(Editor’s Note: This is the fourth installment of the 2025 Up Next Series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we highlighted Jack Mulligan, Alex Pagano and Quincy Gibbs. Special thanks to Ken Kortright State Farm for sponsoring this year’s series.)
Mike Cotto (Kellenberg 2026) smashes an RBI triple during a big first inning for Next Level
Next Level 5 – Five Star 1
End first pic.twitter.com/mh5l5gQHYJ— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) September 7, 2025
In the 38-year history of Kellenberg baseball, they had never called up a freshman to the varsity team. Part of it was the school administration’s strict guidelines, but also because the school’s strong enrollment meant it wasn’t necessary to make such an aggressive move.
Just over the past decade, they’ve had players like Jason Diaz, Andrew Koshy and Jack Durso who all were extremely advanced for their age and went onto commit to top Division-I programs. None of them were called up as freshman, though.
That streak ended in 2025 when they finally called up a freshman. Incredibly, It wasn’t a pitcher – but a catcher named Michael Cotto.
Next Level catcher Michael Cotto (Kellenberg 2028) throws out the runner attempting to steal second to end the fifth
Scoreless through five pic.twitter.com/Miba9kM4q6
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) August 9, 2025
All Cotto did was handle a very talented pitching staff, led them to winning their first Catholic League Championship since 2017 and batted a very respectable .274 with 19 RBIs and only 12 Ks in a wood bat league against players 3 years older than him. He caught all 33 games for the champs.
If there was one moment that stood out to prove his maturity, it was an at bat that did not result in a hit, but a walk. It came during Game 3 of the Finals against Chaminade. He saw 9 pitches and drew a walk with 2 outs to put the winning run into scoring position.
Additionally, he went 2-for-2 with two lines drives to left field off the Catholic League Player of the Year Victor Acosta Jr.
This fall, he played up with the 17-year-olds on Next Level Brewers Sandlot – who were the recipients of the 17u Team of the Year at our Awards Banquet.
His school ball, Pat Miles, had the following to say.
“He’s extremely coachable and open to feedback. There were times where I made decisions or calls on the field and he would approach me afterwards just asking my thought process, not to be critical of the decisions but to understand why, from a baseball perspective, that was the call. Very wise beyond his years in that way. He WANTS to learn and get better, doesn’t take anything for granted and never “acted” like a freshmen on varsity with the older guys.”
During the winter, he took lessons from former pro Straton Podaras, another Catholic League product who would go onto play professional ball in the Los Angeles Angels organization.
“Michael is extremely hard working and dedicated to his craft. Every Sunday morning in the offseason for the last three years, we’ve had 7am catching for Next Level and he’s always there early and ready to get to work.
He’s always been an impressive blocker and his receiving and throwing have taken big strides over the last year. He was thrown into the fire this year starting as a freshman in the most competitive league on Long Island and he had no problem stepping up to the challenge. I’m excited to see him reach his ceiling as he matures because he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
I had a chance to speak to him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport?
Yes, baseball was always my number one sport.
Why did you choose to attend Kellenberg?
I wanted to attend Kellenberg because of their great baseball program and academics.
Was it nerve wracking at first to get called up to varsity as a freshman and catch some high-end pitchers?
Getting called up as the first freshman ever at Kellenberg was an amazing feeling. At first, it was extremely nerve wracking catching high-end arms like Jack Durso, Eric Ressegger, Kevin Prosceo and Chris Parisi. But once I got used to the velocity and the shape of their pitches, the nerves were soothed.
Can you explain your emotions when Kellenberg walked it off to win the Catholic League Championship?
There were so many emotions. I was shocked and so excited. I never thought that we would be in that position. That last inning was electric. The whole team was yelling, the fans were yelling and all the parents too. With the support from all of our family and friends, it was really incredible. It really was a dream come true. One of the best feelings of my life.
Any family members who played college sports?
My only family member that played in college is my cousin who was a LHP at Stevens Institute of Technology.
How have you enjoyed your experience with Next Level?
I definitely have enjoyed my experience on Next Level. Nothing but great work and experiences at this organization.
What are you looking to work on this offseason?
This offseason I’m looking to get significantly stronger and faster.
Goals for 2026?
In 2026 my biggest baseball goal is to bat .300 for Kellenberg this year.
Favorite musical artist?
Lil Uzi Vert
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Cafe Baci
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite professional athletes?
Ken Griffey Jr and Mike Piazza
Favorite TV Show?
Dexter
Dream Car?
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
