(Editor’s Note: This is the sixteenth 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, Dom Muccia, Logan Lamberson, Fred Klauck, Jake Ostertag, Mason Gatchalian, Jagger Franco, Evan Frangas, Ryan Matson, Dylan Frers, Aidan Dobrie & Tyler D’Amico. You can read them all by clicking here. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s series.)
RBI triple by Lucas Sweeting (Hicksville 2029) pic.twitter.com/e5REznDdLL
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) February 10, 2025
Great hitters are hard to come by. Generally you either have it, or you don’t from a young age.
Lucas Sweeting is one of those natural born hitters. It was a monster season for him, playing for 13u Elite Prospects Fanelli
- 53 games played
- 59-for-137 (.431 AVG)
- 11 doubles
- 4 triples
- 49 RBIs
- 3 strikeouts
Rob Savarese, owner of LI Elite, had the following to say:
“Sweeting is a line drive gap-to-gap machine with a knack of finding the barrel. A recent growth spurt with added strength should translate into big in-game power in the near future. Lucas is hardworking, coachable kid who always hustles and puts the team first. Good defensive corner outfielder with sound baseball sense. His best days are ahead of him.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Yes, I feel baseball has always been my number one sport. I also rock climb competitively for a private team and I play other sports for school like basketball and volleyball. But baseball has been my favorite since I started playing t-ball when I was 4.
Do you have any family members that played college sports?
My Uncle Matt played soccer at Utica College and played for the NYPD soccer team. He’s fun and always up for playing sports with me at family functions.
Who is your favorite player in Major League Baseball?
Francisco Lindor, I really love watching him play and he always looks like he’s having so much fun on the field. I am also excited to watch Juan Soto play for the Mets for the next 15 years.
What has been your most thrilling moment on a baseball field?
My favorite moment was hitting my first home run. I was 11 and had been on a hot hitting streak, I remember stepping up to the plate and just wanting to get on base but it turned into so much more. I’ll never forget it. I was also really happy to help my team win.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
Definitely my dad – he has thrown thousands of baseballs to me for batting practice. I’ve also learned so much from all of my coaches, especially Mike Wasiluk and Steve Fanelli. They both know the game really well and motivate me to work hard.
What was your favorite baseball trip you’ve been on?
Cooperstown. The whole complete being baseball themed was awesome. I really enjoyed the atmosphere there. Also, spending a whole week with my team and getting people from all over the country who love baseball was very fun.
What are your goals for 2025?
I want to work on my defense and pitching this year. I’d like to consistently throw at a higher velocity, both on the mound and in the field and also get more batters to strike out.
How have you enjoyed your time with LI Elite?
LI Elite has been great. I love how the coaches are so dedicated to improving baseball players. Greg Thomson and Rob Savarese especially helped me through my journey as an Elite player. I am also looking forward to being coached by JJ McLaughlin this summer.
Do you work with any private hitting instructors?
I’ve worked with Rob Savarese for pitching, Greg Thomson for hitting and Ronnie Bauer for lifting. All three of them have helped me develop as a player.
Favorite app on your phone?
Block Blast
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Smok-Haus
Any pregame superstitions?
I listen to really loud music in the car, and put on a lot of eyeblack.
Favorite TV Show and movie?
My favorite TV show is “Big Bang Theory” and my favorite movie is “Predator”.
Dream Car?
Jeep Wrangler
Favorite vacation spot?
Iceland. I’ve been there 3 times, and have seen volcanoes and glaciers. My favorite memory is four-wheeling on a black sand beach.
Walk-up song for 2025?
Wherever I May Roam – Metallica
Aunt Joyce
We are all very proud of all your accomplishments with academics and sports. We love you.