This is the ninth 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, Holy Trinity 1B Kyle Kozlowski, and West Babylon 1B Jace Alvino. Make sure to check out the Yard Sports Academy here.
Chaminade has proven to be a fertile ground for high school baseball players over its history but especially over the past handful of years. The class of 2022 is no exception as all 15 players are committed to a college. That is just a prelude to the next few graduating classes as both 2023 and 2024 are stocked with high-end players.
One player that fits that mold is sophomore SS Mikey Cervoni. As a freshman, he was named MVP of the team and has continued to excel during the travel circuit with Next Level Baseball. He has been attending some prospect camps at high-academic universities at the Division-I level.
This year will be an important one for him as he looks to fulfill his dreams of playing at the D-I level.
I’ll defer to someone who knows him best and that’s his hitting instructor and summer coach, Jake Thomas – a former Diamond Award winner and minor leaguer. He said, “he has an aura about him. Everyone stops to watch what he does wherever – in game or in practice. He practices just as hard as he plays. He is constantly improving, he’s a baseball junkie. I’ll get texts at 11 PM on a Saturday night from Mike with video of him taking swings in his garage to make sure he is doing something the right way. He comes from a great family and he is extremely humble – even for all his talent. He’s such an awesome person to be around.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
All the coaches I have had at Next Level have had a positive impact on my career. Especially my coaches Jake Thomas, Danny Duverge, Coach Manning and Coach Carlos Peña. They helped me learn the game and develop my skills.
What has your time been like with Next Level?
I joined Next Level in the fall of 2020. Since then, I feel like the training I received has elevated my game tremendously. From learning new footwork in fielding from my Coach Danny Duverge, creating new mechanics to generate power and be more consistent from my Coach Jake Thomas, and how to carry myself on and off the field by my coaches Carlos Peña and Coach Manning. Ultimately, Next Level has supported me in every aspect of the game and helped me increase my baseball IQ.
What has been your best experience on a baseball field?
My best experience on a baseball field would have to be when I played in Fort Meyers in September this year. It was a great experience and I played a year up so it made me aware of what I had to do to get ready for next year. Also, the environment and fields are like no others that I’ve played at.
What was this summer like for you in terms of travel?
I basically played every day of the week whether it was practice, my individual training, or the many games we had. I traveled down south for a few tournaments, but mostly had games in the northeast. It was a great summer all around and I got to build relationships with my coaches and teammates.
What are your goals for this off-season?
My goals for this off-season are to increase my strength, speed, fielding and fine tune my swing. Basically, just to become a better overall player.
Goals for the 2022 season?
My goals for the 2022 season are to be more consistent with my hitting, win tournaments with my team cand play the highest-level baseball possible which Next Level gives me the opportunities to.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I work with my fielding coach Danny Duverge, my hitting instructor Jake Thomas, and my speed trainer Chris Finley. They all helped me tremendously and helped me develop new skills and improve ones that I was weak in.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite players in Major League Baseball are Francisco Lindor, because of his glove and Giancarlo Stanton because I am a Yankee fan. I also like the way they both have a winning mentality and they are great at what they do.
Why did you choose to attend Chaminade?
I chose to attend Chaminade because of the academic excellence and their powerhouse baseball team. It was also important to me to have a faith-based education.
Favorite meal?
I would have to say my favorite meal is homemade pizza that I make with my mom every Sunday. I have been doing this with her since I was really little and I try to continue to do it every Sunday.
Favorite musical artists?
I don’t really have a favorite artist, but before games I listen to rap music to get me ready. I also listen to a lot of older music, like 50s, because that’s the music my dad always played in the car when I was younger.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite app is probably Instagram, where I can find out about the new sports updates and what is going on with my friend and community.
