Get to Know: Chris Maldonado

February 2, 2022
TJ Hunt
Director, PBR New Jersey

The "Get to Know" feature is our annual series on the top Seniors in the state. We take a deep dive into what makes them tick, their preparation for the spring, aspirations for college and beyond, and look at how they came about their commitment to their college in the first place.

Next up is the Clemson recruit, SS Chris Maldonado (Seton Hall Prep).

The Scoop

Commitment: Clemson

Conference: ACC

Physical: Wiry, athletic 6-feet 180-pounds.

The Scoop: Dynamic middle infielder with middle of the order pop at the plate from the right side. Fluid, easy juice, sprays the ball to all fields.

TJ: Tell us about the decision-making process for your commitment? How excited are you to play there?

Maldonado: I chose Clemson because I felt like I was at home when I first stepped on campus. I was looking for a school that had the coaches and facilities that I needed to get better and Clemson fit that for me. I am very excited to play there.

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

Maldonado: Chris leaves everything out on the field every game and he is a great leader and teammate. He is very consistent both offensively and defensively and he loves to compete. You can tell he is very prepared and loves every second of being on the field.

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

Maldonado: I workout with my personal trainer 3 times a week where I do speed, agility, and strength training. I hit every day of the week. And I do infield and throwing during the week as well. I am always looking for something that I can do to make myself better.

TJ: Name three goals for the upcoming season.

Maldonado: 1. Win a State Championship. 2. Embrace every moment of my last high school season and have a lot of fun with my teammates. 3. Get drafted.

TJ: Do you have any pregame superstitions?

Maldonado: usually have a song that I listen to every time before I get out of my car or get off the bus before a game. It’s usually a different song every season but last season it was Heat Waves.

TJ: Who is the best player you have played against in your high school career so far? What makes that player so good?

Maldonado: Jack Leiter. I faced him my freshman year and his ability to compete on the mound is incredible. No moment is ever too big for him.

TJ: Who would you say your baseball role model is? Why?

Maldonado: My baseball role models are my siblings. They have all played at a very high level and set the bar very high for my family so my goal has always been to do even bigger and better things than they have. They are also the ones that push me to do that.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Central NJ Preseason ID - February 21st

Northern NJ Preseason ID - February 27th

Preseason All State Upperclass (Invite Only) - March 5th

Preseason All State Underclass (Invite Only) - March 6th

2022 Junior Future Games Trials (2026-2027s) - March 13th