2-R single by sophomore AJ Aschettino to break the game open for Rocky Point pic.twitter.com/EuGJ31H4yW
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 30, 2022
2022 was a banner year for Rocky Point who captured the Class A Suffolk County Championship with a victory over the reigning champs, Mount Sinai. They featured a team loaded with four Division-I commits – Cody Miller (Axcess Preseason Player of the Year), Sean Hamilton, Dominick Carbone and Nic Benhardt.
But as we know, it takes contributions up-and-down the roster to truly make a championship team. Rocky Point received a tremendous season from sophomore second baseman, AJ Aschettino, son of retired coach Andrew Aschettino who led the program to their first County Championship in 2018.
He batted .328 over 80 plate appearances with a robust .430 OBP, he added four doubles, 1 triple, drove in 16 runs and scored 20 runs.
He continued that success into the summer and AJ announced his verbal commitment to Northeastern University last week – which means Rocky Point featured five Division-I players on its team last season. With Miller, Hamilton and Benhardt off to college, they will rely on Carbone and Aschettino to carry the team in 2023.
I had a chance to speak with AJ and here’s what he had to say…
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose Northeastern?
My dad and I discussed some schools that I had interest in and signed up for some prospect camps. We knew we wanted to play in tournaments that would get me and my teammates the best exposure to schools. From there, the goal was to perform to the best of my abilities. Thankfully, some schools expressed interest and went from there.
What was it like growing up with your dad as a varsity baseball coach? Did you grow an appreciation for the game at a young age?
Having my dad being a varsity baseball coach through my entire childhood definitely played a role in how I fell in love with the game at such a young age. Being around such an intense atmosphere really helped me understand the true competitiveness of the game. The more I was around it, the more I learned about the game and the more I learned about it, the more passion I had for baseball.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
The person who has had the most impact on my career would definitely be my dad. He’s taught me everything that I know about the game and continues to teach me new things everyday. My family as a whole have been nothing but supportive throughout my entire career and I can’t thank them enough. Coach Anzalone, Coach Strov, and Coach Glen at Rocky Point have been amazing to play for. Coach Tom Downey and Coach Clark of the Titans organization were huge helps during the recruiting process and I can’t thank them enough for that.
What was it like playing for a team as talented as Rocky Point? When did you know the team had the potential to be special?
Being able to play for Rocky Point this past year was the best baseball experience I have ever had and the most fun I’ve had playing the game. Being able to play alongside such great talented everyday was an unforgettable experience. Playing Rocky Point baseball was more than playing for a baseball team – it was a huge baseball family. We all played for each other and had each other’s backs. I knew the potential for such a special season was there from the second the previous season had ended.
What are you focusing on improving in the off-season?
One thing I am really focusing on this off-season is my strength.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Christian Yelich and Aaron Judge
Favorite app on your phone?
YouTube
Favorite meal?
Steak and potatoes
Favorite musical artist?
Migos
Best baseball trip you’ve ever been on?
Cooperstown
Dream car?
Corvette
Favorite vacation spot?
Fort Lauderdale
