Q. What should Lower Makefield residents know about you?

A. “The first one is, I am a very big man of faith, I am a Christian. My faith in Jesus Christ has led me throughout my whole journey. The second thing, I love this town, I really do…I love Yardley, I love the school district…I have had a very good time growing up in this town and I know the back roads like the back of my hand.

Q. Growing up in Lower Makefield, were there coaches, teachers, neighbors or mentors here who had a lasting impact on you?

A. “Yes, I’ll first shoutout my dad – my dad was my tee-ball coach my whole life. Then, my high school coach, Joe Pesci. I went to the Pennsbury Play Ball Camps when I was very young…he was a big influence with baseball because I was with him so much and then playing in high school. He is someone I have grown up with and someone I’ve built a very good relationship with over time. Also, Juni Ruiz, my 12U travel ball coach for three years. I love Coach Juni Ruiz so much, he has always had so much belief in me as a player and a person and when times get low or when I am struggling in baseball, I always remember he believes in me so much. He is somebody that has helped me a lot with baseball and has helped me with confidence. He really is a great guy.”

Q. Your path wasn’t built over night, what has your journey looked like from youth baseball to college and now being drafted?”

A. I started baseball when I was 2, I was just throwing around the ball in the backyard, playing with my dad and my granddad. Then tee-ball came, and I was playing on these fields right by the pool. I played PAA and was at all the Caiola fields, even before the newer fields were built over there. Me and my brother would come to the Caiola fields and train every day when I was 11 years old. It would be a hot day, but we would go there for hours and hours just hitting and fielding and that’s where I really think where everything was made. My brother and I were practicing in those cages every day. Even the high school days, I always went to Caiola whether it was hitting off the tee or front toss with my buddies. Having the opportunity and ability to go to these fields everyday was great.”

Q. What advice would you give to young athletes in Lower Makefield who dream of playing professionally?

A. “Have very strong faith. I am a Christian, and I encourage people to have faith in Jesus. There are going to be low moments you will lose yourself in when you idolize your sport. Play for something bigger than yourself, because that keeps you in and takes the pressure and anxiety off. [Having faith] reminds me baseball is not everything and there is something a lot more important than baseball. Also, be a very hard worker, be dedicated to what you do. Train every day, love it, and have humility. Faith, hard work and humility are the big three in any field that will take you a long way. [Lastly] mental toughness and be in the moment; my dad taught me and my family to be mentally tough, don’t let things eat you up and always try to do the right thing and expect big things…which comes from hard work and preparation.”