Jack Vallario Commits to Fordham

Jack Vallario with an RBI single through the left side. St. Anthony’s leads 2-0 in the second pic.twitter.com/sWITdhcj6t

— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 31, 2021

One of the big reasons that St. Anthony’s was able to revive their season in 2019 and make a deep playoff run – rattling off four straight wins in elimination games and reaching the CHSAA Finals was due to freshman Jack Vallario. While they ran into a great Chaminade team, they entered 2020 with a lineup led by Vallario, Marco Ali and Guy Calla as well as a pitching deep as deep as any on Long Island.

With the cancellation of the season, they lost out on that great group and returned a very young team in 2021. They struggled, losing in the first round to St. Dominic, but that was to no fault of Vallario who was named NSCHSAA Player of the Year. He batted .405 with a robust .577 OBP and .676 SLG. When the pressure was on, he was at his best – batting a ridiculous .857 with two outs and runners in scoring position. He committed zero errors during the regular season.

He has rode that wave and committed to Fordham University last week. I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…

Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and how you came to your decision?

I started over a year ago emailing schools that I was interested in and sending a lot of video. Last year was very difficult with the dead period but I made a lot of connections through the emails and video. I have been speaking with Fordham since last June. They have been interested but just wanted to come see me play. Finally, when the dead period ended they came to my first tournament and I played really well. Then, they came to see me again the next week and really liked what they saw from me and invited me to campus. Fordham was always one of my top choices so when they offered me it was really exciting. My mom went to Fordham so she has always wanted me to go there since I was little. I had other offers from other schools but Fordham was the best fit for me academically and athletically.

What did you work on this offseason to take your game to the next level?

I started training and Belding Performance last August and couldn’t have been happier with that choice. I worked on gaining weight, getting stronger and getting more explosive. Adam helped me with all of that this off-season and it showed on the field. He’s the best in the business and I couldn’t thank him enough for what he has done for me.

How has summer ball been going so far for you team – what trips have you been on and who are some top performers?

Summer ball has been going really well. I play for the Body Armor Titans Quattrini. We have been to Atlantic City, diamond Nation and just finished up in Georgia for the WWBA. Our whole team just hits, so I would say the whole team performs. Our pitching staff is great and our defense makes all the plays.

Who are some people that have helped you in your career?

Definitely my mom and dad. They have always supported me and my dreams of playing at the next level. Charles Galiano has been my hitting coach for the past four years and in my opinion he is the best hitting coach on the island. He has experience in the minors and teaches me everything about what goes into being a consistent hitter. He also attended Fordham and had a huge impact on helping me get noticed by their coaches.

Favorite professional athlete?

I don’t have a favorite professional athlete but I do have a favorite coach and that is Coach K from Duke men’s basketball. Duke is my favorite college basketball team and I learn a lot from listening to Coach K speak.

Favorite pregame meal?

Pancakes and bacon for an early game and a subway sandwich for afternoon and night games.

Favorite musical artists?

Right now it’s Polo G but I also like country so I’d go with Luke Combs.

Favorite app on your phone?

Netflix

Favorite baseball trip you’ve been on?

Cooperstown back in 12u/ Our team didn’t make it too far in the playoffs but it was the most fun I had in a week of baseball.