Junior third-baseman Sam Balducci is a talented, quick and skilled student-athlete who’s been creating havoc for opposing pitchers to this point.
Balducci has been playing baseball since he was six and has loved every minute of it, especially in highschool. Balducci was inspired to play at a young age from his dad and he loves playing with his teammates and coaches every day.
¨The game is a challenge, and it’s a hard sport to learn but the best part of playing is hanging out with the boys and doing what we love,¨ Balducci told The Prowl.
Balducci has been playing little league with Brian Garvey since he was 10 and together they’ve been a dynamic duo on and off the field.
“Sam brings great leadership to the team. He has a valuable glove in the field and has been hitting well all season. Sam has shown plus power this season after working hard in the offseason,” senior Brian Garvey stated.
Balducci stated that the hardest part of baseball was more the mental aspect rather than the actual physical part of playing.
¨Sam comes to work everyday and it shows on game days, he takes pride in being the best he can be and is a great teammate to everyone. Him swinging it well has propelled us to the next level and I always know when he’s going to make the plays when I’m pitching,¨ sophomore Brayden Edwards said.
Playing 3rd base can be a tough position, earning its nickname as the hot corner because of the fast speed the balls come in, requiring you to be alert 24/7. Balducci makes this position look easier than it actually is.
¨Great kid, great teammate, great player and takes after his brother by showing his leadership on and off the team, and the team is following in his footsteps by the early success that he has,¨ junior Robby Wunsch said.
A bunch of teammates see Balducci as a role model and look up to him.
¨Sam has always been a great teammate since we were younger, I’ve always admired his attitude and love for the game. Being on the same team as him is always a great thing and I know he is always showing up with a positive attitude and a drive to win at any cost,” said junior Justin Dittmar.
Balducci has helped lead the ‘Cats to a 5-2 record thus far, and with the season still young, he hopes to guide the team to a deep run in the playoffs.
