Nick Saranczak '18 Recruiting Profile

Since I started playing at the age of 7 I stood out.  Both literally and figuratively.  I was selected 8 straight years to my rec ball All Star team.  My last was in the summer of 2015 where we advanced to the Babe Ruth World Series placing 3rd.  I was awarded game MVP twice and was named to the "All Defensive Team" in the world series.   In a week long tournament I pitched 18 consecutive innings with out giving up an earned run.  My freshman year in high school I was one of 2 freshmen selected  to try out for the varsity team.   My sophomore year I transferred to a private school and am back at Lakewood Ranch HS for my senior year.   Had a fantastic sophomore year.  In the top 3 for RBIs and OBP.  Got the only hit in our final playoff game when I was put in the 6th inning to pinch hit off a guy who was drafted right out of high school.  Come my junior year, I hardly played.  This may prompt you to think "What is wrong with this kid?"  I can assure you,  nothing!  I have my theories as to why I didn't play much my junior year but I can assure you it had nothing to do with my performance, my grades, or anything that I did on or off the field.  I hold my head high and my integrity is intact.   

So, now I'm back at my public high school.  My coaches weren't happy that I left after my freshman year.  Honestly, I don't know if they will let me play this year.  If that is the case, their loss will be your gain.  My arm and my bat will be fresh for college!  I have been participating in the Strong 8 program since August of this year.  (http://strongeight.com/baseball-training/)  I have gained 20 pounds of muscle, increased my bat exit velocity and my pitching velocity.  I will continue with the program until I go to college.   I chose to train hard instead of playing Fall ball.  Since I have been off the radar this past year I am also doing quite a few showcases to gain exposure.  At 3 events so far I have hit multiple home runs all to right field.  As much as I love pitching, I love hitting and playing first too.  I would love to be a two-way player.  

I have been an honor roll student all through school.  I am the definition of a "Team Player".   I have been coached and trained by several former MLB alumni like Mark Guthrie,  Roberto Hernandez, Paul Russo, Ted Rose and Benny Castillo.   These coaches as well as others have all told me that my physical ability, talent, and work ethic will take me far.   I am ready for this next journey to begin as I pursue playing ball in college to get my degree as a Physical Therapist.