This week, Jonathan Kortright was the recipient of the Spirit Award issued by the Kortright Kares Foundation. Jonathan just graduated from East Islip HS where he played for Coach Sal Ciampi on the Redmen team that reached the postseason each of the past two seasons and prior to him being on varsity, they won the Conference IV Long Island Championship in 2021 over Bethpage.
Jonathan will be headed to SUNY Old Westbury in the fall to play for Rod Stephan on the Panthers.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are your biggest influences in life?
My dad because he taught me how to play baseball and he taught me how to play hard, work hard and always make sure to control my emotions on and off the field.
What was your experience like picking which college to attend? What will your major be?
It was fun going to open houses and meeting some of the students that already go there. My major will be business administration. I will attend SUNY Old Westbury and the experience talking to Coach Stephan was great, I’m excited to attend Old Westbury.
Can you discuss the impact your family has had on you?
My family has supported me, from my dad being my coach, and teaching me the love for baseball and how to have fun, to my mom supporting me all the way back to being my number one fan.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Yes, baseball has always been my No. 1 sport since I was 5-years-old to 17-years-old, almost 18.
Who are your favorite athletes?
I’ll do one for each
NHL- Wayne Gretzky
NFL- Tom Brady
NBA – LeBron James
MLB- Shohei Ohtani
Favorite app on your phone?
theScore
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Jackson Hall in East Islip
What was the biggest thrill of your baseball career?
When I threw a perfect game when I was 14-years-old playing for the Junior Ducks.
Favorite movie or TV Show?
My favorite TV Show is Cobra Kai.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal for the future is to be successful in college.
