(This is the eleventh 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, Chaminade SS Mikey Cervoni, Massapequa LHP Erik Paulsen MacArthur LHP Tyler Bonsignore. Make sure to check out the Yard Sports Academy here.)
2021 was a major step forward for a Syosset baseball program that was under .500 in 2019 and 2018. They fought tooth & nail with Plainview JFK in both games of the conference semifinals; losing two one-run battles.
They will enter 2022 with high hopes, thanks in large part to the performance of freshman Max Kessler – who was named All-Conference after batting .357 with a .500 OBP. Kessler continued his great play into the summer with Team Francisco where he boosted the average to .364 with a .447 OBP.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
What was it like playing varsity as a freshman? Were there any upperclassmen that helped you feel comfortable?
Playing on varsity as a freshman was an honor and a great experience. Playing with kids that were in a position that I am going to be in not too long from now was really cool. And I can’t wait to be in the position where I am the upperclassmen helping the rookie. The whole varsity team and coaches made me feel extremely welcome, but Jacob Lee really went out of his way to make efforts to make me feel comfortable.
Who are some people who have been influential in your career?
I would say the single most influential person in my career would be my coach Joe Fusco. He has not only taught me about the game of baseball, but has taught me valuable lessons like respect, discipline and hardwork to use outside of baseball.
What were your goals this offseason?
To get bigger, faster, stronger and better. Every year the competition gets better and it doesn’t wait for anyone. If you don’t put the work in, someone else will.
What are your goals for 2022?
Most of my goals for 2022 aren’t personal goals. Although I set high expectations and goals for myself, my goals all involve the success of my teams. 2022 is the year that the Syosset Braves win the county championship and change the whole outlook on Syosset baseball. My other goal has to do with my travel team. We want to be a top 10 team in the country and change the whole perspective of New York baseball.
Who are some top players on Long Island that you enjoy squaring off against?
Sebastian Lippman and Thomas O’Neill. They have both been close friends for a while and they are two of the best pitchers on Long Island. Lippman and myself have grown up playing baseball and basketball together always competing, trying to one up each other. Playing against them also means playing at Plainview and Farmingdale – both rivals – makes playing them even more fun. Lippman, Thomas and myself also play on TF together so when we aren’t pushing each other as opponents we are doing it as teammates.
What is it like playing for TF? What were some of the trips you went on?
Team Francisco is the best organization on Long Island. The training it provides is second to none, but what separates it from everyone else is the competitiveness. Everyone in that facility wants to be the best and someone is always trying to outwork you and outperform you. You’re constantly surrounded by people that want to grow and get better. Playing with TF is the single most fun I have had on a baseball field. We have been on tons of trips as well. We have been to Florida, Virginia, Atlantic City, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia.
Favorite pregame meal?
Blueberry muffin with C4
Favorite app on your phone?
A Snapchat
Favorite musical artist?
A Boogie
Favorite vacation spot?
California
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
I spent two weeks in Florida with TF and we played in the BCS Freedom Classic and the BCS World Series.
