(This is the tenth installment of our weekly “Up Next Series Powered by Eye Q Investigations” in which we highlight the best underclassmen from across Long Island. Previously, we featured Miguel Sime Jr, Matt Cruz, Luke Coats, Michael Gardner, Tyler Scarry, Kenny Meliere, Jaiden Zoller, Max Donacea and Keegan McElligot. Make sure to check out Eye Q Investigations by clicking here)
As I mentioned in the last edition, it is rare for a freshman to be the starting SS on varsity in the CHSAA. The teams are too talented and the talent pool is typically plentiful enough where it is not even a consideration.
In the case of St. John the Baptist and St. Dominic, that is not a concern entering 2023. Both teams will likely be starting a freshman. Keegan McElligot for SJB and Lucien Saint Cyr for St Dom’s.
Saint Cyr is coming off a great summer for the Body Armor Titans. He was a part of their 2021 team that won the championship in Cooperstown.
His high school coach, Joe Fusco, had the following to say:
“We plan on Lucien being a huge piece on our varsity roster from Day 1,” said Fusco. “He has shown the ability to compete and succeed against the higher levels of competition throughout the fall. We challenged him from the minute he stepped foot on the field this fall and he’s been nothing but successful. I see a lot of Matt Cruz in his game – the high level baseball IQ, elite physical ability and outstanding work ethic. He already has drawn interest from Power 5 schools and I believe he projects as a future high-level Division-I player,” he added.
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?
Baseball has always been my No. 1 sport since I was 5-years-old. I also grew up playing travel soccer for Excel, basketball for Lightning and Stimson Middle School and was on the Walt Whitman Wildcats wrestling team. I stopped playing those sports and put 100% focus and effort into baseball.
Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your career?
My father has been the most positive influence on my baseball career. He was my coach for 7 years. He gave total commitment to me and baseball. Although my father is at the top of the list, there are a few coaches that have had a positive influence along the way. Coach Brian Anderson was my Body Armor coach for the past two summers. He helped me reach the next level as an infielder. Not only did he coach me as a player, but as a person as well. Coach Joe Fusco, my current coach at St. Dominic’s HS is further refining my techniques and elevating my physicality and performance to be competitive at varsity level baseball.
Why did you choose to attend St. Dominic HS?
I chose to attend St. Dominic’s HS because it suited my academic needs and I felt a chemistry with the coaching staff led by Joe Fusco.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I have had the privilege of private hitting lessons with Brian Anderson at Prospect Sports, Joe Francisco at TF and Anthony Brites at Hit Quarters.
Most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
My most thrilling moment I had on the baseball field was winning the entire Cooperstown Tournament in the summer of 2021. Our team, Body Armor Titans, hit 60 plus home runs and went undefeated the entire week bringing us to the championship.
Who are some teammates you’ve grown close with?
My closest teammates are Luke Coats, Shane Meehan and Ronan Austin who were on my Body Armor team. Matthew Cruz, Jordan Ynoa, Jack Puvogel and Victor Frederick are also close teammates that I will be playing with this year on the Bayhawks for St. Dom’s.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
A few of my favorite Major League players are Fernando Tatis Jr, Francisco Lindor and Javier Baez. These players have similar play styles of mine – aggressive and electric. The Padres are by far my favorite Major League baseball team.
Favorite meal?
My favorite meal is my grandmother’s homemade chicken parmesan with spaghetti. It’s a great pregame meal that gets me energized.
Favorite app on your phone?
Instagram is my favorite app on my phone. It’s where I can stay up to date on both Major League and local baseball.
Favorite musical artist?
My favorite musical artist is Drake. He hosts a variety of music like hype songs to get you locked in before games and chill songs for postgame time.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
One of the best baseball trips I’ve been on was the Perfect Game World Series at Boombah in Florida this past summer. It was the highest level of baseball I’ve ever played. We saw quality pitchers every game and always had to compete.
Dream Car?
My dream car is a black Jeep Track Hawk. It’s a fast, fully equipped and spacious vehicle that will hold all my baseball gear and some of my teammates.
Goals for 2023?
My goals for 2023:
-Maintain my GPA of 3.9
-State champs for Spring baseball season at St. Dom’s
-Go All-League in the Catholic League
-Lower by 60-yard dash from 7.3 to 6.6
-Win 2 National tournaments in the summer
Any family members play college sports?
My cousins, Phinel and Yaruby, both ran Div-1 track and field at Colgate
