Joe Maxwell

(This is the fourth installment of the popular “Up Next” Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen across Long Island. Previously, we featured Dylan Weinstein, Jaxson Torres and Richie Roberts. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm Agency for sponsoring this year’s feature.) Defense up the middle is valuable commodity in the game of baseball. While every coach wants their team to be flawless defensively, they prioritize being strong defensively at catcher, middle infield and center field. This year, Joe Maxwell provided that for Beast 2027 National. He not only provided some highlight reel plays defensively, he was outstanding offensively. That type of player profile is very rare. Over the summer, he batted .412 with a .505 OBP, 9 doubles, 1 HR, 25 RBIs and ...