Top 4: plenty of action in this game – a 2-R single by Tristan Garcia and North Babylon opens up a 9-4 lead pic.twitter.com/829aNslIGO
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) March 31, 2023
It is rare that you see a high school freshman conduct himself with the maturity of a senior. By all accounts, Tristan Garcia is that type of person. He was also talented enough to start all 23 games and bat .395 for a playoff team in Suffolk Class AA, then continue that success right into the travel ball circuit with MVP Baseball.
He batted .394 with six doubles, 16 RBIs and went 6-1 on the mound with a 1.93 ERA and 34 strikeouts.
Garcia is an exciting player and will be a major part of the North Babylon Bulldogs core for the next three seasons. That is bad news for opposing teams.
I spoke with his pitching/hitting coach, Gregg Downing, to get a better sense of him as a player.
“Tristan is a three-sport athlete and a two-way baseball college prospect with the work ethic to excel in the batter’s box and on the mound. He is a gamer who will look to advance his tools with an already polished delivery and gap-to-gap approach in the box. 2024 should follow up with another high average season with some increase in extra-base hits with some added strength, size and bat speed. He had an uptick in velocity this winter, 81-84 MPH and his advanced feel for his delivery allows him to fill up the zone. He consistently gives his team a chance to win.
I had a chance to speak with Tristan and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
The people who have impacted me the most in my career are my parents, younger brother and Coach Christopher Bush. With them, I would not be the person I am today. The guidance and patience they have given me with my development has been key to my growth and success. Everyday, I get encouragement and positive affirmations from all of them.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball will always and forever hold a love that I cannot explain but it has not always been my No. 1 sport. Growing up, I played many different sports ranging from football, basketball, soccer, etc. Football was my No. 1 sport until middle school. Getting pulled up to p[lay JV baseball as an eighth grade and getting playing time at the Varsity level was a big accomplishment. Ever since then, I’ve worked at baseball and never looked back. Baseball is now my No. 1 sport and I continue to play 3 sports (football, basketball, baseball) age the varsity level since freshman year.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My favorite all-time MLB players are Ken Griffey Jr., Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte. Each of these players have a particular aspect to their game that I love. Watching Griffey’s swing is magical; to see the ball fly off his bat. Looking back on Mariano’s biggest games ever, he played with pure determination and confidence which is something that still leaves me speechless. Being a lefty, pickoff moves are a specialty. Watching Pettitte’s pickoff move continues to be mind blowing. avenge watching his move over and over, I was able to use the same move and average 1 pickoff per game over the summer. Another player that I mirror my game after is Max Clark. To see his work ethic and the was he plays the game with hustle and passion is what I aspire to do.
What has been the most thrilling moment of your playing career?
There have been many thrilling moments in my career. The two that come to mind are my first time playing varsity baseball as an eighth grader and the Championship game of the last tournament during the summer of 2023 with MVP.
In eighth grade, I got called up to varsity for the Senior Day game against Deer Park. Coach Corrado decided to put me in the top of the 6th inning with us leading 5-2. With one out, runners on second and third, a fly ball was hit to center field which I caught for the second out and then threw on a line to home to throw out the runner raging from third for the final out of the inning.
The Championship game of the final tournament for MVP was a struggle. It was out third game of the day and we were playing in hot/humid weather. We got through the first three innings but in the fourth inning, I had let up a grand slam and a solo shot back-to-back. Continuing through the game was brought but with the help of my teammates and coaches, we continued to play tough and never gave up. Coming back out in the fifth inning, I had one thing on my mind – go at them. Knowing my teammates had my back gave me the confidence to keep going. We then rallied for a comeback led with some clutch hits by my teammates. After talking with Coach Bush, we decided I was going to finish the game. To end the game, a grounder to our shortstop sealed the deal. The game was about teamwork and determination. to end the summer n a high note was “Tailor Made” as Coach Bush would call it.
Do you take private instructions with anyone?
Yes, I take both pitching and hitting lessons with Coach Gregg Downing in Deer Park. Coach Gregg has helped me develop arm strength and exit velocity.
How have you enjoyed your time on MVP Baseball?
MVP Baseball has opened up many opportunities. Meeting Coach Pete Kritikos has made a significant impact in helping me further my career in playing baseball and hopefully play at the next level. At MVP Baseball, the bond our team has created after only one season was awesome. We are a family and trust one another like bothers. Over the summer, pitching was my strength; going 5-1 on the bump and racking up 34 strikeouts with a 1.90 ERA and having 7 pickoffs while facing top competition.
What was your experience like as a freshman on varsity? Did any of the upperclassmen help make you feel like you belonged?
The experience of being a freshman on varsity brought a lot of excitement and opportunity. I was fortunate to earn the starting RF position and played all 23 games and ended the season with a batting average of .395. Coach Corrado gave me the confidence and opportunity to help contribute on the team. Seniors Ben Rosenberg and Eric Schulteisz; juniors Chris Stumpf and Isaiah Gutierrez; sophomore Jordan Kong helped me gain confidence as the season went on.
Was are your goals for 2024?
My goals for 2024 are to be consistent, to be a leader and a good teammate and help bring home a Championship to North Babylon and MVP.
Favorite restaurants on Long Island?
My favorite restaurants are Pizziola in North Babylon, Texas Roadhouse in Deer Park and Carvalhos in Bellmore.
Favorite app on your phone?
My favorite apps are Instagram and TikTok.
Favorite musical artist?
My favorite musical artists are Morgan Wallen, Drake and Brent Faiyaz.
Favorite TV Show or movie?
My favorite movies are “When the Game Stands Tall”. and “Lilo and Stitch”. My favorite TV show is “South Park”.
Favorite vacation spot?
It’s not really a vacation spot but the beach. The beach is my calming place. Being able to surf and boogie board after a long day is my vacation.
Dream Car?
My dream car is a Nissan Skyline R34
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve been on was in Myrtle Beach. The split of playing baseball and then going to the beach after the games was a great feeling sine the hotel was oceanfront. It was fun to relax and bond with my teammates.
