(Editor’s Note: This is the ninth installment of the popular ‘Up Next’ Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Everett Zarzicki, Brian Brower, Stellan Zangari, Ryan Bush, Bryce Cutrone, Justin Ortiz, Colin Raymond and Jagger Adamo. Special thanks to State Farm Ken Kortright Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
JD Duffy, an outfielder and pitcher for Walt Whitman HS, is coming off a very impressive 2023 season. He batted .390 with a .480 OBP, 1.045 OPS, 3 HRs, 50 RBIS over 148 at bats. On the mound, he allowed just 1 ER over 20.1 innings.
He’s only in 10th grade, so look out for him to be an impact player at the varsity level for the next 3 seasons.
His summer coach, Joe Fusco, spoke glowingly of him:
“JD is a very special talent. His ability to impact a game as both a position player and a pitcher is very impressive. At the plate, he has tremendous power, driving the baseball with authority to all fields. On the mound, he’s been up to 86 MPH, with a ton of room to get better. JD is an extremely hard worker with a relentless desire to get better. He has a strong physical frame and is super projectable going forward. His metrics are already way ahead of where most players are at his age and I only see him continuing to progress. After sending him to a few camps and reaching out to some other schools who were able to come out to see him this past fall, he already has multiple Power 5 schools interested in his abilities. We expect JD to have his choice of some great colleges next August 1.”
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 impact on your career?
My dad has had the most positive impact on my career. He always pushes me whether it’s in the classroom or on the field, he always helps me strive to be better. Another person who has helped me a lot is my coach, Joe Fusco, he has made me not only a better player, but a better person as well.
Uncommitted OF/RHP JD Duffy (Walt Whitman 2026) displaying some serious pop. He batted .390 with a 1.045 OPS this summer/fall pic.twitter.com/Bbptbjoejk
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 24, 2023
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite player in Major League Baseball is Mookie Betts because he is an outfielder just like I am.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Yes, baseball has always been my main sport ever since I was a little kid. I used to play football but I don’t play anymore.
Do you take private lessons with anyone?
I pitch with Bobby DeMichael but I don’t hit with anyone right now.
What has been your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
The most thrilling moment on a baseball field has been when my team walked the game off in the WWBA in Georgia.
Any family members play college ball?
My dad played baseball in college.
Favorite movie or show?
Wolf of Wall Street
Favorite app on your phone?
YouTube
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
Any superstitions on game day?
Listening to music before games.
Favorite vacation spot?
Florida
Dream Car?
Porsche 911
