Up Next Powered by State Farm Ken Kortright Agency: Justin Ortiz

(Editor’s Note: This is the sixth installment of the Up Next Series Powered by State Farm Ken Kortright Agency in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Everett Zarzicki, Brian Brower, Stellan Zangari, Ryan Bush and Bryce Cutrone. Special thanks to State Farm Ken Kortright Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)

When you look at many of the top players across high school, college or professional baseball, they are often the most athletically gifted and physically imposing as well.

The beauty about the game of baseball, though, is that there are no size requirements and occasionally there are outliers that breakthrough and provide hope for other undersized athletes out there.

Currently in Major League Baseball, that player would be Jose Altuve who stands just 5’6 but has a bevy of accolades including 2017 AL MVP, 8x All Star, 6x Silver Slugger, 2x Gold Glove, a .307 career AVG and also an incredible 27 career postseason home runs which is just behind Manny Ramirez for the most all-time.

Altuve provided a generation of athletes hope that they could be the next undersized player that overcomes the stigmas and plays professional baseball at the highest of levels.

One athlete that is hoping to add his name to that list is Justin Ortiz. The Farmingdale native is a 9th grader, and is coming off a very strong season with Tristate Arsenal Marucci 15u playing for coach Vinny Quinn.

In 8 Perfect Game tournaments this summer he batted an even .500 (30-for-60) with an OBP of .674, slugging percentage of .550 and an OPS of 1.1224. He scored 18 runs, drove in 22 runs, drew 28 walks and was 20-for-20 on stolen base attempts. For his efforts, he was named to six All-Tournament teams.

Look for him to be an impact player this year as well. I spoke with him and here’s what he had to say…

Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?

My parents, I can’t thank them enough for always putting me against good competition when I was younger.

Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?

Baseball was always my No. 1 sport. But I do play basketball and I played lacrosse growing up and just ended it last year. In basketball, I’m more of a shooter. I always knew since I was little that baseball was my No. 1.

Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?

Jose Altuve because of his size. He is an undersized player that gets so much hate but still goes out there and plays baseball. He still hits the ball as hard and as far as the big guys in the league. His work ethic inspires me because I watched a documentary about him on YouTube on his journey to the MLB and it just made him my favorite player. I could also relate to him as a player because I’m usually the shortest on my team but always performing no matter what. I try my best to model my game after him.

What are your goals for 2024?

My goals for 2024 are to hit more doubles because I am a contact hitter with very few extra base hits and I want to add that to my game. Another goal for me in 2023 is to perform better than how I did in 2023.I also want to get bigger and stronger in 2024.

Do you work with any private instructors?

Yes, Matt Reistetter from Long Island Fiedhouse. He was a big reason why I performed so well in the 2023 season. He helped me out so much with my swing last winter and I saw the results both in middle school baseball and travel baseball. I also train with Dan Luisi from Max Effort Baseball. He was another big reason why I perform the way I do. I train with some of the best guys on Long Island.

Best experience you’ve had on a baseball field?

My best experience I’ve had on a baseball field was in 13u when my Tristate Arsenal team won our first ever Perfect Game tournament against BodyArmor Titans, 3-2, when they were a highly ranked team and we were not. We also gave them their first loss in New York that summer. Everybody doubted us going into the game but winning it with my teammates was the best part.

Favorite restaurant on Long Island?

My favorite restaurant on Long Island is Palmer’s in Farmingdale.

Favorite musical artist?

A Boogie Wit da Hoodie

Favorite app on your phone?

TikTok

Favorite vacation spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Puerto Rico, as I went there last year for baseball to play in the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy. It was a great experience facing the best kids in Puerto Rico and playing with some of them. Some of my teammates are from Puerto Rico. I will be looking forward to going again in February.