(Editor’s Note: This is the eighth installment of the Up Next Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we highlighted Everett Zarzicki, Brian Brower, Stellan Zangari, Ryan Bush, Bryce Cutrone, Justin Ortiz and Colin Raymond.)
Keith Osik has seen a lot of baseball. He is one of the five best baseball players ever to come out of Long Island, as he had a remarkable career at LSU and went on to play a decade in the big leagues. Since then, he has been the head coach at Farmingdale State College for close to 20 years where he has won 8 Skyline Conference Championships. Additionally, he has been around the travel league circuit for many years and coaches Team Steel.
All of that is to say that his evaluations are typically extremely accurate so it opened my eyes when he had the following to say about Connetquot SS Jagger Adamo, a 10th grader.
Our next two selections for Pathway Prospect Games in San Diego are, 2025 3B/C Gage Haws from Gametime Baseball in Idaho and 2026 SS/2B Jagger Adamo from Team Steel National in New York. #pathwayprospects #SanDiego pic.twitter.com/dhqXQdiBEZ
— Pathway Baseball (@PathwayBB) November 28, 2023
“I’m going into my 19th year in travel baseball,” said Osik. “He could be the best shortstop the island has seen. He can run, hit and throw. Everything he hit last year was a double! Off the field, his makeup is amazing. He’s a tireless worker, working on his strength and speed throughout the offseason.”
This summer he batted .342 with a .471 OBP and 1.023 OPS while playing an outstanding defensive SS. Eleven of his 27 hits went for extra bases, and he also drew more walks (14) than strikeouts (13).
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people who have had a positive influence on your career?
My coaches; most recently Keith Osik, my parents and my older brother.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball has always been my number one sport and I don’t play anything else.
Do you take private lessons from anyone?
I take private strength and agility lessons at Infiniti Sports Performance and I hit with Justin Gerardo at GRITNJ.
Any family members play college ball?
My brother, Trevor, is currently playing baseball at Wilmington University in Delaware.
What has been your best experience on a baseball field?
My best experience on a baseball field is hitting a walkout for my team to send us to the championship game.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Mike Trout, Aaron Judge, Trea Turner and Corey Seager.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite TV Show?
Breaking Bad
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Frank’s Steak House
Favorite vacation spot?
Florida
Dream Car?
Black Porsche 911
