The last time I can remember major league baseball scouts clamoring to see an Amity Baseball phenomenon was back in 2018 when catcher Pat Winkel graced the Amity field.
Winkel had it all, he could catch, throw, bat, and run like the wind.
Coach Sal Coppola was by his side when they got the call, the New York Yankees had picked Winkel in the draft. He wasn’t chosen in the early rounds, from what I understand, because the Yanks knew Winkel was going to choose college and playing baseball with his brother Chris, at UCONN over the major leagues. But they wanted him to know that he was wanted.
This year, even with the shortened season and crazy restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, another Amity player with the same skills and character as Winkel caught the attention of spectators and scouts.
Coppola’s phone rang, and although he didn’t know if it would be the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers, Royals, or any of the other desirable top teams, this call was from the San Diego Padres, and they are interested in Julian “JuJu” Stevens.
After Sunday’s Block A Sports Award Ceremony I asked Julian, this year’s Athlete of the Year if he’d choose the Major Leagues or College.
“I still have time to decide,” he said, “but I’ll let everyone know what I’m doing.”
This young man is as polite and soft-spoken as he is talented. Whatever he chooses to do, I know he will come out on top. He is so smart and has the support of his family, coach, team, and friends.
I wish him all the best now and in the future.
