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Get to Know: 2017 SS Mikey Casaleggio (Indian Hills HS, NJ)

January 12, 2017



By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey

As we continue to shape-the-state here in New Jersey, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so let’s take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Garden State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access... 

Name: Mikey Casaleggio
High School: Indian Hills
Grad Year: 2017
Position: SS
State Rank: No. 40
Commitment: Marist

PBR:  Let's start with your baseball commitment to Marist. Tell us about the process and how you decided on the Red Foxes? How excited are you to play in the MAAC?

Casaleggio: Well, I was selected to the Garden State Games where I played well and caught the eye of schools such as Rhode Island, George Washington, Marist, Manhattan, and Virginia Tech. I had talked to Coach Tracz (Marist Head Coach) who sent Coach Pelletier to see me in the Super 17 (at Diamond Nation) where I had a good tournament. Shortly thereafter I went on a visit and was offered and eventually committed to Marist about a week later.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life? 

Casaleggio: Baseball has definitely taught me how to have a dream and go after that dream with everything  I have. It has taught me to work hard and be passionate about something I love.

PBR: If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like? 

Casaleggio: Long, lean, athletic shortstop who can play 2B or 3B and handles the bat well with a middle/right field approach.

PBR:  We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation. 

Casaleggio:  I have been working out at RPP (Rockland Peak Performance) in Sloatsburg, NY where I have put on 10-pounds since October. I have also been hitting with coach Joe Gambardella (Ridgefield HS) and Mike Rozema (Rozema Baseball). My brother and I (2018 RHP Nick Casaleggio) have ben out throwing or fielding every other day.

PBR: If you could only pick one, who would be your biggest baseball influence and why? 

Casaleggio: My biggest baseball influence would have to be Derek Jeter. I pick Jeter because of the way he played hard and carried himself on and off the field. The guy isa role model, plain and simple.

PBR: Name three goals for the upcoming 2017 season:

Casaleggio: Be more consistent with the routine play, lead a strong core of underclassmen and help them get better, and win a League Championship.

PBR: Who is the best payer you have played against in your high school career?

Casaleggio: The best player I have played against in my high school career was probably SS Brady McConnell (Florida recruit) from the Florida Burn. 

PBR: Do you have any pregame superstitions?

Casaleggio: Never step on the line, ever, and I always have to eat a bowl of Apple Cinnamon Cheerios (with no milk).


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