Michael Cartusciello '18 Recruiting Profile

    Ever since I was little, I always dreamed about being the shortstop for the Yankees, just like Derek Jeter.  When I was 10 years old, I was on my town's Williamsport team and the coach's son played shortstop, so I was told that I would now be an outfielder because my speed would best help the team there. I was devastated. My dream of being like Jeter went out the door. I decided to give it "my all" because I loved the game and wanted to be a team player.  Ever since I made that first catch, it made my desire to play and my love for the game grow deeper.  Playing the outfield gives me a full view of the field, showing me practically every aspect of the game, teaching me more about the interactions of the team every time I play. This change taught me to persevere and set goals for myself.  Playing centerfield helped me to be a leader, calling out plays and cutoffs in order to better the team.

    I am proud of what I have learned from baseball. Now, I have paired up my leadership role on the field and my desire to help others. When I was going into high school, my family and I traveled to Tanzania, where we volunteered at a school in a small African village. I led the students in games of soccer, and introduced kickball to them.  I soon realized that it didn't matter what I did with the children.  The fact that I was there spending time with them meant the world to them.  Last year, through SACSN (Student Athletic Community Service Network), I led their Anti-Bullying Campaign and also raised money for transporting sick children to the hospital for their medical treatments.  Currently, I am volunteering at my summer baseball club to train other players for the upcoming season. My gift in playing baseball has opened doors for me to help others. I have learned that it's not so much the talent you have, but how you use your talent to better yourself and others in life.