This is the 18th installment of the 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, Jagger Adamo, JD Duffy, Chris Sultana, Matt Zambriski, Tucker Brown, Christian Calabro, Derek & Ryan Yormack, Andrew Poxon, Tristan Garcia and Evan Fallon. Special thanks to State Farm Ken Kortright Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.
When it comes to improving as a ballplayer, it always helps to play against older competition. You can find out a lot about yourself when you’re not always the best player on the field.
In the case of JT Bonventre, he is still often the best player on the field even when playing up. This past season, he played varsity as an eighth grader for Center Moriches. In the summer, he played up for MVP New York 2026 and for the OC Titans 15u in the fall.
He batted .330 in 30 at bats at the varsity level. He stole 8 bases and drove in 10 runs. He made just one error at second base. Coach Paul Gibson stated that “this year he will be counted on in the middle infield as well as a bullpen arm to start the year. Very physical kid. Very, very good kid. Does everything the right way.”
In the summer, he led his travel team in hits (29) and average (.372) across 78 at bats with 21 runs scored, 20 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. He continued that into the fall when he led the team in hits, doubles (5) and average (.452) across 31 at bats with a stellar .613 SLG.
He was named to the 15u PG Northeast World Series All-Tournament team and also the Tournament MVP of the Sayonara Summer Shootout 15u. Again, this was against top-tier competition that was a year older than him.
Center Moriches walks it off in the 10th!
Final: Center Moriches 2, Mattituck 1
WP: JT BonventreCenter Moriches needed to win 3 of the last 4 to qualify for the playoffs entering today pic.twitter.com/rbunFtU593
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) May 7, 2023
His pitching coach, Mike Demarest, had the following to say:
“JT is the kind of kid who reminds you of why you wanted to coach in the first place. He’a a respectful young man who is always eager to learn and approaches every lesson, conversation, practice, etc. as an opportunity to get better mentally or physically at the game.
He is a rare combination in that he embodies the type of kid that coaches complain don’t exist anymore but then also has the build of a 21-year-old man as a freshman in high school. He is what good players in 2024 should look and sound like and I can’t imagine good things aren’t coming his way in whatever he wants to do in life.”
While he had a good year last year, expect him to make a leap this year in his freshman year on varsity for the Red Devils. He is certainly a player to get familiar with.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people who have played a positive impact on your playing career?
My dad and my Center Moriches coach, Paul Gibson.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Baseball has always been my No. 1 sport, I started playing varsity baseball as an eighth grader. I also played varsity basketball as a freshman.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
I love watching Nestor Cortes play because he’s fun to watch and has some nasty pitches.
Any family members that played college sports?
My dad played college baseball at Messiah University.
What has been your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
My most recent favorite memory was last fall season. It was my first tournament with the Titans and I went 7-for-10 with 4 doubles. We won the tournament and I was named Tournament MVP.
What was the best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Last preseason, our varsity team went on a spring training trip to Florida.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I’ve worked with Coach Mike Demarest at 365 Athletics.
What were your goals for this offseason?
My goals this offseason were to continue improving my pitching mechanics, increase my velocity and continue strength training.
What does it mean to be part of Center Moriches baseball to you?
Center Moriches baseball has had a lot of success in the past. There are a lot of really talented guys on this year’s team who have been playing together for a long time. I can’t wait for the upcoming season and hope to contribute to the team’s success.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Cowfish
Favorite musical artist?
Pitbull
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite TV show?
Outer Banks
Dream Car?
2024 Lamborghini Revuelto
Favorite vacation spot?
Atlantis Bahamas
