The junior third baseman has been a productive all-around force for the Aces, this spring, batting .435 (as of April 15) with an on-base percentage of .581, five doubles, nine RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 10 attempts. He has successfully fielded 15 out of 16 chances at the hot corner. Lower Merion baseball head coach Colin Quinn said, “Brody exemplifies unparalleled dedication and prowess on the baseball diamond. His unwavering focus and strong mental capacity set him apart, driving for continuous improvement in every facet of his game. From rigorous strength training to refining his precise contact swing in the cages, Brody’s commitment to excellence is unwavering.” Off the baseball diamond at Lower Merion, Slensky is a member of DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and Student Council.
Q: What have you worked on most recently regarding your hitting?
A: During the offseason I played with a lot of different stances. My goal was to find an overall approach that allowed me to feel balanced at the plate while also finding a load that allowed me to feel ready to swing before the pitch was thrown.
Q: You’ve played infield throughout your baseball career. What do you like best about playing third base?
A: At third base there can be a lot of bang-bang plays, which is an aspect of the position that you can’t really get anywhere else on the field.
Q: What aspect of your game did you work on most during the off-season?
A: I worked a lot on my swing and spent a lot of time in the cage with my coaches. I also spent a lot of time with coach Rob Rabena working on strength and conditioning for the upcoming season.
Q: What do you think are the biggest key(s) to successful base-stealing?
A: I think the biggest key to base stealing is getting a quality lead and then making sure that you are able to get a good jump off the pitcher.
Q: What has been your favorite memory of your baseball career at Lower Merion?
A: My favorite memory of my baseball career so far was last year when we beat Neshaminy in the first round of the District One playoffs. The environment was extremely competitive and intense and I think as a team we fed off of that and played one of our best games of the season.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in organized baseball, and the positions you have played.
A: I started playing in Lower Merion Little League, where I learned how much fun the game can be while also continuing to better myself as a player. During my time playing I have played almost every position on the field; however, I always seemed to wind up in the infield.
Q: Who have been your most influential baseball mentors and what has been the most valuable thing each of them have taught you?
A: I have been very lucky to have had a lot of great coaches over the years that have taught me a lot of great things. One coach that stands out is Willie Liggins, who was my travel coach for a few years when I was younger and taught me that there is much more to baseball than just the physical aspects of it.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a contest.
A: I try to keep a sound mind and reduce the levels of anxiety that will inevitably come with game day as much as possible.
Q: What is your favorite baseball field, and why?
A: My favorite baseball field is Citizens Bank Park. My parents would always take me there as a kid to watch the Phillies play and that really sparked my love for baseball as a kid.
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player and why?
A: My favorite baseball player is Mike Trout. He has always been a humble superstar who when given the chance will always make it about the team over himself. He is also the definition of a five tool player as there is nothing on the field he can’t do.
Q: What is your favorite academic subject at Lower Merion? What do you think you’d like to major in at college? Is there a particular career field that interests you at the present time?
A: My favorite subject at Lower Merion is Biology. I think up to this point I have been leaning towards majoring in biology with the hopes to go into the medical field and one day working within that field.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 5. Is there a reason you chose that number?
A: I chose No. 5 my sophomore year because the two numbers I wanted were already taken, however, I have grown to love the number. Bryson Stott wears No. 5 and being able to watch him every day, I admire the way he plays the game. He always plays like he is just having fun no matter the situation or the game. For me the number also serves as a reminder to just go out there and have fun.
Fun facts – Brody Slensky
Favorite book: “Sharks” by Paul De Gelder.
Favorite TV show: The Office.
Favorite movie: Wedding Crashers.
Favorite athlete: Mike Trout.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Bleeding Love.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: The Outer Banks.
Favorite pre-game meal: “Go Go Squeeze and some kind of bar.”
Person I most admire, and why: “The person I admire most in life is my older sister, Elly. Growing up and having her as an everyday role model in my life has played a massive part in the kind of competitor I am on the field and additionally, who I am once I step off of it.
Family members: Parents Brett and Kim, sister Elly.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
