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How young were you when you started to play organized baseball?
I was 5 years old when I first started playing Tee-ball.
 
How did you become involved with it?
After watching my older brother play, I knew that I wanted to get into baseball, so my parents signed me up as soon as I was old enough for Tee-ball. 
 
When did you start to think about playing baseball in college?
When I was a freshman in high school, I knew I wanted to play a sport in college. I joined a summer baseball team that also practiced year-round, and I became engrossed in hitting all the time and lifting and just working to be the best player I could be. So, it was then that I knew I wanted to give baseball everything I had and play as long as I could.
 
At Minnechaug Regional HS in Massachusetts, you also played basketball. Was there any thought to playing hoops in college – either coupled with baseball or as a stand-alone sport? 
I would've loved to play basketball in college but from early on in high school I knew I had a better shot at playing college baseball. Travel baseball was in the summer whereas AAU basketball was in the spring, which was obviously a conflict with my high school baseball season. So, it was much easier for me to get exposure to college coaches on the baseball field then on the basketball court, which led me to pursue playing baseball over basketball at the college level. As far as playing both in college, that would've been awesome but I couldn't see it even being possible. Hats off to those athletes who play multiple sports at the college level because I find my plate more than full most times of the year.
 
Did you ever play at Fenway Park?
No, I watched some friends of mine play hockey at Fenway Park and went to numerous Red Sox games growing up but was never lucky enough to play there. 
 
Did you play summer league ball? Where did the teams travel?
Yes, I played on a travel team for three summers in high school that traveled all over New England and into New York and New Jersey. We went on one trip to North Carolina where we played at some college stadiums in the Raleigh-Durham area but other than that stayed in the Northeast. 
 
You've always had a good hitting eye. What is the key to be able to put the bat on the ball consistently? (Ed. Note – In 2019, he struck out five times in 138 plate appearances.)
I have always tried to keep my stance and swing as simple as possible. Growing up a lot of people would tell me that my stance resembled the very generic hitter that sits atop most baseball trophies that anyone gets for winning tournaments. As we all know hitting a baseball is one of the hardest things to do in sports, so I would never want to make it any harder for myself by adding a lot unnecessary movement in my stance. I just try to stay balanced, consistent and quick to the ball.
 
Coaches sometimes talk about adjustments that players have to make, now on the college level after playing in high school. Did you face any of these challenges as a first-year? 
The biggest adjustment between high school and college for me has been how grueling the season can be. We play 40 games in about the same amount of time that we would play 20 games in high school, so it takes a much greater toll on you physically as well as mentally. Physically, you have to make sure your body is ready to go come opening day because as soon as it starts, it's a sprint. Mentally, you have to try to stay locked in whether things are going well or poorly. You might go 4-4 and have a great win as a team in game one, but then you only have a half hour to reset and get ready for the second game of a double header. You need to keep your composure because everything comes at you so fast.
 
UR hosted the Liberty League playoffs in back to back seasons in 2018 and 2019. How do things change when you know you are in a playoff situation, instead of just a 'regular' doubleheader against someone?
It's even more fun than just a 'regular' doubleheader against someone. There's a certain energy in the air both on the field and in the dugout when it's the playoffs and it's what we've been working so hard all year to get to. Being able to play those big games on our home field made it even more memorable for me. Dogpiling in the middle of our field in 2019 was a moment I'll cherish for the rest of my life. (Ed. Note – Rochester swept Clarkson in 2019 on the last day to win the Liberty League title and an automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs.)
 
You are one of six seniors on the team. Does your class talk with the younger players, helping them to get adapted to practice regimens, studying, playing?
 As we all know, this year has been much different than past years, and unfortunately that has made hanging out with the younger guys off the field not as easy. Luckily, we've still had plenty of time on the field and in the weight room with the team, and as a senior class we've still been able to provide leadership and guidance to the younger guys that we know is very valuable. As seniors we're well aware of the challenges being a student-athlete at a school such as the University of Rochester brings, and so we're always there to answer questions and help the younger guys out when they need something. It's a culture that was instilled in us as a part of this team, and it is definitely here to stay.
 
Did the seniors do the same thing for you when you were a first-year?
Yes, the senior class when I was a first-year were very welcoming and made the transition into college a much easier one than if I didn't play a sport. I was lucky enough to walk into a great friend group from day one, and that was a culture that was fostered by the older guys on the team. 
 
When you are home, do you plan to work with any youth programs – coaching, counseling, working behind the scenes, etc.? What do you like about doing that?
I haven't been involved with anything recently but when I was in high school my team would host clinics for the town youth program where we would show them some drills and toss the ball around with them. It's always awesome to see the pure joy on a little kid's face when playing baseball. It would remind me of how in love with baseball I was when I first started out, and it always would make me feel great to be a part of building that same love for the game within a younger generation. 
 
What led you to the University of Rochester?
Kyle Trombley, a friend of mine who I played baseball with in high school, came here to play a year before me. He turned me onto the school and helped me get in contact with Coach Reina. When I took my visit to campus, I stayed with him and instantly felt right at home. I loved the campus and the athletic facilities, and all of the guys on the team were extremely welcoming which made it an easy decision for me as to where I'd be spending the next four years of my life.
 
Did you speak with any UR alumni before making the decision to come to UR? 
No, just Kyle who was a current student at the time. 
 
Why did you choose Business-Finance as your major?
As I was taking all of my introductory business classes early on, the finance program peaked my interest right away. The program gave me the chance to take a lot of really interesting classes, and some of my favorites have actually been finance electives that weren't required for the major. I also knew the rigor of the program would prepare me well for my career post-graduation.
 
Have you worked with any campus groups tied to your studies?
No, unfortunately I haven't had much time outside of baseball and my studies to get involved in another campus group. Being a student-athlete requires you to find the right balance between all of the competing interests in your life (school, sport, social life) and it has made me have to pass up certain opportunities that I would enjoy getting involved in, such as other campus groups.