For some people, baseball is just a game. For Jason Sanfilippo, baseball is LIFE. Jason was born with a baseball bat in his hands, and envisioned turning double plays before he could even talk. He put on a glove before he could even walk. Fast forward about 17 years, he is now a verbally committed college athlete. On Thursday night, Jason announced that in the fall of 2019, he will be attending Misericordia University in Dallas, Pennsylvania to further his academic and athletic careers. In the Spring of 2020, he will be wearing blue and gold, looking fight for a spot as an infielder early on in his freshman year.

Baseball blood runs deep in the Sanfilippo household. Jason’s father, Jim Sanfilippo, played professionally for the Oakland Athletics in their farm system. His brother, Tyler Sanfilippo, was a star at Seton Hall Prep, playing 2 years of varsity there, and was heavily recruited during his time there. He began his college career at Rider University, then shortly after transferred to Morris County Community College, where he played one season. Then, for his final destination, where he currently plays and goes to school, is Wagner College in Staten Island. He has played one season so far there, and has two more years of eligibility to show MLB scouts what he has to offer, and in only four years, Jason could be doing the same. To say the least, Jason comes from a household where baseball is a way of LIFE. Even though his family has been so deeply involved in baseball, Jason has never felt baseball was forced upon him. He just knew from the moment he was born that this was his purpose.

Having the unbelievable opportunity to play alongside him from 5th grade all the way until our final out as a high school player, I have been able to witness first hand just how much he loves this game. I play centerfield, and he usually is at shortstop, because well, he has nice flow right? In all seriousness, whenever I see a ball go anywhere near him, I have the utmost confidence he will get it. I have never doubted his skill, and even more than that, his love and determination for the game. His preparation, from waking up at 5am to hit, or taking ground balls outside the hotel at tournaments, he has always wanted the challenge in this game. Baseball is arguably one of the most challenging sports to play and the one that presents the most adversity, and yet Jason loves it all. He always wants a new challenge, and is eager to perfect his craft. He explains, “I want to be as successful as I can be. Baseball is a hard enough sport so there is always room for improvement. Plus it’s just fun. Going to hit with my father and going to the field for ground balls or going to practice is just so much fun for me. The work I put into it is for results, put the process is so much fun”. His father, Jim, who has been our outstanding coach for many years now, constantly reiterates, “Good is not good enough when better is available”. Jason takes this quote to heart everyday and makes sure he does everything in his power to be the best baseball player he could possibly be. He has excelled at the youth level. He has certainly excelled at the high school level (3 year varsity SS, HONORS). At Wayne Hills, he will be a 3 year varsity shortstop. Sophomore year he received Honorable Mention All County and Second Team All Conference. Junior year he received second team all county, first team all conference, and was selected to play in the Garden State Underclassmen games (Top 100 Non Seniors).

This trend certainly won’t end and will most definitely continue his senior year here and at the collegiate level. Misericordia University will be getting the most talented, hardworking, passionate, detailed- oriented shortstop that I’ve ever known.

Baseball has always been a lifestyle for Jason, and this time next year, he will be in Dallas, Pennsylvania preparing for his Freshman season as Misericordia Cougar. Roll Cougs.