(Editor’s Note: This originally was posted on December 30, 2018)
MIAMI, FLA–
It was a classic height vs heart in the finals of the 15U at the Power Showcase in Marlins Park yesterday afternoon.
Kellenberg sophomore, C.J. Picone, who is listed at a generous 5’5″ 145 lbs reached the finals for the first time in his Power Showcase career after two near-misses. Standing in his way was 6’0″ 175 lb Adam Parzych, who was the No. 1 seed.
Picone put on a performance, smashing seven HR, including one at 389 feet into the bleachers in left-center field. You can watch the full video on our Instagram Story.
“Of course I was excited–a little nervous. I was just happy to be out there. First time being in the finals. It was a great experience,” he said to me following his performance.
Under many circumstances, 7 home runs in the finals is a safe bet to capture it all but not with the mighty swing of Parzych. The native of Tallahassee, FL is ranked as the nation’s 103rd best prospect in his class according to Perfect Game.
Picone called the feeling “amazing” to hit it out of the ballpark rather than simply past the 310 foot marker for the 15U division. Quite an accomplishment for a player yet to play at the varsity level.
He admitted he was not confident that the number would hold up with Parzych coming to the plate.
“Parzych is a great baseball player–he won it last year. But it’s great to be in the race with him,” he added.
Additionally, through various pledges C.J. helped raised $5,395 for charity, proving it was more than simply an exhibition home run derby.
“That means the world to me,” he said. “It felt good to do what I can to help out,” he added.
Other winners of the age levels:
12U– Christopher Levy
13U– Daniel Gregory
14U– Ty Adams
World-Bryan Loriga
Featured– Dylan Fesperman
College– Jake Gozzo
