(This is the sixth installment of the popular “Up Next” series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres, Richie Roberts, Joe Maxwell and Dom Muccia. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
All 15 strikeouts from Fred Klauck’s no-hitter pic.twitter.com/eBMLf8gkF0
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) December 9, 2024
Fred Klauck burst onto the scene this fall when he fired a no-hitter with 15 Ks for Next Level in the Northeast Elite finals against a very talented Blue Line Rangers team. Klauck is a sophomore at Mineola HS with his sights set on making the varsity club in the spring. With a high-octane fastball that touched 85 in the fall, that is certainly an attainable goal.
His summer coach, JC Walsh, spoke very highly of the southpaw:
“Fred is a bulldog on the mound and after shaking off some rust from last spring and brought fire and intensity to the mound as one of my top starters and reliever. We limited him to fastballs and changeups and he dominated on the mound for us. He also played a steady outfield and some first base and was a consistent RBI machine as well as a gap-to-gap hitter. In the fall, the handcuffs came off and he was dropping a devastating slider on hitters and was untouchable this past fall. I expect Freddy to be one of the top 2027 pitchers on Long Island and he should develop into a nice Division-I or II pitcher. He combines a great two and four seam to go along with the slider and once he commands his change, the sky is the limit for him.”
I had a chance to speak with Klauck and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?
Baseball was always my No. 1 sport. I started playing when I was 4 and haven’t played anything else competitively.
Do you have any family that played college sports? Do you have any siblings?
My uncle played football at Marist. I have a brother that plays for 14u Elite.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
Definitely my parents and my coaches. They have always motivated me and helped me become the player and person I am today.
Do you work with any private instructors?
I get hitting lessons from Dan Luisi and I get pitching lessons from Eric Greifenstein.
What has been the most thrilling moment of your career?
Definitely striking out my last batter from my no-hitter this past fall.
What are your goals for this offseason?
Put on muscle, hit 85 MPH on my fastball and develop my offspeed pitches more.
Goals for 2025?
Make varsity baseball and get college coaches’ attention are definitely the top 2 goals for me this season.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cincinnati this past summer for Cincy Flames tournament.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Cody Bellinger because he’s something that I grew up watching and he has a sweet swing. Aroldis Chapman because he is such a fastball-dominant pitcher like me.
Favorite TV Show and Movie?
Favorite movie is Scarface and favorite TV show is Prison Break.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Matteo’s in Roslyn
Favorite musical artist?
Boldy James
Favorite vacation spot?
Greece
Dream Car?
Dodger Challenger SRT
