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Andrew Koshy (Kellenberg 2023) and Christian Alicea (St. John the Baptist 2024) combine on a strike-em-out, throw-em-out pic.twitter.com/OPBSG7ytF9
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— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) October 27, 2020
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This is the second installment of the “Up Next” Series Powered by the Yard Sports Academy. The first featured athlete was Josh Knoth._x000D_
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It hasn’t even been two years since there was a high-end pitcher at Kellenberg HS and they already have another. Sophomore Andrew Koshy transferred into the school from the Mineola school district and he already is generating some buzz. The hard-throwing righty had a dominating summer for Team Francisco Notorious 9. Despite often playing against older competition, his numbers were straight out of a PlayStation._x000D_
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- Record: 9-1
- ERA: 0.58
- Innings: 72.0
- Earned Runs: 6
- Hits: 32
- Strikeouts: 118
- WHIP: 0.98
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Additionally, he was twice named Most Valuable Pitcher by Perfect Game and won the PG Northeast Elite Championship and Northeast World Series. His fastball sits in the mid 80s, and has topped 86. In a wood bat conference, that usually equals plenty of weak contact._x000D_
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It will be interesting to see how the school handles him, as they are typically reticent to promote sophomores to varsity, but they did make the exception in 2017 with Jason Diaz considering his ability far exceeded that of a junior varsity player._x000D_
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I had the chance to speak with him, and here’s what he had to say…_x000D_
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Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play any other sports?_x000D_
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Yes, baseball has always been my No. 1 sport. I also play basketball and played soccer._x000D_
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Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your career?_x000D_
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Some people that had a positive influence on my career were my coaches. Coach Joe Francisco who is my current coach along with Charlie DeCaro. Prior to playing with Team Francisco I played with the Mineola Hurricanes and the coaches there Mike Duda, John Ryan, Joe Van Grembergen and Steve Kostulias. Last but not least, my parents have always been very supportive of me._x000D_
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Do you work with any private instructors?_x000D_
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At the moment no, but in the past I have worked with Keith Couch._x000D_
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Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?_x000D_
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My favorite players in the MLB are Gerrit Cole and Brett Gardner. I like Gerrit Cole because he is a pitcher who dominates the league and I look up to him. Brett Gardner has been onee of my favorites ever since I was young and before I became a pitcher I played left field and as a little kid I looked up to him._x000D_
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What has been your proudest moment on a baseball field?_x000D_
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My proudest moment on a baseball field was when I won my first Most Valuable Pitcher at a Perfect Game tournament which also helped my team secure the championship._x000D_
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Can you talk a little about playing for Team Francisco and why you chose to play for them?_x000D_
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Team Francisco is a very competitive and hard working organization. Joe pushes us to a whole different level and helps us reach our best potential. I chose Team Francisco because I knew they were a highly competitive team and I always heard how Joe was a good coach and pushed his players to get better. After two years of playing with them, I have no regrets about my decision. Playing with great teammates help me boost my confidence while I’m pitching because Iknow they always have my back when I’m on the mound._x000D_
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Can you discuss why you chose to attend Kellenberg and if you are enjoying your time there?_x000D_
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Leaving Mineola and all my friends was a really hard decision but I chose Kellenberg because I knew they would push me to work harder and give me the discipline that I needed. I have developed a stronger work ethic and am more disciplined, which will help me in my future goals. Yes I am enjoying it._x000D_
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Favorite type of food?_x000D_
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Cheeseburgers_x000D_
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Favorite type of music and musical artist?_x000D_
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My favorite type of music is rap and my favorite artist is Lil Tjay_x000D_
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Favorite app on your phone?_x000D_
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Snapchat_x000D_
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Dream car?_x000D_
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Lamborghini_x000D_
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Dream vacation?_x000D_
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Bora Bora