GALWAY — Galway High School’s senior baseball captain and catcher sees value beyond the game of baseball and prioritizes service to others.
Erik Malanoski plays both basketball and baseball for Galway Senior High School. Malanoski comes from a long line of baseball players in his family, including his father, grandfather and great aunt, who was a player for the All American Girls Professional Baseball League.
“I kind of like the whole feel of the game. There’s definitely a lot of respect around the game,” said Malanoski. “Not only is it an individual game, but it’s also got a good team aspect.”
Malanoski’s favorite athletes include David Ortiz, Mookie Betts, and Lebron James but not mainly for their athletic gifts, but for how they utilize their platform to better their communities.
“The big thing is not only that they’re amazing players, but they’re also a great impact off the field,” said Malanoski. “They’re guys that anybody can look to - David Ortiz, kind of took the city and put it on his back during the marathon bombings. Lebron James has a huge “Promise School” and Betts is always helping with the children’s hospitals and big foundations... they use their platform to help others too,” said Malanoski.
As an Eagle Scout himself, Malanoski has dedicated years of his life to servicing the community. Most recently for his Eagle project, he participated in the restoration of the Mechanic Street Community Church cemetery. While Malanoski admires his favorite athletes for their service to others it was first his parents (he names as his biggest support system) who instilled a strong sense of character for him.
“My parents too have set a great example always for me. Teaching me the right ways, and not only how to act like an athlete on the field or a student in the classroom, but a good citizen and person too,” said Malanoski.
Malanoski will attend Penn State in the fall to pursue a career in engineering.
