Division HS has a rich tradition of baseball. They are truly one of the powerhouse baseball programs on Long Island and compete for the Nassau County championship each season. This year was no different as they reached the semifinals but were defeated in 3 games by the eventual-champs Calhoun.
A major reason for their success was junior catcher Joseph Yovino. The Elon-commit transferred back into the school after attending Holy Trinity in 2021. Fortunately for the Blue Dragons, he opted to come back to the school because he produced one of the best seasons in the long, storied history of the program. Yovino was named the 10th winner in program history of the coveted Diamond Award.
He was a force at the plate, on the base paths and behind the dish. He batted .467 with 7 HRs, 30 RBI, scored 27 runs, stole 15 bases, compiled a 1.337 OPS and also picked off 4 runners on the bases.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people who have helped your baseball career?
My first influence and my coach was my father. He pushed me over a bump I thought I would never get out of. A fact about me is in 10u baseball I had approximately 40 strikeouts in a row. And he was the one to start my journey. Mike Cuomo also gave my baseball IQ and a sort of 6th sense on the bases and behind the plate. He is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had. My high school coaches have been beyond great at giving me a stride to another level. They helped me work on my mentality at the plate all off-season.
What did you work on this off-season to improve your game?
Tee work was the main focus this past off-season. Last year my home run numbers were down so I went back to what I did in the past when I was struggling. Tee work and fungo.
Who are some players that contributed to Division’s successful 2022 season?
There isn’t a single player who didn’t contribute in some way. We knew from the get-go we had an ace in Mike Knapp. James Sill and Jack Taggart stepped up and did their jobs. But it wasn’t just players on the field. The Division Avenue bench mom kept the energy going all game and always found a way to make the game interesting. My lucky charm Jake “Hammer” Moloney gave me a hug before every at bat.
What has been your best experience on a baseball field?
While it may seem silly, my best experience was my first batting practice home run with my dad. That moment is cemented in my head. It was the moment I knew what I wanted to do.
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose Elon?
I had a relatively simple recruiting process. I was in Georgia for Perfect Game. And I had 2 breakout games at the right time. In the 2 games my college coach saw me, I was 8-for-8 with 8 RBIs and 2 doubles. I had an exceptional game behind the dish as well. Coach Huffstetler gave me a call after the first game saying they were interested and offered me a scholarship two days later. I made an academic visit the next week and instantly fell in love with the area and the school.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite players in the MLB are Max Scherzer, Jazz Chisholm and JT Realmuto.
Favorite vacation spot?
My upstate house near Binghamton. I grew up in the woods and besides the baseball field that’s where I feel most at home.
Favorite meal?
Fastball or chicken cut parmesan
Favorite app on your phone?
Minecraft 100%
Favorite musical artist?
Morgan Wallen is my go-to artist.
Dream Car?
I’m a big truck guy so I would want the 2022 Dodge Ram 1500.
