Baseball Player Magazine

“Alberto is a young man who came out of middle school with no fanfare or hype. He paid his dues and worked very hard, and he's developed into a fantastic baseball player.” - Nerva Jean Pierre, Baseball Coach, Norman Thomas High School

Like countless other aspiring baseball players across America, Norman Thomas High Schools' senior shortstop Alberto Morales has idolized Derek Jeter since he was young. However, few have followed Jeter's lead as well as Morales, a clutch-hitting slick fielder with a disciplined eye whose passion for the game has him prepared for his next baseball journey to play with the Clarendon College Bulldogs in Clarendon, Texas. A leader on his high school team, ranked 20th in the nation by Baseball America, this 6'2, 197 lbs., shortstop took some time to speak with Baseball Player Magazine about the exciting opportunities ahead of him.

BPM: How did you get started playing baseball?

Alberto: When I was about six, my older friends were in a local youth baseball league. They kept trying to get me to go to games, and eventually I went to one. I really liked what I saw, so they brought over a registration sheet. I signed up right there and I've been playing ever since.

BPM: How did you progress as a player when you were young?

Alberto: I never really had trouble defensively, but hitting was definitely an issue for me when I was younger. I'd say fundamentally I was in good shape but as I got bigger my hitting caught up with the rest of my game.

BPM: Did you have anyone helping you in that department?

Alberto: My coach, Ernie Cruz, worked with me from when I was 14 to when I was 17. It really helped me a lot, and positioned me to start on my high school team. It was hitting drill after hitting drill, but the more you work at it the further you get. His brother was a huge help too. I'm very grateful for all the direction they gave me; they've helped make me the player I am today.

BPM: Tell me a little bit about your experiences on the Norman Thomas baseball team.

Alberto: Well, I made the team as a freshman. I didn't play a lot because there were some older players ahead of me. I was on the bench most of the time, and that was a new experience for me. I was good defensively but still had my work cut out for me at the plate.

BPM: So would you say your work with Ernie Cruz paralleled your ascension to the starting lineup?

Alberto: Oh, absolutely. As a sophomore they had me starting at second base because my hitting had improved tremendously. I was also taking lots of walks and getting on base more. When my junior season started they moved me to shortstop; I've been there since then. I absolutely love it there.

BPM: Your team is pretty accomplished this year, you must be proud.

Alberto: I'm very happy with our team. I'm proud of what we've done. It's basically been the same group of guys since freshman year, and we've really grown up together. We haven't lost many games and there's a ton of chemistry because we've played together for so long.

BPM: A disappointing loss to John Adams knocked your team out of the playoffs. What was running through your mind?

Alberto: I was really disappointed. We wanted to win, but it wasn't our year. Norman Thomas was our home. I feel like we were all meant to be together. It's hard knowing it's over and we're all going our separate ways, but we're all prepared to go to college.

BPM: Which major league players have you found most influential?

Alberto: I'd have to start with Derek Jeter. He's a great role model, does everything right, and carries himself well. He goes out and plays every day, giving it 100%. He's also a fantastic leader. I've watched him forever and I'm absolutely a huge fan. Alex Rodriguez is definitely up there too; they both inspire me.

BPM:You're a senior at Norman Thomas High School. What are your plans for next year?

Alberto: I have a full ride to Clarendon College in Texas. I'm excited to go to school and play baseball at the college level. I'm looking forward to getting stronger, smarter and facing pitchers at the next level.

BPM: Congratulations, that is really exciting! What drew you to Clarendon?

Alberto: They definitely wanted me there, and I took a tour and liked it a lot. It was definitely the most interesting school I looked at. It's a two-year school, and it has a great baseball program. I'm definitely excited to play there.

BPM: We heard you had an interest in architecture, is that true?

Alberto: My uncle is an engineer. He's built bridges and things like that, civil stuff. He would show me his work, and I always thought it was awesome. I'd love to get into something like that someday down the road.

BPM: Architecture is a fascinating field. Have you ever considered combining it with your passion for baseball?

Alberto: Not really, to be honest. Another interest of mine is sports marketing.

BPM: And does Clarendon have programs for something like that?

Alberto: Yes, they do. It was also one of the reasons I chose them. It would allow me to pursue my academic interests while playing for a great baseball program, really the best of both worlds.

BPM: You played a game at Yankee Stadium recently. What was that like?

Alberto: That was June 9th of last year. It was the New York State Championship game. It was easily the best experience of my life. Walking out there, it was really special.

BPM: We're assuming that playing on Derek Jeter's turf must have been special. True?

Alberto: When I stepped on the field, the first thing I thought about was the fact that I am playing on the same field as my idol does every day. I can't really describe how great it was. I went 2 for 2 with a double, and had a couple of defensive opportunities, I played pretty well. It was really exciting.

BPM: I had planned on asking what your greatest baseball memory was, but it seems like playing at Yankee Stadium might be it.

Alberto: Totally. I loved every minute of it.

BPM: How do you keep up with players who have the benefit of playing year-round in warm weather? Do you change your workouts at different points during the year?

Alberto: We do a lot of indoor work in gyms. We have the same general fitness workouts that we do during the season, and they translate well indoors. We still can do the essential baseball activities, like taking ground balls and hitting in cages, but it's not quite the same. For that reason we really have to work twice as hard, but it's totally worth the extra effort. It's never really a question of whether we want to work hard enough to keep up with players from warmer areas, we just do.

BPM: How do you balance an intense athletic schedule with your social life?

Alberto: Well, I really don't go out a whole lot. Baseball definitely comes first. For the most part I go to school, play baseball, and then stay home and rest for the next day.

BPM: During the summer, you play baseball constantly. Where do you play?

Alberto: I play in the Youth Service summer league, which has a really hectic schedule. We play about 125 games a year. It's a lot like the majors in that regard, you have to be prepared every day. This summer I'm also trying out for the Greater New York Sandlot All-Star team. It would be great to have the experience to play against Team USA!

BPM: Have any MLB teams approached you?

Alberto: I've been approached by the Reds, A's, and Blue Jays. The Reds invited me to a pre-draft workout, and that was really cool. I've been really impressed by them. I also like the Blue Jays, they had scouts at a few of my games.

BPM: Has the presence of MLB scouts at your games affected you at all?

Alberto: Not really. You know, I just try to ignore the pressure and play. I don't let myself get too tense and I just play my game. So far, that's worked pretty well for me, and hopefully things will continue to fall into place. You never know what's going to happen, and who is going to follow you down the road. I just want to go out and play to the best of my ability.

BPM: That sounds like the right approach. Thank you for talking with us, Alberto, and best of luck down in Texas! We'll keep in touch! Thank you, I appreciate it.

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jostan · 25 days ago

cool

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