This is the fourth installment of the popular series “Up Next” Powered by the Yard Sports Academy in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Centereach OF Logan Norman, Garden City LHP Gabe Beschloss and Connetquot INF Ryan Kiendle. Make sure to check out the Yard Sports Academy here.
For whatever reason, some programs on Long Island are powerhouses. Clarke is at the top tier. Their list of accomplishments reads like the the villains in a 1990s film – 35-time Conference Champs, 18 Final Four appearances, 11-time County Champs, three-time Long Island champs and two-time NY State Champs.
This past year, they got an All-American caliber season by OF/RHP Tyler Cox who will be receiving the Axcess Silver Slugger Award this week. But fans always want to know who’s next? Where will their next star come from?
Nick Berasti with an RBI single and Clarke now leads 3-0 in the second pic.twitter.com/s49WfnTimA
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 12, 2021
One potential name is sophomore Nick Berasti. He is a hot name right now, coming off a great summer for Team Beast in which he led the team in extra bases hits, he crushed 3 HRs and he was also a force on the mound against top-level competition. He struck out 41 batters over 32 innings, yielding just 19 hits. On Sunday, he was a standout performer at the Pitcher/Catcher showcase hosted by Blue Chip Prospects in which he showed his nasty arsenal of pitches, clean mechanics and high-powered fastball. He has the makings of a Division-I player and has been receiving some interest already.
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?
My favorite players in Major League Baseball are Trea Turner and Mike Trout. I like to watch both of these players constantly because they are both dominant at high levels of baseball and are not playing for the publicity. They are just playing because they love the game.
Who has been a big influence in your playing career?
My biggest influence in my time playing baseball is my coach, Joe Fusco. He has helped me and believed in me my whole life. He’s taught me how to be a better player and a better person. Playing varsity last year was a big change and I loved every minute of it. The atmosphere was the best. The team was like a family and everyone had each other’s backs. One teammate that has always helped me and guided me was Matt DeStefano. No matter the situation, he always made sure I kept my head up and stayed positive.
In your opinion, what has allowed Clarke to remain such a successful program year-after-year?
The culture at Clarke is what makes us successful. We expect to win every time we step on the field. There’s never a situation we feel pressure. We always feel like we are in a great position to win.
What was your experience like this summer – where did you travel and who were some top performers on your team?
Summer ball was great, playing in high-level tournaments competing against the best players in the county. Playing in Florida, Georgia and New Jersey. Some of the top performers on my team this summer were Ryan Marchina, Trey Zaffiro and Matt Gileno.
What are your goals this off-season?
My goal for the off-season is to mainly build strength and gain velocity.
What is your dream college to attend?
My dream college to play at is Wake Forest University.
Who do you take private lessons with?
I take private pitching lessons from Bob DeMichael and hitting lessons with Brian Anderson.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app on my phone is Snapchat.
Do you have any superstitions on game day?
I don’t have any superstitions I expect myself to play to the best of my abilities every game.
Favorite pre-game meal?
I have a bowl of cereal before every game.
Favorite pre-game hype music?
I always listen to either rap or rock music before every game.
Favorite show on Netflix?
My favorite show on Netflix is Last Chance U.
