Three starts, three complete games and only four hits allowed. Not a bad start to a varsity career for anyone – especially a sophomore.
That’s how Comsewogue sophomore Carson McCaffrey began his career. 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 player in Major League Baseball right now is Shohei Ohtani. He is a force to reckon with on both sides of the ball, being a strong, powerful and consistent hitter and an amazing pitcher with velocity along with nasty off speed pitches.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
I have had many people help me throughout my baseball career on both sides of the ball and every single one has helped me become a better baseball player. Some of the most notable people from coaches George and Tyler Loft, through my varsity coach Joe Caltagirone, to Bobby DeMichael and from the start of my whole career Coach Kevin Schnupp. They have all given me opportunities to grow as a player overall.
What did you focus on this off-season?
Over the off-season I mainly focused on pitching, more specifically mechanics and strength. Along with working out and getting stronger, came more and more velocity. I started the off-season sitting 71-73 MPH, but with all the work put in I gained about 8 MPH and am now sitting 80-82 MPH. Tie that with working on off-speed pitches and I’ve become a much better pitcher and athlete overall. This also didn’t only help with my pitching but hitting too. I had a noticeable change in hitting power before and after the off-season.
What is the best baseball trip you’ve been on?
My favorite baseball trip out of all the ones I’ve been on would probably still have to be Cooperstown. It was a really memorable experience, even if it was when I was pretty young.
What are your goals for the rest of 2022?
My goals for the end of 2022 is to be sitting 83-85 MPH and to keep working on my of off-speed pitches.
Who are some players you’ve grown close with as teammates?
Teammates that I’ve grown close with include Matt Nowlan, Kevin Schnupp, Nick Zampieron, Joe Virga – pretty much my entire varsity team right now because we are such a young team and I’ve known all of them since I was in kindergarten and we continue to grow as a team.
Any pregame superstitions?
I do have one pregame superstition, and that is that if I have a bowl of cereal or a box of cereal, it brings me luck for the game.
What is your favorite pregame meal?
My favorite pregame meal is a buffalo slice or cereal, as it goes along with my superstition.
Pregame hype music?
My favoritetype of pregame hype music is Latin music. It just seems to get me in the zone more than any other type of music before a game.
Favorite place to get a slice of pizza?
M<Y favorite play to get a plain old slice of pizza is Setauket Pizzeria. They always have the best tasting pizza and it never disappoints.
