Sports

GW’s Antonio shines on the diamond and off

Mike Antonio’s ability on a baseball field has been well documented and recognized as New York City’s highest high-school player drafted since Jason Marquis in 1996.

The Kansas City Royals’ third round pick in last week’s First-Year Player Draft is a shortstop still blossoming, blessed with better-than-average speed, impressive power, and a flashy glove.

George Washington’s senior, however, is more than a rare talent. That was on full display Monday evening at St. Francis College when he accepted the Wingate award for baseball, given to the top senor student athlete in his or her sport.

By his side was Sgt. John Moynihan, Antonio’s former coach in the Police Officer Michael J. Buczek Little League, just down the hill from the George Washington field at 193rd and Audubon Ave. The league was founded 22 years ago, after Buczek, 24, was shot and killed by drug dealers. Antonio played three seasons for Moynihan, but the two have remained close, the police officer said, because Antonio stills makes his presence felt around the league by stopping by frequently to offer tips and insights.

“His character outshines his talent,” Moynihan said. “He’s a wonderful person.”

Antonio’s character is more than spending extra time with Little Leaguers. He gave up his spot in Friday’s Mayor’s Cup all-star game featuring the best PSAL and Catholic league talent because he didn’t need the exposure. Instead, seniors Xyruse Martinez, Nestor Bautista and Alomar Guzman will suit up, hoping to open eyes.

Antonio visits disabled kids at Harlem Hospital Center with his mother, Ramona, twice a month. Once a week, he visits a former coach’s daughter, who is stricken with brain cancer, at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Stan Latimer, his summer coach with the New York Nine, remembered one evening last year when the team was at a local McDonald’s. There was a young man with a mental disability. Antonio gave him a signed baseball.

“When you put a smile on someone’s face like that, it’s amazing,” he once said.

Antonio is smiling broadly these days, close to starting his professional career. He couldn’t go into details on contract negotiations, other to say “it looks good.” But he can’t wait after struggling through a pressure-filled spring season filled with questions about where he would be headed.

“I was ready since I was born,” Antonio said. “I can just go out there and play my game, not having any distractions.”

Antonio is now in select company – New York City’s first third-rounder since Ruddy Lugo of Xaverian was taken 94th overall in 1999. He’s the highest player taken since Tottenville’s Marquis was chosen in the supplemental section of the first round (35) in 1996. And he’s George Washington’s highest draft pick since 1991 when Manny Ramirez went to the Cleveland Indians in the first round, 13th overall.

He added: “It feels good, not only for myself. I get to open door for other people, show them it’s not impossible.”

George Washington coach Steve Mandl stopped short of comparing Antonio to Ramirez because they are such different players. Ramirez was a freak power hitter, Antonio a smooth, five-tool shortstop. Buthe did think Antonio could reach the major leagues faster. The Royals have a dearth of talent in their system at shortstop and like everything about Antonio.

“I see him there in two years – by 2012, 2013,” Mandl said. “He’s driven. He really wants to make it and he’ll do whatever it takes. He never stops working. Sometimes we have to drag him off the field.”

zbraziller@nypost.com