This is the second installment of the popular series “Up Next Powered by The Yard Sports” where we highlight the top underclass on Long Island. Last week, we featured Centereach CF Logan Norman. Thank you to The Yard Sports for sponsoring this series – check them out here.
When Garden City was locked in a tight game with perennial powerhouse MacArthur in Game 3 of the Nassau County Conference II semifinals, Coach Dave Izzo made a call to the bullpen. Despite being such a critical moment, he didn’t call on an experienced pitcher. He called on a relative unknown – freshman southpaw Gabe Beschloss. The 6’2 LHP accepted the challenge and all he did was fire 4 hitless innings to earn the win when they won on a walk-off HBP and sent the Trojans into the County Finals.
In the next series, he continued his mastery. He recorded the win in both games against Calhoun for their first County Championship since 2006. As if that wasn’t enough, that momentum rolled right into the Long Island Championship at Mitchel Field against Huntington where he saved that game as well for their first LIC since 2000.
All told, he went 3-0 with a 0.91 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 17 K over 15.2 IP. The 6’2 southpaw uses a crossfire delivery which makes him even more difficult to hit as if the 85 MPH heater wasn’t enough. He will likely step into the Trojans’ rotation along with co-ace Pat Heber (Bentley-commit) as they look to defend their crown.
“To pitch in those high pressure spots as a freshman says a lot about his mental toughness,” said Dave Izzo. He is a highly-sought after pitcher from Division-I schools and there’s no reason for him not to be. With his current skill and trajectory, the sky is the limit. I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
Even though I’m a Yankee fan I have to say Chris Sale is a pitcher I strive to be like. I always love watching him throw. I like his mechanics and his mound presence. I also love watching Aroldis Chapman pitch, especially in person. His intensity is amazing to watch.
What was it like playing on a Long Island Championship winning team as a freshman? Was there a point during the year when you began to feel comfortable and felt like you truly belonged?
Being pulled up as a Freshman was pretty cool. It doesn’t happen very often in Garden City baseball but I was fortunate enough, along with my Titans teammate, Jack Fanning, to have the opportunity to play varsity ball. All the guys on the team really made me feel welcome. It was just a great group that I will remember forever. Coach Izzo and Coach Chaputian are amazing coaches that built such a good team. In the regular season I wasn’t really a key component, only throwing a few innings, but when playoffs rolled around was the time I had to really show up for the team. My first big game was coming in relief against MacArthur. That game was to advance us to counties with Series tied. It was a war that went to 10 innings. We fought hard and eventually came out on top. It felt so great to win that one and that’s when I realized that this was my job on this team, close out the games and finish the job.
What was your summer like playing ball? Did you go on any trips? Who were some top performers on your team?
This summer I played with Body Armor Titans. We had a really solid summer experience. I was playing as a primarily starting pitcher. Coach Gregg really pushed us and worked us hard which made out for a great team. We played in Ohio and Georgia this summer which gave us some great exposure and we played against some really good ball clubs. We won the tournament in Ohio and went 5-0 in pool play in Georgia. The whole team played really well in both tournaments. Our pitching staff was pretty deep this summer. Ben Kennedy, John Margolis, Tyler Bonsignore, Sebastian Lippman, just all key contributors this summer, and we were all backed up by a brick wall defense, giving us an upper hand.
Who are some people that have been influential in your career?
My high school coaches David Izzo and Ray Chaputian. My Titans coach Gregg Sarra. My pitching coach Anthony Papa. And definitely my parents. All my coaches motivate me and always do what’s best for me. I love my pitching coach Anthony Papa and all the guys at Prospect Performance that molded me into the player I am. My parents are so supportive, from driving me to games and workouts and flying to games, to having great meals on they table. They do it all and I’m so thankful for that.
What are your goals for this offseason?
My goals for this offseason are to get bigger, stronger, throw harder, and develop my off-speed pitches even more.
My favorite pre-game meal has to be bacon, egg and cheese. I could always go for one of those and be ready to play my best.
Favorite app on your phone?
I like Snapchat – it’s how I communicate with friends, I also like TikTok and Instagram where I get my entertainment from. I also think Instagram is a great place to get your name out there.
Any superstitions before you take the mound or on the day of?
Don’t know if this counts as a superstition but I always feel like I play better with eyeblack on. Doesn’t have to be sunny out but I like the way it looks and who knows it might give me a little edge up on the competition. On off days I always make sure to ice my arm.
Favorite show on Netflix?
I obviously have to go with the new show Squid Game. Cool concept and was very suspenseful.
