This is the eighth 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 , Connetquot INF Ryan Kiendle, Clarke MIF Nick Berasti, Miller Place SS Alex Strickland, Pat-Med OF Robbie Melo and Holy Trinity 1B Kyle Kozlowski. Make sure to check out the Yard Sports Academy here.
One of the best travel organizations in the region in 2021 was Team Francisco 16u Select. They are a team that can simply overwhelm the opposition with offensive firepower.
Arguably their most dangerous player was 1B/RHP Jace Alvino. The 15-year-old West Babylon student stands 6’3 215 lbs and was lights out on the mound and a game-changer at the plate. The head coach of his travel team, Joey Fusco, had this to say:
Jace Alvino (West Babylon 2024) with a long HR in last night’s PG Northeast Fall World Series pic.twitter.com/unKumun0Bq
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) November 3, 2020
“Jace Alvino is one of the most tenacious players I’ve ever seen in my years as a coach. He has a relentless motor and desire to win. Along with his considerable talent, his mindset is what makes him so successful – he believes he can beat anyone, anywhere at anytime. He is one of our TF Select captains. He is one of the best players I have ever coached, he’s also one of the best teammates I have ever coached. As far as what he can do two-way at the plate and on the mound, the only kid I’ve ever coached who I can draw a comparison to him as far as talented and dominating the game is Tyler Cox,” he said. Cox, of course, is now a freshman at West Virginia University and was the Diamond Award winner in 2021.
This year he was named the Most Valuable Pitcher of PG Super 25 Super Qualifier. He was also the Most Valuable Pitcher of the Fall PG Mid-Atlantic Elite Championship. He batted .306 with 2 HRs and 30 RBI. On the mound, he was 4-0 over 49 IP and yielded just 33 hits. PG has his velocity up to 85 MPH. We will get a good glimpse of him this year for West Babylon, as he looks to bring them back to the playoffs. Coach Fusco noted he has been getting a lot of interest from Div-I schools.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who has had the biggest impact on your baseball career?
The person who has had the biggest impact on my career is coach Joe Fusco. Fusco has been there for me through some of the hardest times and has showed me not only how to dominate on the field but how to become a respectful young man.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite players in MLB are Luke Voit and Aaron Judge.
What was the best baseball trip you’ve ever been on?
The best baseball trip was the summer when my team went to Florida for 16 days. Those had to have been some of the best memories I’ve ever created with my team.
Best experience on a baseball field?
My personal best experience on the diamond had to have been when my team was down 3 runs and with two strikes, I had a game-tying HR.
Who are some teammates you’ve grown close with?
I’m super close with my whole team but two guys I’m extremely close with are Max Kessler and Jack Puvogel. They have been there for me through any family problems or even baseball problems. I couldn’t ask for two better best friends.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I work with Chris Sipp for hitting and Matthew Vogel for pitching.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite app on my phone is YouTube.
Favorite pregame meal?
Bologna and cheese sandwich.
Favorite place to get a slice of pizza?
Gino’s
Do you plan on continuing to play football through high school?
I will most likely play football through high school unless the college says I can’t play anymore.
What is your dream school to attend?
Penn State University
Favorite show on Netflix?
Friday Night Lights
