The Trusted Home of Amateur Baseball on Long Island – From Travel through College

search icon
advertise with us

News

Up Next Powered by Field of Dreams LI: Zachary Cook-Rosario

Editor’s Note: This is the first installment of the popular ‘Up Next’ series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. First up is Zachary Cook-Rosario from St. Dominic HS. Special thanks to Field of Dreams LI for sponsoring this year’s series. Check them out here.

St. Dominic captured their first CHSAA Championship this past season – 17 years to the day since their last one in 2009.

It was a long wait, but one that felt inevitable as the team has been knocking on the door for the past few years under head coach Joe Fusco. They finished in first place in the regular season the prior two seasons but just didn’t have the horsepower to get over the top. Ironically, this year was their worst regular season but they took their game to the next level in the postseason thanks to their stable of Division-I commits. One player that is not yet on that list – but could be in the future – is sophomore Zachary Cook-Rosario. As a freshman, he played

He finished his freshmen season with an impressive stat line of .326 AVG, .426 OBP, 5 doubles, 2 homers and 17 RBIs over 30 games. He continued that through the summer for Showtime Select where he batted .348 with a .923 OPS over 167 plate appearances against top competition. His summer coach, Joe Fusco, had the following to say:

“He can flat out hit. In his first varsity at bat as a freshman, he hit a towering home run. You just don’t see it much – the numbers he put up as a freshman offensively in our league. The biggest weapon he’s added in the box is the ability to get hits backside consistently, which we saw a lot in the state championship tournament. Defensively, he’s very advanced as well – he’s always working on his defense. I think our varsity catching position group at St. Dom’s was good for him to be in too as a freshman. Between Michael Scarry, who is committed to URI, and Christian Orlandi, who has been a varsity player since the end of his 9th grade season, I think they all work really well off each other. We’re looking forward to Zac having a big year as a sophomore for us at St. Dominic.”

I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…

Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? 

Baseball has always been my No. 1 sport and the only sport I’ve played competitively. I’ve always enjoyed sports, but baseball is where my passion is, and it’s the sport I want to continue playing at the highest level possible.

Who are your favorite pro athletes?

My favorite player of all time is Yadier Molina because of how dominant he was defensively behind the plate and the way he commanded the field as a leader. As a catcher, I want to have that same presence and be someone my pitchers and teammates can always depend on.

Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?

My family has been my biggest support system throughout my baseball journey. They’ve spent countless hours traveling with me, taking me to practices and games and making sacrifices so I can chase my goals.

My coaches Joe Fusco, Dylan Iacovone, Steven Lee and Zac Budano have also played a huge role in helping me develop and pushing me to become the best player I can be.

What was it like winning the NYS Catholic League Championship as a freshman?

Winning the New York State Catholic High School Championship as a freshman was an unbelievable experience and something I’ll never forget. Being ablate contribute to a varsity championship team in my first year of high school meant a lot to me, especially competing alongside older, more experienced players.

The upperclassmen, Mike Perullo, Matt DeFranza, Ray Kim and Christian Moreno made me feel like part of the team, helped me adjust to the speed of varsity baseball, and showed me what it takes to compete and win at that level. It made me even more motivated to continue building on that success.

How have you enjoyed your time with Showtime?

My experience with Showtime has been great because I’m surrounded by talented players and coaches who push me to get better every day. We’ve competed in some of the biggest national tournaments and faced really good competition, which has helped me grow as a player. One of my favorite things about Showtime is that we compete as a team and always have the goal of winning. I’m proud that we’ve won our pool in every national event we’ve competed in together.

Do you take private lessons with any instructors?

I work with Winston Abreu, a former MLB pitcher. Being able to learn from someone who has competed at the highest level has been a great experience, and he’s helped me understand the game from a pitcher’s perspective while continuing to develop my skills.

Goals for this offseason?

This offseason, I’m focused on getting stronger, improving my speed and continuing to develop my catching skills. I want to improve my arm strength, pop time and receiving while also becoming a more consistent and powerful hitter.

What is your favorite app on your phone?

Instagram

Favorite musical artist?

Juice WRLD

Favorite movie?

Scarface

Favorite restaurant on Long Island?

Baci’s in Westbury

Best baseball trip you’ve been on?

My favorite baseball trip was Las Vegas. It was a great experience getting to travel somewhere different, compete and spend time with teammates.

Favorite vacation spot?

Houston, TX

Any pregame superstitions?

Before every game, I like to listen to “Mr. Brightaide” by The Killers. It’s my go-to song to get in the right mindset and ready to compete.

Dream Car?

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.