over the past six years I have worked with a lot of talented pitchers of all ages. Chris Batuyios has been with me for three years and he has been an absolute pleasure to work with. His work ethic and his ability to comprehend an advanced level of instruction is truly impressive from a sophomore in high school. Chris’s consistent work both on and off the field allows him to be extremely ahead of his teammates and he is only scratching the surface of his potential. This is the type of student-athlete that has an unlimited ceiling. He has an impressive command of his three pitches, a high-caliber velocity on his fastball and strong composure, mental attitude that brings so much attention. On top of all of that, he is also a very impressive student with near perfect grades. He is hands down a college coach’s dream athlete and whoever gets him to commit is going to be very happy. I am extremely happy and excited to see what the future holds for him and I am glad to be a part of the journey.”
I had a chance to speak with Chris and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your career?
My family has had a positive influence on my career, especially my dad. My dad has been taking me to every game since I was little and he taught me how to pitch when I was young. He also taught me how to workout and get a lot stronger. Some other people that have had a positive infleucne onmy career are my coaches – Coach Reichenbach, Coach Pembroke and my old travel team coach, Coach Wally.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I work with my pitching coach Tyler Badamo. I have been working with Tyler for three years now and he has helped me so much in developing and he has showed me how to actually pitch. Also, he has taught me basically everything I know about pitching. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be close to where I am right now.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
My favorite player in Major League Baseball right now is Trevor Bauer. Bauer’s my favorite because he’s one of the best pitchers and he’s a beast on the mound. Also, Bauer has a very funny and cocky personality.
Mount Sinai appears loaded in the pitching staff – can you talk about some of those players and what you think the ceiling of the team is?
The Mount Sinai pitching staff is stacked this year. We have Dan Kellachan – who just committed to Ithaca, Kyle Salvati, Devin Carros, JT Caruso, and my boy Max Reichenbach. All of those pitchers have great potential. The ceiling for this team is very high so hopefully we have a season this year.
How have you enjoyed your time with the East Coast Lumberjacks?
The Lumberjacks are like a family. Every game we play is always a high intensity close game. The team is a very competitive and high-talent team. My teammates always got my back on the field and they make every play behind me when I’m pitching. The potential this team has is crazy if we just put in the work. I can’t wait for the season next year.
When did you experience your biggest jump in velocity?
I experienced my biggest jump in velocity from 8th grade to 9th grade. I went from throwing 70 MPH in 8th grade to topping out at 87 MPH in the summer of 9th grade.
What do you plan on working on this off-season?
This off-season I’m planning on working on my off-speed pitches so I can throw them in whatever count to whatever batter I want. I also plan on getting a lot stronger especially in my lower body to generate more power when I’m pitching.
What are your goals for 2021?
My main goals for 2021 are mastering my off-speed pitches in game and getting up to 90 MPH.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite meal?
Spaghetti and meatballs
Favorite baseball experience you’ve had?
I had two favorite baseball experiences. One was when I got to experience Roman Kimball pitch for us and get 17 strikeouts against the Titans and the other one was a game I played against Team Beast 2022 National. That game was in Diamond Nation and I hit major traffic so I was about 30 minutes late. Once I showed up it was the 2nd inning, so I warmed up quick and I came in in the 3rd inning with 0 outs and bases loaded and we were down by 5. I let up 1 run that inning from a passed ball and I struck out two. From there on, I shut them down going 5 innings with 10 strikeouts and only letting up 2 hits. In the 5th inning, the score was 6-3 we were still down and there was two outs and bases loaded. Josh Knoth came up and hit a crazy grand slam to put us up by 1, then I went back out and shut them down for two innings and we won it.
Dream Car?
Ferrari 488
Favorite vacation spot?
Greece
