(Editor’s Note: This is the eighth installment of the popular ‘Up Next’ Series which highlights the top underclassmen on Long Island. None of them have yet to play a varsity game, but we are confident that they soon will. Previously, we have featured Andrew Koshy, Chris Batuyios, Josh Knoth, Ben Cohen, Sebastian Lippman, T.J. Bradford and Brandon O’Neill.)
6’0 190 lb freshman Zach Rosenzweig (Plainedge 2024) pic.twitter.com/ykCGQrE2rF
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 22, 2020
When you are watching a middle schooler or JV player take batting practice, it usually features plenty of soft contact and flawed swings. There was nothing soft about the contact that was coming off the bat of freshman Zach Rosenzweig (Plainedge 2024) yesterday.
At one point, we picked up one of the baseballs that he hit particularly well. The ball looked as if it had been through a meat grinder. And no it wasn’t like that before. When Zach squares the ball up, it travels a long way. Thanks to technology like Rapsodo, we can now measure that, too. Last week during the clinic hosted by Anthony Iapoce, he recorded an exit velocity of 90.3 with a wood bat. That’s well-above the average for the varsity level, let alone those in his age group.
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 22, 2020
His summer coach for the Knights Nation MXE Academy, Joey Giacmantonio, described a home run he hit this summer in Ohio that was the furthest ball he saw hit. That type of skillset is highly valued in today’s game.
Prior to COVID, Rosenzweig stated that he was going to be playing JV as an eighth grader. I fully expect him to be asked to play at the varsity level at some point this season.
I had a chance to speak with him yesterday and here’s what he had to say…
What are you looking to improve on this off-season?
I’m looking to improve the strength in my legs.
I noticed you work out at 7 Tool Catching clinic, why do you like going there?
I really like going there for the environment and that I can just focus on catching because that’s the only position that we work on. I like that there’s kids older than me because I want to compete with them and I look up to the older kids.
Who’s your favorite player in Major League Baseball?
My favorite player is J.T. Realmuto because he’s really quick and I want to play like him. He’s also not just a good catcher, but a well-rounded player.
Who’s your favorite team?
My favorite team is the Mets and my favorite player is probably James McCann.
What has been the best moment on a baseball field for you?
The best moment was probably this year after winning the PG Tournament. Everyone was just so happy. That’s the biggest one you can win.
How long have you been playing with the Knights?
I’ve been playing since 9u.
Why do you enjoy playing for them?
I like playing with the Knights because we get along so well. It’s like a family; not a huge organization.
What was it like playing during the pandemic?
It was crazy – the schedule seemed to change every week because of tournaments being cancelled. We were supposed to go to Florida but that got cancelled.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
No I play football (TE and DE) and I used to play lacrosse until but I chose to switch to baseball in 2014.
Favorite music to listen to pre-game?
Rap and country.
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat.
Pre-game meal?
I don’t like to eat anything before a game.
Okay, so favorite postgame meal?
Chick-Fil-A or Chipotle.
Favorite vacation spot?
Florida.
Where would be your preferred destination to attend college?
Probably down south
