Joey Lionetti Reflects On The Year That Changed His Life

Wow ! Joey Lionetti fires a no-hitter and for the first time in their 72-year history Massapequa Coast is headed to the Little League World Series ! pic.twitter.com/NROC1fF8i6

— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 13, 2022

On August 12, Joey Lionetti did not just introduce himself to a national audience – but he burst onto the scene with a no-hitter on ESPN to send Massapequa Coast to the Little League World Series for the first time in the program’s 72-year history. The ensuing days were a mad rush of media attention and it would be understandable to be overwhelmed as a 12-year-old.

Overall he posted some incredible numbers – it wasn’t just the no-hitter. He went 8-3 over 51 innings, striking out 68 batters against just 42 hits and a 2.35 ERA and 1.19 WHIP against top competition. At the plate, he was even better. He batted .446 (25-for-56) with .516 OBP, .857 SLG and 1.373 OPS. It will be a little while before you see him on the varsity field, but with his work ethic and talent, you can count on seeing him make an impact in the future for Massapequa.

Now that the dust has settled on the 2022 season, he spoke to Axcess Baseball and here’s what he had to say…

Favorite players in Major League Baseball?

My favorite MLB player of all-time is Didi Gregorious. I love how smooth he is fielding and also love his swing. He has a lot of swag and seems like a nice guy. I also love Aaron Judge. I was at his first MLB gam and saw his first at bat where he hit his first career home run.

Who are some people who have had a positive influence on your career?

Definitely my entire family, but most of all my dad has had a tremendous impact on my career so far. He has pushed me so hard and made me do things I never thought I could. And he gave me a strong work ethic from a very young age. Bringing me to Yankee games and teaching me the sport. Also, I have had some very good coaches and trainers who have helped me. Former MLB players Frank Catalanotto and Francisco Cruceta have had an impact on me, and one of my hitting coaches Reyes D’Oleo has as well. And of course, I am thankful to God for blessing me to do what I love and I hope I get to continue for a really long time.

Do you take private lessons with any instructors?

I currently take hitting lessons with Brad Jackson, owner of Max Effort Baseball and Reyes D’Oleo from Florida. My pitching coach for the past year is former MLB pitcher Francisco Cruceta.

Playing in Williamsport must have been the experience of a lifetime. Can you tell our audience a little bit about that week?

Playing in Williamsport was the highlight of my career and life. The run to get there is a lot harder than people think. A lot of people think because it is Little League, the competition is weak. But it isn’t. Some of these teams are stacked. And the farther you get, the harder the competition. Many of the players there play for national elite travel teams as well. And playing on national television, in prime time, is very overwhelming.

Another thing people don’t realize, when batting from 46 feet, from some of the best pitchers in the world at 12-years-old, these guys are throwing over 70 MPH. From that distance, it’s like seeing a 95 MPH fastball in the MLB. My life kind of changes after I threw the no-hitter. I was getting a lot of media attention and interviews and articles written about it. I was doing TV and radio interviews. David Cone and Michael Kay announced it live on the Yankee game that night. Our team was so solid that night, giving me the best defense to give me the chance to throw the no-hitter. It was pretty wild getting the Gatorade bath, during my interview with Todd Frazier live on ESPN. It was really cool meeting Hall of Famers Mariano Rivera and Mike Mussina, David Cone, Todd Frazier, President George Bush and so many others. Being on floats in parades was wild. Giving autographs. I even auctioned off a signed ball at a charity event for John Theissen, who helps needs and sick kids on Long Island, for $350.00. I met and hung out with Yankee legend Ron Guidry that night. Our team got to go on the field at Citi Field to hang with the Mets and the Dodgers. I had a catch with a Dodgers pitcher. I was honored at a NY Islanders hockey game and was the flag captain waving the flag to start the 2nd period. NY Islander Scotty Mayfield and I traded a signed baseball for a signed puck after he tweeted about my no-hitter. So it has been a wild experience.

What a lot of people don’t know is, I had just moved to Massapequa a year prior. My father said to me while watching the 2021 Little League World Series, “you know, if you play Little League this year, now that you live in Massapequa, you may have a shot to make a run at Williamsport.” I hadn’t played Little League in 4 years – only travel baseball. At first I said no, but then he talked me into it, explaining that they had a really good Little League, and together, we may actually have had a chance. And he was right. We made it all the way. I did miss my final National tryout for Team USA, in Cary, NC as it ran the same time as Williamsport. I am up for it again this year, so I’m looking forward to getting the chance this summer.

What has your time been like playing for the East Coast Lumberjacks?

I am so happy to be playing with the East Coast Lumberjacks in 2023. They are a national organization that gets invites and bids to some of the most prestigious and competitive tournaments across the country. So far, my experience has been amazing. We have the best coaches; Coach Strovink and Coach Reichenbach. Both played professional baseball – one for the Texas Rangers and the other for the NY Mets. Extremely high baseball IQs. I just had my first winter workout and it was the best in my entire career. Coach Pembroke, who runs the club, is a true baseball guy. Loves the game. Puts player before club. But teaches us the importance of “team”. With a formula like that and unmatched coaching, I am really excited and very happy to be a Lumberjack.

What are your goals for this offseason?

This offseason, my biggest goal is to strengthen my shoulder capsule and get bigger, stronger and faster on both sides of the ball. I am working with Dr. Bill Schwarz from The Scharz Institute on rehab, recovery and performance drills and techniques to help me achieve this.

Favorite musical artist?

I like all types of music. But my favorite band is probably 21 Pilots.

Favorite TV show?

I don’t really watch too much TV, other than sports, but my favorite TV show has to be “The Curse of Oak Island”.

Favorite app on your phone?

My favorite app is Snapchat.

Favorite meal?

My favorite meal is Buffalo Wings.