Editor’s Note: This is the third installment of the Sunday Spotlight in which we highlight the top performers of the 2026 season. Previously, we featured Matt Kurz and Joe Carey. Special thanks to Lux Stone Group for sponsoring this year’s series.
It’s one thing to put up solid numbers during a high school season. It’s another to treat it like your playing a video game on rookie mode.
St. Anthony’s senior CJ Alfano has taken his game up several notches this year. He was among the top players in the league as a junior, but he’s playing like a future pro prospect and putting up some of the most gaudy statistics the league has ever seen.
In my cursory research, there’s been three players to have double-digit homers in the Catholic League (Nick Luisi, Danny Lackner and Jonathan Kalkau). Alfano already has 11 – although a couple players are on the verge of joining that list this season (Jacob Vaccariello and Dylan Weinstein).
It’s not just the power numbers, either. He’s batting an even .500 with a ridiculous .703 OBP and 2.112 OPS. He has driven in 27 runs and scored 32 runs.
His coach, Paul Parsolano had the following to say:
“We go as CJ goes. He has been as advertised as a teammate, captain and player. We are very proud of him and he knows there is work to be done.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Bryce Harper and Konnor Griffin
Who are some people who have had a positive impact on your career?
Definitely my family and all of my coaches around me that I’ve been with my whole life.
What did you work on this offseason?
Getting m 60-time down and overall getting stronger.
Playing on a team like St. Anthony’s is something special. You always know that walking onto the field you have a group of talented kids who have your back no matter what in any situation and knowing everyone wants to be there engaging in the game is something special.
How would you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and how you chose West Virginia?
The college recruiting process was pretty simple. I went down to West Virginia for a showcase camp, toured the campus and knew it was my home right then and there. The coaching staff felt like mentors, the facility felt like home. It was everything I imagined it being.
What has been the most thrilling moment of your career?
The most thrilling moment of my career was being given the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level after all the hard work I put into my craft.
Favorite app on your phone?
Snapchat
Favorite restaurant ?
Castaways Steak & Seafood in Port Jeff. The spinach and artichoke dip is top notch.
Any pregame superstitions?
Always the a shower before anything baseball related.
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite vacation spot?
Aruba
Dream Car?
Porsche 911 GT3 RS