Junior JT DeRiso has been a varsity baseball pitcher since his freshman season. His success is largely attributed to his preparation for each game.
“Mentally, I am just trying to relax and get my mind right,” DeRiso said. “Physically, I will always stretch to make sure my body is ready for the game.”
DeRiso’s baseball career started right where he is now: on the mound. Growing up, he played baseball, football, and basketball, but found a love in baseball.
“I just find [pitching] interesting and I like learning new things each year,” he said. “I feel like I learn something new every game, whether it’s big or small, I learn something.”
DeRiso’s best memory from baseball comes from when he was in middle school.
“In middle school, I once had 17 strikeouts in a seven-inning game,” DeRiso said.
Once DeRiso graduated from middle school, he was thrown right into the Valley pitching rotation during his freshman year. His first appearance came as a reliever against St. Joe’s (Montvale) and his first start was against the Bergenfield Bears.
“I was terrified,” DeRiso said. “I remember my first game was against St Joe’s, but I pitched well and then I had my first start against Bergenfield, which went well also.”
Before high school, DeRiso played club baseball. He used to play for Atlantic Reign, where he traveled to Florida for baseball tournaments. Now, he plays for the Valley Dogs, a local team out of Bergen County.
DeRiso has had superstitions that he has followed for a long time.
“I always put the same sock on the right foot and then the same sock on the left foot,” DeRiso said. “I also put both of my shoes on and then tie them both, not putting one on and then tying that one. I wait to tie both of them.”
When playing a game on the road, DeRiso listens to the same songs in the same order every time on the bus.
Baseball is not the only thing on his mind. He works hard in school and is always trying his best.
“I will always try my best in school and do what is asked of me,” DeRiso said. “Having teachers like Mr. Belger, Mr. Kennedy, Mr. Buchanan, and Mr. Cofrancesco has helped me become a better student,” he added.
DeRiso does plan on playing baseball at the next level, whether that is Division I, Division II, or Division III. He is being recruited on all three levels.
