(Editor’s Note: This is the third installment of the Up Next Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, Everett Zarzicki and Brian Brower were featured. Special thanks to State Farm Ken Kortright for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Nick Clark certainly knows the game of baseball. He had one of the most decorated careers in the history of Adelphi University – having been twice named All-American and he still ranks No. 1 in program history for RBIs (193), runs scored (207), HRs (51) and is second behind Dom Gatti in hits (238) and stolen bases (94). Clark is one of the most well-respected hitting instructors on Long Island and has been around the game a long time. All of this is to say, his word carries a lot of weight.
One of the athletes he instructs in Stellan Zangari, who is currently a freshman at South Side HS.
“Stellan has been coming to Storm Academy for hitting and pitching lessons since he was 11-years-old. He’s a great kid and his athleticism is off-the-charts. He makes adjustments quickly and works hard. He has amazing family support. I have been teaching hitting for a long time and have had over 150 of my hitters play college baseball. Over 50 of those college players playing Division-I baseball. If Stellan continues on his path, he will no doubt play college baseball and has a very good chance of playing and competing at the Division-I level.”
Stellan had a great summer playing for B1 Seminoles Okon. He had 113 at bats, and batted .363 with a robust .467 OBP and ,945 OPS. He hit 13 doubles, drove in 29 runs and scored 30 runs while playing shortstop, third base and he also pitched 32.1 innings.
Stellan Zangari (‘27, NY) #NEShowcase @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/UYNC8k2U78
— PG Showcases (@PGShowcases) May 13, 2023
Perfect Game named him to their All-Tournament team three times this summer. He also ranked as the top infield velocity and FB velocity at their Northeast Showcase.
The 6’0 165 lb freshman topped at 84 MPH two weekends ago at a college camp. He had his best outing of the year against the CT Crush – going a complete game and allowing just two hits, 1 run (unearned) while striking out five in a recent outing.
Final Score: 11-2 Storm. Here is Coach Sal and winning pitcher Stellan Zangari on the big win today (Reminder – Watch Out for those victory water showers!): pic.twitter.com/zXUwIil7yK
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 26, 2019
The future appears very bright for Zangari, who first appeared on Axcess Baseball in 2019 while playing for the LI Storm in an 11u Championship game at Plainedge Park.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Baseball was always my No. 1 sport but I also play QB on the football team and basketball.
Who are some people that have had an impact on your career?
My parents who take me to all my tournaments and showcases and Coach Evan Okon really helped me out with my confidence.
Do you take private lessons with anyone?
I take private lessons with Hector from Storm Academy and he has really helped me out throughout my whole career and Nick Clark from Storm is my hitting coach.
Most thrilling moment you’ve had on a baseball field?
The most thrilling moment I’ve ever had on a baseball field was when my 12u Williamsport team won District 30.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve ever been on was in Florida during the BCS National Championship.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite player in Major League Baseball is Marcus Stroman because his work ethic and the way he plays the game with energy.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Frank’s Steaks
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite TV show or movie?
Moneyball
Favorite app on your phone?
TikTok
Favorite vacation spot?
Marco Island, FL
Dream car?
Jeep
