Smooth hands, barrel accuracy, sprint speed.
Not a bad combination to possess if you’re a baseball player.
For 9-year-old Joncarlo Massoni, those were key assets that helped him qualify for the 2024 USSSA All-American Games in Viera, Fla. this summer. Massoni, a former Westerleigh resident who moved to the Sunshine State along with dad Anthony, mom Jasmin and brother Anthony, Jr., about a year ago, had already shown signs of being a gifted baseball player prior to the move.
The lefty-swinging, middle-infielder played for Snug Harbor Little League and gained a world of experience playing travel for the Staten Island Orioles. When his dad, a former St. Peter’s baseball, Staten Island Padres travel and West Shore LL All Star baseball player, retired from work, it only made the move to Sarasota a no-brainer as it gives Joncarlo time to play nearly year round.
“It was hard to leave the North Shore (of S.I.) for a new state, but we settled in nicely and are enjoying it,’’ said Anthony Sr., noting they do visit the Island often. “We moved down here knowing the talent at every age group was exceptional, but felt Staten Island baseball prepared him for the ‘Mecca’ of baseball (Florida), where he can grow.
“I can’t say enough for what the Orioles did to improve his game.’’
Joncarlo is off to a pretty good start down south, to say the least. Not only did he make Mayhem Nation travel program’s 10s team as a 9-year-old, but he led the team in batting average, runs scored and hits. The team is currently one of the top-ranked squads nationally for its age group, according to his dad.
The youngster, who also plays in a local recreational league, was also one of a few 9-year-olds selected to take part in the Marauders Winter Camp (12s), which is run by the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Single-A farm team’s coaching staff. The clinic concludes with a three-game tournament and Joncarlo’s team reached the championship game on Monday.
“He’s a skinny kid that’s like a…
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