Every other week this spring season, Andrew Velazquez will take us inside the Fordham Prep baseball team. In his exclusive diary on NYPost.com, the Virginia Tech-bound shortstop will give us an inside look at the Rams’ quest to win a CHSAA Class AA intersectional title and his preparation for the MLB First-Year Player Draft.
It’s about to be that time of the year where the games start counting and the road to a city championship begins. I’m here in South Carolina with my team and we’re looking ready to bring the chip back to Fordham Prep. So far so good out here. From the pitching to the hitting, it looks like we’re definitely going to be a contender for a chip.
I think I can speak on behalf of all players in the Northeast when I say, any chance we can get to play in hot weather before the start of the season is a blessing. A trip like this gives the team a chance to bond and grow closer. Just last night we went out for dinner as a team and had a lot of laughs and a great time.
Looking at the team, we have a great infield all around. With Ryan Mahoney moving to third, Vinny Capone moving to second, and Jack Sexton at first our infield is one of the best in the city. The pitching suffered a bit with the loss of Jack Becker due to injury, but nonetheless seems to be headed in the right direction with the addition of arms like Steven Fondu. The lineup is stacked with hitters from top to bottom making for a tough time for any pitcher we face. I’m confident in our team’s abilities and look forward to having a great senior season.
Being that it is senior year, it does make it easier not having to worry about where I am going to college anymore. It definitely takes some of the pressure off when playing in games. Although I have a good shot at getting drafted, I tend to try not to think too much about it. I’m honored that my name is even being mentioned by pro scouts. Playing in front of scouts sounds like it’s nerve wracking and believe me it was at first when playing in tournaments in the summer. Eventually you just have to learn to focus on your game and the rest will take care of itself.
Most of all I try to remember that baseball is a fun game that I love playing and putting pressure on myself to do too much only takes away from that. With that said, I’m looking forward to a very successful season.
Check back with Andrew Velazquez every other Friday during the season. His next diary will run April 27.