Shipley shortstop Nick Wojtelwicz is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The senior shortstop and fourth-year starter led the Friends’ Schools League champion Gators in most offensive categories this spring, batting .477 with 28 runs scored, eight doubles, four triples and 30 stolen bases (in 30 attempts), while sparkling defensively. The University of South Carolina-bound senior was a Carpenter Cup selection last summer, and this spring was named to the All-Friends Schools League first team for the second straight year.
Q: You went 3-for-3 in the Friends School League championship final. What is your most vivid memory of that game – can you share it with us?
A: The Friends’ Schools League final this year was basically the culmination of four years of hard work for me and a lot of our other seniors. The one play that stood out for me was when I was able to throw behind a runner at first base that had just singled into left field, and gun him out. It was a huge momentum shift for us. I also remember everyone in attendance standing up and cheering right before the last out, which was awesome to see.
Q: You stole 30 bases this season, batting in the No. 3 spot in the lineup where you were surrounded by good hitters. What were the chief keys you looked for when deciding to steal second this season?
A: Earlier in the year, the middle of our lineup was hit with a slew of injuries. Right from the get-go, I knew that I would need to manufacture runs by stealing bases whenever I could. I worked a lot this past off-season on my speed and change of direction, which came in handy this season.
Q: As the team’s shortstop, did you consider yourself as the on-field leader of the infield? Can you give an example of how you exercised that leadership this season?
A: I think the first people to tell you that I took a leadership position this year would be the younger guys around me, specifically [sophomore infielders] Blake Rodack and Gerard Sweeney. I was really tough on those guys because I knew that if I pushed them to work their hardest, they could be great baseball players. I talked to Blake right before he pitched the championship game, and reminded him to keep his cool and remember everything we had worked for.
Q: Who is your favorite baseball player? Do you try to pattern any part of your game after him?
A: Robinson Cano, for sure. He has the smoothest hands and smoothest swing in the league. While I might not have the pop in my bat that he does, I try to model my fielding after his.
Q: What was your most memorable experience with the Carpenter Cup last summer – can you share it with us?
A: Carpenter Cup was a lot of fun last summer, and even though we lost our first game, I think a lot of the guys on the team had a great time. It was cool to play alongside of players from the Inter-Ac that we are only able to see or play against a few times each year.
Q: What do you think is the strongest part of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I think the strongest part of my game is my hitting, but it could definitely use some work. Right now, I’m working most on my ability to adjust and hit off-speed pitches.
Q: Who have been your biggest baseball mentors, and what was the most important thing each of them taught you?
A: The biggest presences in my career have been Sean Costello, who coached me in middle school, and my Dad, who coached me the past four years in high school. They both have had huge roles in helping me through tough times both on and off the field. Also [Shipley baseball head coach] Bryan Bendowski and Paul Komorowski.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 6 for Shipley. Is there a reason you chose that number – does it have any significance to you?
A: I wear No. 6 because I made my AIM username nickwojo6 back when I was in the second grade. I guess it just stuck.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: I like to be able to get out to the field waaay before the game starts so I have a lot of time to warm-up and take some cuts in the cage. We always set up a speaker so we have music playing and everyone is relaxed pre-game.
Q: What attracted you to University of South Carolina? What do you think you might want to major in? Is there a particular career path that interests you at the present time?
A: South Carolina has outstanding Honors and International Business programs, which is what drew me initially. I’m currently planning on majoring in International Business and Risk Management, with a minor in Chinese.
Q: Have you participated in any other extracurricular activities at Shipley School?
A: I have been a four-year member of DECA, a business club at school, and also re-established the Finance & Investment Club this past year.
Fun facts – Alex Wojtelwicz
Favorite book: The Art of Fielding, by Chad Harbach.
Favorite author: Aziz Ansari.
Favorite TV show: House of Cards.
Favorite movie: Pulp Fiction.
Favorite athlete: Robinson Cano.
Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Spirit in the Sky, by Norman Greenbaum.
Favorite team: Manchester City F.C.
Favorite place to visit: London.
Favorite pre-game meal: Hot dogs with Mac and Cheese.
Favorite color: Green.
Person(s) I most admire: “The kids at TALK Institute & School I am privileged enough to have been working with for the past few weeks for their hard work and perseverance.”
Born: April 15, 1998 in Ridley Township, PA.
Family members: Gina (Mom), Adam (Dad), Lexi (sister).
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
