Hofstra University pitcher Carlos Martinez, a 21-year-old right-hander, is anticipating selection in the upcoming Major League Baseball draft, expressing a strong desire to be chosen on the first day. Martinez, ranked 212th in ESPN's top 250 MLB prospects, has harbored a passion for baseball since childhood, influenced by his father's involvement in coaching.
"Hopefully, I’ll get my name called on the first day," Martinez stated. "My goal is to play professional baseball and be one of the best at it." He also credited Hofstra coach and former big leaguer Frank Catalanotto with providing mentorship and boosting his confidence.
Long Island high school shortstop Aiden Ruiz, a recent graduate of The Stony Brook School, is also a prospect for the draft. Ruiz, a Vanderbilt commit, described himself as consistent and hardworking. "I feel like I am very consistent, I’m very hard working, and that’s just going to carry on and off the field," he said.
Should Ruiz not be drafted this year, he expressed willingness to attend Vanderbilt and pursue a college championship. "I’ll go to college and go win a national championship with Vanderbilt," Ruiz added.
Chris McHugh, a first baseman from North Carolina State and a 2023 graduate of Commack High School, also participated in the MLB draft combine as a notable prospect.
Soccer Championship
In soccer, the American Soccer Club (ASC) is set to compete for the NPSL's North Atlantic Conference championship. The team secured its place in the final following a 3-1 victory over the New York Shockers in a playoff match on Wednesday night. ASC will face New Haven United FC, a team with whom they share a notable rivalry.
The last encounter between ASC and New Haven United was a dramatic match that was temporarily suspended due to a storm, forcing an evacuation. The game concluded with a last-minute tying goal for ASC, resulting in a 2-2 draw in June. "I think the boys are feeling good," ASC head coach John Fitzgerald said regarding the upcoming championship game.