This week Great Lakes Post spoke with Rutgers Third Baseman Carmen Sclafani. Sclafani won Big Ten Player of the Week last week as he became the first player from Rutgers to win the honor since 2016.
What do you think about how you’ve been doing this year and how you were able to turn it up last week?
CS: Well referring to me turning it up last week I think that’s just a result of the specific things coach Lit and coach Duffy have had us as a team and me individually working on as the season has progressed. We worked on a lot of things in the fall and in the winter, but you know as the season goes on just to make adjustments and make changes and the beginning of the season was kind of slow for me and you know the team as well. I think also not only me but the team has picked it up a lot compared to the beginning of the season. We’re making progress in the right direction and I think it’s really just a result of the stuff that Lit and Duffy have been working with us every day.
So defensively what’s it like playing 3rd base?
CS: I like third base because it’s more reactionary. I played second base and you have a lot of time over there and it didn’t really work out well for me. Third base has worked out a lot better for me, and for the team. I think having me there is best for the team when I play up to my potential. I’ve worked a lot with coach Lit on the defense ever since I’ve gotten here me and coach have really worked a lot on the defense and I think third base really is just a good fit because of its reactionary and its fun.
Going back, when and how did you first get into baseball?
CS: Typical story, my dad signed me up for t-ball my dad was my coach growing up in little league. I and my brother played together, Toms River little league, of course, Toms River you know the baseball story there. I grew up playing with a lot of guys on this team.
What do you think the difference is between this year and last year’s team?
CS: I know we say this a lot but I definitely think we’re young. We only have a few seniors but we have a lot of freshman contributing, and that’s a good thing to have freshman contributing. But I definitely think the biggest difference is that we’re a younger team.
What would you say, individually, is something that you’ve been working to improve on this year?
CS: Personally me, Lit, and Duffy have been working on part of my swing that will turn me short to the ball. I have a tendency to get big and be long sometimes. I remember there was one time, a few weeks ago, me and Lit met up just to work on specific things and we worked on being short to the ball and not really, trying not to elevate the ball because my swing naturally elevates the ball. So really staying short to the ball and getting through the baseball it’s something that I’m still working on every day in batting practice and it’s working out better than it was early in the season.
What has Rutgers baseball meant to you?
CS: I mean this place, I dreamt about coming here. My dad played football here so Rutgers had a big spot in my heart and I think coming to play baseball here was a dream come true being able to represent Rutgers and playing in the Big Ten and traveling everywhere and getting to represent New Jersey. I think Rutgers baseball has changed my life it’s the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me.
What do you want to see from the team this weekend heading into this series?
CS: I think if you ask anyone I want us and the coaches want us to come out Friday and specifically show up offensively and give Harry the support that he deserves because he’s been pitching his butt off all year. Every Friday he gives a really, really great performance and we just haven’t really been there we come around later in the weekend and we’re looking to change that this weekend. We want to get some runs on the board early Friday for Harry.
What would it mean to make the Big Ten Tournament this year?
CS: It would be huge and it would mean a lot for the seniors, but it would also mean a lot for the program, a lot for the coaches, and a lot for Rutgers because it would be the first time we make the tournament. It would be another step in the direction we’re trying to go in. Coach Duffy said the other day, “guys we’re not just trying to make the tournament.” He was looking at the big picture Rutgers baseball program as a whole. In the future where do you see us, you don’t want us to just be at the tournament but one of the lead teams in the conference and at the NCAA tournament eventually. So I think if we make the tournament that’s definitely a step in the right direction that Duffy was talking about.
What do you think, after the season, you’ll miss about college baseball?
CS: There are so many things. Personally, I’m going to miss being with the guys every day, hanging out in the locker room, it’s the stuff like that being in the dugout with them. Of course, I’m going to miss playing too, that’s a no brainer I’m going to miss the competition. But being with the guys every day and hanging out with them in the locker room that’s when the memories are created and the special times, always with the guys you know it’s the best.