(Editor’s Note: This is the 15th 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, Colin Raymond, Jagger Adamo, JD Duffy, Chris Sultana, Matt Zambriski, Tucker Brown, Christian Calabro and Derek & Ryan Yormack. Special thanks to State Farm Ken Kortright Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how young a player is, when they carry themselves a certain way and play at a high level. It’s even easier to forget when they are head & shoulders above their competition – both literally and figuratively. Fourteen-year-old, 6’3 RHP Andrew Poxon was lights out this summer for the East Coast Lumberjacks.
He pitched 40 innings, he struck out 65 batters and held the opposition to a .170 AVG. He compiled a 2.73 ERA. He also hit 83 MPH, which is simply too much for most middle schoolers to handle.
His pitching coach Eric Reichenbach, a former pro pitcher and former longtime head coach of Mount Sinai had the following to say:
“I love this kid. Not only is this kid going to have the physical attributes, he has that ice in his vein’s type of demeanor – almost like Chris Batuyios. Nothing bothers him. Good or bad, he’s the same. Pox is extremely coachable. He listens. He tries to apply what is taught. He started working out over the winter. I think he put on like 25 lbs of muscle. He was hitting 80-82 as an 8th grader last summer. I can just imagine where he is going to be this summer. He’s going to be the next big thing around here.”
High praise indeed from Reichenbach who has coached several big time arms between his long tenure at Mount Sinai to his summers coaching East Coast Lumberjacks.
He is now in 9th grade at Ward Melville – a school with a rich history of dominant pitchers. They have 3 active pitchers in pro ball, they had the 2019 Carl Yastrzemski Award winner (Max Nielsen) and the reigning Paul Gibson Award winner (Charles West).
Poxon will be a name to keep an eye on in the coming years. I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Andrew Poxon (‘27, NY) struck out an impressive 13 over his five innings of work, failing to allow an earned run. FB sat in the high 70s and topped at 82 along with a low 70s CB. #NESelect @PG_Scouting @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/dWwHHExTPH
— Perfect Game Youth (@PGYouthBB) August 13, 2023
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
Some people who had a positive impact on me in baseball are my coaches. They have taught me everything I need to know about baseball. Also, my parents who sacrificed a lot to take me to my games and tournaments and are there to support me.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite player is Tyler Glasnow. He’s my favorite player because he’s tall just like me but also I feel like when I’m watching him pitch I take a lot from his game and use it in mine.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Yes, baseball has been my number one sport forever. Since I was young, I was surrounded by a baseball environment.
An family members play college or pro ball?
My grandpa played in the minors on the Cleveland Indians and the Pittsburgh Pirates – he was a right-handed pitcher. Then he got drafted into the military.
What has been the biggest thrill of your playing career?
I would say getting to play in Cary, NC for Team US was a big highlight of my baseball career. It was just the best feeling getting to what a jersey that had USA on it and it was a really fun experience.
Do you work with any private instructors?
Yes I have a personal trainer that I go to three times per week and I go to my local gym twice per week. I also have Danny Lackner as my hitting instructor. My goal for the offseason was to really focus on getting strong and putting on weight.
Favorite app on your phone?
TikTok
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is fire.
Favorite TV show?
Breaking Bad
Favorite baseball trip you’ve been on?
I went to East Cobb, GA to play for Team Elite
Dream Car?
Corvette Z06
Favorite vacation spot?
Florida
