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BY KEITH IDEC
STAFF WRITER | THE RECORD

Far from satisfied following a good sophomore season, Joey Castellanos committed more time than ever last off-season toward reaching his potential.

Winter workouts were voluntary for members of the St. Mary baseball team. Castellanos, who says he “lived in the gym,” never missed one and acted as a coach by organizing those sessions with his teammates.

“He’s the hardest-working kid I’ve ever seen,” St. Mary coach Dennis Hulse said. “His off-season training not only helped him at the plate, but defensively. His quickness gave him the range he needs to be a Division I shortstop. The difference this year is how quick and strong he became.”

Division I coaches clearly took notice of the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Castellanos’ vast improvement while playing against a high level of opposition during his recently completed junior season.

The Record Baseball Player of the Year batted a team-high .552 (53-for-96), scored 37 times and drove home 43 runs to help the Gaels win their first sectional title since 2008. Castellanos also posted a .606 on-base percentage and produced 15 extra-base hits – nine doubles, four triples and two homers – and stole 11 bases for St. Mary (21-9).

The slick-fielding shortstop also cut his errors almost in half (six) from the 11 he committed during his sophomore season. In the dugout and locker room, the Nutley resident evolved into a leader for the small, Rutherford-based, non-public program.

To continue reading this story:

http://www.northjersey.com/sports/high-school-sports/boys-baseball/shortstop-leads-by-example-1.1621899

 

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