Long Island’s HR leader in 2015 was Island Trees senior Tucker Hahn. After sitting out a year, he is now at Nassau Community College, where he could be a real difference maker. He spoke with our reporter David Moskowitz and here’s what he had to say…
You graduated from high school in 2015. You did not play anywhere in 2016. Now in 2017 you are playing at Nassau Community College. What happened in 2016? And why Nassau Community College?
I graduated from Island Trees in 2015. I decided to go to Nassau Community College and after one semester I wasn’t 100% sure it School was for me. So I started working with my brother doing construction work. I made a decent amount of money and I enjoyed the work, but I missed baseball horribly so I decided to go back to Nassau Community College and will be playing for the baseball team there this season.
You were a football player as well as a baseball player in high school. What drew you to football? Which game do you enjoy playing more?
I always liked playing both football and baseball. I was a running back and defensive end/linebacker for football. I loved ripping off touchdown runs and tackling guys: there was always a lot of action. But my true love is baseball.
You played for Island Trees. Island Trees has had a good baseball program in recent years. How fond are your memories of playing at Island Trees? Any special teammates you would like to mention?
I’ve always lived in Island Trees and I wouldn’t trade my experiences there for the world. I got the chance to play on varsity with friends that I played with since tee ball and will always remember the Myrtle Beach trip fondly. Mike Iacobellis, Tom Gilmartin, and Anthony Raucci were three of my many great teammates who were always there to pick me up if I made a mistake and always had my back. Some of my favorite baseball memories involve those 3 guys.
You belted 9 home runs in your senior season of high school, which is pretty substantial. Have you always been a power hitter? What is your approach at the plate?
I have always been a power hitter. My approach at the plate is pretty simple: I try to pick a side of the plate to dominate and wait for my pitch. Main priority is to make good hard contact.
My personal opinion is that you can have a similar impact for Nassau Community to the impact that Nick Von Ohlen did for Suffolk Community. What are your personal expectations for the upcoming season and for the Nassau Community Baseball team?
The team can go very far. Got a lot of pitching depth this year, which should help. My personal expectation is to give it my best shot and see what happens. I know I am capable of a big year but rather have my play do the talking.
Who has made a special impact in your baseball career?
My dad has made a big impact on my career. When I was little he always threw the ball around with me. I try to honor his memory whenever I play. My mom has made a big impact. She’s taken me to and from dozens of games and practices. My three brothers and sister have had a big impact on my career too. They have been incredibly supportive and have been my rock.
What are your long term plans? Do you think you will be involved with baseball after your collegiate playing days are over?
Definitely going to be involved with baseball after I’m doing playing. Would love to get into coaching. Would love to go pro but if that doesn’t work out then I would love to become a gym teacher.