Center Moriches is one of the true powerhouses in Suffolk County. They won back-to-back Class B Championships in 2018 and 2019 and captured the Long Island Championship in 2021.
The talent pool is always deep in the school district and they have a penchant for calling up underclassmen that wind up playing impact roles at the varsity level. Last year, he featured JT Bonventre who was a 9th grader at the time, and this past year they had an 8th grader not only get called up but was a key contributor for them.
His name is Richie Roberts, and he will be a big time player for the Red Devils for the next 4 seasons. Last year, he went 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA and 2 saves over 18 innings on the mound. Additionally, he committed just 1 error in 46 chances splitting time between 2B and SS. At the plate, he more than held his own compiling a .275 AVG.
He took his game to the next level in the summer and fall playing for MVP East End.
He pitched 86.1 innings and compiled a sparking 13-2 record and 0.84 ERA, 0.71 WHIP and incredible 142 strikeouts. The opposition managed just 44 hits against him. At the plate, he was just as dominant sporting a .419 AVG, .435 OBP with 25 doubles, 34 RBIs, 60 runs scored, 51 stolen bases and 37 walks against just 15 strikeouts.
It’s that type of performance against top competition that allows coaches to dream big and envision and player that could be an All-County player. In his case, possibly a multi-time All-County player.
His pitching coach, longtime big leaguer Bill Pulsipher had the following to say about him:
“Richie is a very dedicated young baseball player with a great feel for the game. He is a big time competitor who does his talking with his play. He is a good learner who I see as being a leader very soon at Center Moriches. He will be a high level player at SS, the mound and home plate. I am looking forward to seeing him develop into the college level player I know he will be.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Baseball has always been my number 1 sport but I’ve played football grades 7-9 and basketball when I was younger.
Any family members play college sports?
Yes my dad played baseball at St. Joseph’s as a pitcher – he graduated in 1999.
Do you take private lessons with any instructors?
Yes, coach Ryan Pembroke is my hitting coach and the former MLB player Bill Pulsipher is my pitching coach.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your life?
The person who has impacted my career the most is my dad. He’s always guided me in the right direction. My mom also has always supported me. My sister always helps me in practice. My grandparents always support me. One of my grandfathers died 6 months and 9 days before I was born. He has always been there guiding me from above and pushing me harder.
What was it like playing varsity as an 8th grader? Were there any upperclassmen that helped you feel welcome?
Playing varsity was the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball. The upperclassmen absolutely helped me feel welcomed. Some of the seniors I’ll be missing a lot are Evan Kolaski, Andrew Foster, Jack Teto and Gavin Derosa.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
My favorite is Gleyber Torres because of the struggles he goes through and how he flies under-the-radar when he is playing well. The reason I wear Number 7 throughout my varsity career is for my grandfather’s favorite player, Mickey Mantle.
What was your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
Last year against Mattituck. I came in during the bottom of the 7th for a save with the bases loaded, 1 out while we were up 2 runs. I got out of it and only gave up 1 run. I’ve never been more scared of pitching in my life.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown All-Star Village was so much fun. I hit 8 homers and hit over .600. It was so much fun – not only playing but it was such a good overall experience.
Any pregame superstitions?
Yes, they change from time to time when they don’t work anymore. The most recent was looking at a picture of my dog. She died this past February.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
My favorite restaurant is JC’s. They have a really good cowboy burger that I like and the teriyaki wings are good, too.
Favorite TV show and movie?
My favorite TV show is Seinfeld because of how funny it is and it’s easy to follow. My favorite movie is The Sandlot.
Favorite musical artist?
Lil Tjay. My favorite song from him is “Born to be Great.”
What are you looking to work on this offseason?
I love the offseason. It’s one of my favorite parts of playing. This year I’m looking to gain 10-15 lbs. For metrics, I want to gain 3 MPH on bat speed and gain 2-3 MPH on my fastball. I’m working on staying in my backside for hitting and looking to drive the ball back up the middle and the other way. For pitching, I’m looking to work on my change up and tunneling my pitches as I already have a feel for my fastball and curveball but I would love to get my two seam involved as well.
Favorite vacation spot?
Florida, every year I go in February to my uncle’s house and for a baseball camp.
Dream Car?
My dream car is a Chevrolet Camaro 1SS Convertible RWD.
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat, I use it to contact all my friends.
