(This is the 12th 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, Keegan McElligot, Lucien Saint Cyr and Jayden Gigante. Make sure to check out Eye Q Investigations by clicking here)
The lifeblood of a successful Catholic League program is having talented players in the pipeline from the time they are in 9th grade. Being in the program for 4 years, as opposed to transferring for one year, getting great coaching, offseason training and plenty of playing time in JV are all factors that benefit players as they develop into upperclassmen.
St. Anthony’s has been able to build a strong pipeline of young talent under Coach Parsolano and they are not merely looking for one year of success.
They’ve been knocking on the door for a few years now but you can truly say that this season, 2023, and for the next handful of seasons, they have some top-tier talent that can compete with any on Long Island.
We know about UNC-commit Jason DeCaro and a couple of 2024s, Torin Kassebaum and Kevin Baez, but beyond that, they have a star two-way player on the horizon.
CJ Alfano, who came over from the Connetquot district, is the type of player that turns heads and will be a Division-I player. Batting primarily out of the 3rd spot for the Body Armor Titans, he batted .495 and also compiled an unblemished record of 5-0 on the mound with a 2.96 ERA against top competition this summer.
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 No. 1 sport since I was little. My Dad and I would always play ball together in the street. I gave football a try for a bit but quickly realized that baseball was my passion.
Who are some people who have had a positive influence on your career?
2 important people who have had a positive influence on my career are my Dad and my Papa. Both of them have a lot of baseball background and motivate me in different ways. My Dad pushes me hard and wants me to realize my full ability and my Papa motivates me the only way a grandfather knows how. Eric Weiner and the Titans organization have also had a positive influence. Eric has always looked out for my best interests and made sure I had anything and everything available to make sure I am successful. I really appreciate his guidance and his support. Brian Anderson has also played a major role in my development. I have been hitting with Brian for 3 years now and he continues to push me to be better each and every time. Never allowing me to settle for mediocrity.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
My favorite player is Rowdy Tellez. He swings the bat very similar to the way I do and he has really good footwork at first base.
Do you take private lessons with any instructors?
I have been working with Brian Anderson as my hitting instructor and Rob Steinert as my pitching instructor for the past three years.
What has been your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
There were two moments that were most thrilling – the first was hitting a grand slam home run for my travel team, the Outlaws, bottom 7, bases loaded walk-off grand slam. The other was striking out the side in the couple of innings in the Championship game in Myrtle Beach this Sumer. We then went on to win the Championship.
Favorite meal?
My favorite meal is Chick-a-Chick a Boom Boom
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat
Any family members play pro or college ball?
Yes my dad, my uncle and my cousin all played college baseball
Goals for 2023?
- Continue to work on getting in the best shape possible
- Work harder at improving my grades and being a better student
- Push myself to get bigger and stronger
- Be the best teammate possible
- Never settle
- Be better than I was yesterday
