(This is the third installment of the popular ‘Up Next’ Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously we featured Miguel Sime Jr and Matt Cruz. Make sure you check out Eye Q Investigations by clicking here.)
His freshman season in high school hasn’t even begun and already Luke Coats has turned many heads. Early in June, he was named the MVP of Perfect Game’s East Coast Qualifier in which Body Armor went 5-0. In July, he was one of the best performers at the Blue Chip Prospect’s Northeast College Coaches Camp when he was sitting in the low 80s in front of 24 coaches. Then, he went out and won Axcess Baseball’s Home Run Derby by putting on an absolute clinic in the finals with double digit home runs. Not to be outdone, he went and fired a no-hitter in the Antonia Agostinelli Memorial Tournament against Team Francisco in a 5-0 win.
Luke Coats (‘26 NY) creates heavy sinking life w/ the FB at the bottom of the zone. Getting fair share of GBs and keeps hitters off balance w/ a 11-5 CB that flashed medium depth. #13uWS @JBrownPG pic.twitter.com/WEhGqWADFz
— Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) July 17, 2022
Again, he hasn’t even played a game in high school. Most kids of that age are struggling adjusting to their body changing and the fields getting larger. All he’s done is dominate. Over hte summer and fall seasons, he combined to bat .395 with a .497 OBP and .672 SLG (1.170 OPS) with 6 HRs, 36 stolen bases and a 2.67 ERA.
At 6’2 and now touching 85 MPH, Coats possesses both a very exciting present ability and upside that college coaches can dream on.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
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Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Yes, ever see tee-ball I’ve loved the sport and never looked back.
Who are some people who have had a positive influence on your life?
A lot of people have influenced my life significantly, especially my parents who support me 100%. My brother, James and I, are very close and have trained together and played wiffle ball about 1,000 times in the yard. I am also thankful for Coach Brian Anderson, Coach Keith Couch and Coach Hector Mercelo, to name just a few. I am especially thankful to my dad, who was my very first baseball coach.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge are definitely my two favorite players. Shohei proved that pitchers can hit, and Judge is the hometown hero.
What were some of your best memories of the 2022 season? And what was it like playing on a talented team like Body Armor?
There were a lot of great memories this year. Some of my favorites have to be winning a Perfect Game MVP at PG Super 25, winning the Axcess Baseball Home Run derby, going down to Cary, NC to play in the USA Baseball Champions Cup, throwing a no-hitter in the finals against Team Francisco, and just being with my team in general. It’s so much fun playing on Body Armor. We’ve been together for several years and we have great chemistry. The team has a lot of talent, so it’s exciting to be able to walk into any tournament and know we have a chance to win it.
What do you plan on working on this offseason?
This offseason I’m working on getting stronger and getting better bite on my slider.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I work with Coach Brian Anderson, Coach Anthony Papa, Coach Jake Thomas and in the past, Coach Keith Couch.
Why did you choose to attend St. Anthony’s?
I wanted to go to a faith-based school. I think very highly of the Saint Anthony’s baseball program and Coach Parsolano, and I believe it’s a very good fit.
Favorite musical artist?
Coldplay
Favorite meal?
Chipotle Burrito
Favorite app on your phone?
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
My best baseball trip is when my team went to Cooperstown. It was an epic week, we won the tournament and had so much fun in the dorms.
Favorite vacation spot?
I love to go to California and see my family.
Favorite TV show or movie?
Top Gun – the original
