(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, West Babylon 1B Jace Alvino and Chaminade SS Mikey Cervoni. Make sure to check out the Yard Sports Academy here.)
2021 was a rough year for many people but Massapequa’s Erik Paulsen is not one of those.
The 2023 southpaw was called up to varsity as a sophomore and was a member of the Chiefs’ Nassau County Championship – their fourth consecutive. Following the season, he announced his verbal commitment to Stony Brook University. Additionally, he helped the Body Armor Titans to a great summer, highlighted by finishing 9th overall out of 420 teams at the WWBA in Georgia.
He batted .402 with 1 triple, 2 HR, 26 RBI at the plate while compiling a record of 4-1 with 1 save over 33 innings with 39 Ks and a 1.27 ERA over the summer.
Titans 2023 Erik Paulsen with a nice FB/CB mix for a punchout to complete the 4-0 shutown win for 16 Body Armor vs CBB in GA. Paulsen was up to 83 MPH today. Liam Stemmler threw 5 shutout innings in the start for the Titans! #TitanNation pic.twitter.com/90I0b7CQO2
— Long Island Titans (@LITitanbaseball) July 16, 2021
He will enter the 2022 season as one of the top two-way players in the class and will be aiming to help Massapequa to an unprecedented fifth straight county championship.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Can you talk about your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose Stony Brook?
The college recruiting process was very quick but stressful at the same time. I had multiple coaches reach out on September 1, 2021 including Coach Senk from Stony Brook. I later went to Stony Brook to watch practice and take a tour of the school. I fell in love with the school and how Coach Senk, Coach Martin and Coach Brosnan all coach and interact with the players. I chose Stony Brook because they are giving me the opportunity to be a two-way player. I also chose Stony Brook because they play in a highly-competitive division and win a lot. Academically, Stony Brook appealed to me because it is a great medical school and when I’m older I want to be a physician’s assistant.
What was it like playing up on varsity at Massapequa? Did the seniors help make you feel welcome? Also just discuss the emotions of winning a Nassau County Championship.
Playing on varsity as a sophomore at Massapequa is something I could never forget. Playing for Massapequa was one of the best times I’ve had playing baseball throughout my career. All the seniors took me under their wing and helped make the environment feel like a family. Seniors like Bobby Stang and Vin Mallon were always trying to help me get better each and every day at practice. Winning the Nassau County Championship was a great experience. The County Championship was a crazy one facing Dylan Banner who was my teammate since 10u. Matt Minio threw a gem that game and the adrenaline was rushing with every pitch. I was glad I could help Massapequa add another County Championship.
Who are some people who have had a big impact on your career?
There are many different people who have had a big impact on my career but the person that stands out the most is my dad. My dad, also named Erik Paulsen, has been teaching me baseball since I was born. I was always around him back when he played adult baseball and I would take I/O with his team when I was only five years old. He would tell the players to not hold back and act like it were someone their age. My dad supports me day in and day out and always helps me with ways to get better on-and-off the field.
What is it like playing with Body Armor? Who are some impact players on the team and what trips did you go on this year?
This summer playing on Body Armor was one of the best baseball experiences. The team grew chemistry within weeks of playing with each other. Joe Yovino, Evan Baschnagel, Brady Clark and many others. Joe Yovino is one of, if not the, best catchers I’ve ever played with, we helped each other over the course of the season to make each other better. Brady Clark had a great year on the mound and Evan Baschnagel had a great year at the plate. We went to Georgia which was a bunch of fun. We finished 9th out of about 420 teams. We faced a lot of elite pitchers and players and beat a couple of teams that were expected to win. We also played three weeks in a row at Diamond Nation and beat many good teams along the way. Looking forward to next season with Body Armor.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Yes, many different instructors try to help me get better every day. Brad Jackson at Max Effort Baseball is my hitting coach and has been for many years. He not only has taught me the mechanical side of hitting but he also takes time to focus on the mental side of hitting which has helped me tremendously. I also work with Bobby DeMichael at Prospect Sports for pitching. Lastly, I work with Cornell Warrick at One More Rep for strength and speed training.
What do you want to work on this offseason?
My goals this offseason are to get faster, throw harder and hit the ball harder while maintaining the mechanics in my swing and control on the mound.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Anthony Rizzo and Freddie Freeman because they both play the way I play the game.
Favorite app on your phone?
TikTok
Favorite pregame meal?
Birthday cake protein bar with Piña Coolata Bang energy drink. Not a big fan of a big meal pregame.
Favorite type of music?
I listen to nothing besides country.
Favorite vacation spot?
Jamaica – I went there when I was 14 and loved it and really want to go back.
Favorite show on Netflix?
This is a tough one but I have to go with Money Heist
