(Editor’s Note: The “Up Next” Series is back for another year! We highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island during this weekly series during the offseason. You can click here to read all of last year’s features. Special thanks to State Farm Ken Kortright Agency for sponsoring this year’s series – Enjoy!)
Any time you have the opportunity to get called up to varsity as an underclassmen, it is a great chance to learn from older players – even if you don’t get into a game. In the case of Kings Park’s 8th grader Everett Zarzicki, he was not just called up but counted on in a big spot in the playoffs.
If you don’t believe me, here’s what head coach Andrew Abreu:
“Everett was called up last year towards the later part of the season as an eighth grader. He was dominant on Jv both on the mound and offensively. In his first outing against John Glenn, he went a scoreless inning. His next outing was against the eventual LI Champs, West Babylon. He came into a bases loaded, no out spot in the bottom of the 7th in a tie game. When he took the mound, he looked unfazed. you would have thought it was the top of the first inning. He induced a 6-2-3 DP and was one strike away from getting out of the inning until a wild pitch on a cross up scored the game-winning run. He also pitched out of the bullpen in all 3 playoff games. We expect him to contribute on both sides this year.
As a kid, he’s incredibly mature beyond his age. He wants to learn the game and isn’t afraid to ask questions in the process. Since joining the varsity team, he and Hunter Colagrande developed an awesome student/mentor type relationship. He possesses an incredible work ethic – between skill training and the weight room. He’s respectful and a great teammate. I think the most impressive trait about him is his humility. He believes in himself and it’s evident, however he humbly understands there’s more work to be done to continue to develop as a player.”
Everett showcased himself this summer in a playoff game during the Boys of Summer Playoffs while pitching for the Kings Park Pride. He shut down Titans Baseball-Crema in a 3-0 shutout win.
FINAL: Kings Park Pride 3, Titans Baseball- Crema 0
Kings Park advances to the Semifinals Everett Zarzicki tossed a complete game shutout with 8 strikeouts. @liboysofsummer pic.twitter.com/FaJFCjqts4— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 15, 2023
He had an outstanding summer ball putting up these numbers – 8-1 record, 1.61 ERA, 92 strikeouts in 56 innings. He also batted .456 showing that he is not just a pitcher-only.
Zarzicki is now on Body Armor Titans Quattrini – arguably the top team in the region. Teams in Suffolk County are bound to get familiar with him soon – and they will certainly be tired of facing him by the time his 6-year varsity career is up.
He spoke to Axcess Baseball and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
Coach Brian Frers, Rob Rizzo and my father, Mike Zarzicki, all coaches of my old travel team – the Kings Park Pride. Also, my varsity coach, Andrew Abreu, and Body Armor coach Travis Quattrini.
Do you take private lessons from any instructors?
Yes, Neal Heaton for pitching and Coach Chris Scura for hitting lessons.
What was your most thrilling experience on a baseball field?
My most thrilling experience on a baseball field was when I was put into the varsity playoffs against Hauppauge High School and was able to close out the game for the first playoff win in a very long time.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite players in the major leagues are definitely Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw. These two pitchers are some of the best out there and when healthy, can throw any pitch in any count and really inspire me to try and study their pitch sequences, utilizing that knowledge to improve my game.
Do you play any other sports?
Yes, I play basketball for the JV team at Kings Park HS.
Do you have any family members that played college ball?
Yes my father played baseball and pitched at Adelphi University.
Favorite meal?
A big hamburger and fries.
Favorite musical artists?
Jon Pardi, Morgan Wallen and Larry Fleet
Favorite vacation spot?
Canada – especially Quebec City
Favorite TV Show?
The Office and Parks & Recreation
Dream Car?
Tesla
