(This is the second installment of the 2022 Up Next Series Powered by Eye Q Investigations, where we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. This is a 10-part series. You can read the first one on Miguel Sime Jr. by clicking here. All of these uncommitted players should have a huge impact on their high school teams this season and eventually will be Division-I players).
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The only thing more coveted than left-handed pitching is flame-throwing left-handed pitchers. We’ve been fortunate on Long Island to have a long list of great ones. While it is certainly early on in the process, Miller Place appears to have a pretty talented one in sophomore southpaw Nick Frusco. He first put himself on our map at our July showcase where he was sitting in the low to mid 80s and touching 85. This prompted me to reach out to his high school coach, who was well aware of his potential and told me that they are excited to have him and he’ll be a big part of their team next season.
Since that team, Frusco has only elevated his profile with outstanding performances in PG Fall Super Qualifier, Steel Sports Octoberfest and the Northeast Elite. All against good competition, and he hasn’t just won games but he has dominated. We expect him to anchor the Miller Place rotation as a sophomore and be recruited by the best Division-I schools in the region (St. John’s UCONN, Boston College, etc).
LHP Nick Frusco (Miller Place 2025) up to 85 MPH pic.twitter.com/V0Dew21tW3
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) June 22, 2022
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say….
Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your career?
My dad, my family and the coaches of my first travel tram – the NY/SSA Nationals: Kelly Moore, Dan Laieta and John Crowley. They all taught me to foscus on the mound and block out any distractions.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Yes. For pitching I currently go to Bobby DeMichael at Prospect Sports and for hitting I sometimes go to Dwayne Page at 365.
What was it like being on varsity as a freshman? Were there any seniors that helped you feel more comfortable?
Honestly, I was just brought up at playoff time but it was fun to get time scrimmaging at our practices with the older kids. Jason Strickland, Gio Cassino and Tyler Hodella made me feel part of the team immediately. They were all top varsity players.
What has been the biggest thrill you’ve had on a baseball field?
Actually happened a couple of weeks ago in the championship game of the Columbus Day tournament at Baseball Heaven. Our team, Body Armor Titans, played great and scored a run in the top of the 7th and we held on to beat Tucci Elite from Connecticut, 1-0. I pitched a complete game, 1-hitter with 16 strikeouts. Their pitcher was amazing as well – allowing just two hits.
Toughest batter you ever faced?
No one person stands out but the Sayville JV as a whole battles you each and every at bat. They know how to shorten up with 2 strikes on them.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Jacob deGrom because he shows dominance when he pitches and Pete Alonso because he is energetic and leads the Mets.
Favorite musical artist?
Bruno Mars
Favorite meal?
Bacon cheeseburger
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
This summer we went to North Carolina for a tournament and it was like a dream playing on the field for Duke University.
What colleges are you interested in?
Really have to spend more time on this but Clemson, Wake Forest, UNC, Duke, James Madison and Rutgers come to mind.
Dream car?
A red Ferrari.
Favorite vacation spot?
Italy. Beautiful place and even better food.
