Editor’s Note: This is the second installment of the popular ‘Up Next’ series in which we highlight the top underclassmen on Long Island. Previously, we featured Zachary Cook-Rosario. Special thanks to Field of Dreams LI for sponsoring this year’s series. Check them out here.
6’2 RHP Rock Babinsky (St. John the Baptist 2030) https://t.co/NV70OvoqrI
— Axcess Baseball LI (@axcessbaseball) November 1, 2026
With a name like Rock Babinsky and a 6’2 stature, he is the archetype of an intimidating flame thrower on the mound.
While he is just a freshman in high school, he certainly does not look or play like your typical 14-year-old.
Babinsky attended The Stony Brook School last year, but is now at St. John the Baptist, where he will look to help the Cougars return to their championship ways of the past.
He had a tremendous summer for the BodyArmor Titans. He compiled a 1.03 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .105 avg. He recorded 12.2 K/7 thanks to his 85 MPH fastball which was ranked Number 1 at all 6 Perfect Game tournaments he participated in and second overall in the state for freshman players.
He earned MVPitcher Award at the Super Regional NIT as well.
His longtime pitching coach, Mike Demarest, had the following to say:
“Rock is one of the more interesting and promising arms from this area in recent memory. He has the velocity, the size and the work ethic; along with being surrounded by extremely high-level baseball people his entire life – all of the types of things that you would see in a “prospect”, if somebody can be called that as a 9th grader. I’ve known Rock personally since he was 9-years-old and only recently has he begun to catch up athletically to the challenge of being such a big kid at a young age. In my opinion, we’re only just beginning to see what his potential looks like and I’m very excited to support and watch him go through this process of chasing whatever the best version of himself is.”
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Who are some people who have been a positive impact in your life?
My uncle, Russ Taveras, who was a Division-I baseball player, is one of my trainers at Infiniti Performance and has been with me every step of the way since I was 7-years-old. Most importantly, my dad, who’s been around the game his whole life, was my coach early on and has put me in the best situations possible to continue my journey. He gives me every opportunity to improve by pushing me to be my best and showing me that hard work pays off.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Do you play other sports?
I have been playing football and baseball my whole life but baseball has been my number one sport because my family environment is rooted around baseball.
Why did you choose to attend St. John the Baptist?
I attended The Stony Brook School as an 8th grader and benefited greatly in that program. Being around such great players and outstanding coaches really helped me develop. But I really wanted to continue to play football and SBS does not have a team, so I knew St. John’s would be my next option. I already had a good relationship with head coach Ryan Dalton, who I admire, and the rest of the coaching staff at SJB, so that made my decision easy.
How have you enjoyed your time with Body Armor?
This past summer was my first year playing for Body Armor. It was an amazing group of guys and the coaching staff was very knowledgeable and taught me something new about the game every day. I’m very competitive, so it felt great to have such a successful summer by winning as many games as we did. Overall, getting a chance to play with and against such good athletes made it a great summer.
Who are your favorite professional athletes?
My favorite pro athletes are Bryan Woo and Jacob Misiorowski because both of them are just so fun to watch on the mound. Jacob is doing things nobody has ever seen before by throwing as hard as he does. Bryan is so smooth and simple in his delivery so I try to model my game after game.
Do you work with any private instructors?
My pitching coach, Mike Demarest, and hitting coach Marc Wangenstein, both are at 365 Athletes. Both have been with me for a while helping me improve my game. Also, my coaches at Infiniti Performance who I work with for my strength training and mobility have made a huge impact.
What has been the most thrilling moment of your baseball career?
When I hit my first home run in little league. It was super fun and exciting and especially playing with all my friends that I grew up with made it such a good memory.
What are you looking to work on this offseason?
This offseason I’ll be focusing on improving my velocity and developing my secondary pitches while keeping my arm healthy. I want to continue getting stronger and becoming more explosive in the weight room while increasing my mobility.
Goals for 2027?
Make an impact for St. John the Baptist on the varsity level this spring and help my team be as successful as possible.
Favorite app on your phone?
Favorite musical artist?
Drake
Favorite movie?
A Bronx Tale
Favorite restaurant on LI?
Bubba’s Burritos in Islip
Favorite vacation spot?
Dominican Republic
Dream Car?
Ford F-450