Photos provided.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Nick Winslow, 17, switched from a football to a baseball and hasn’t looked back.
Saratoga Central Catholic’s catcher began playing baseball when he was eight years old.
"I was playing football, but my father wanted me to try baseball, so I gave it a try and I fell in love with it," said Winslow. "Just the feeling of getting a base hit and making a good play feels, unlike any other sport."
Winslow’s father is not only the reason he began playing the sport he loves so much; his father is his biggest inspiration off the field too.
"He's a really hard-working guy and constantly helps us - my family - and I just want to work as hard he does,” said Winslow
Originally Winslow was a first baseman, but when the team was short on catchers, Winslow stepped up to the plate. Low and behold, turns out he loves being the team catcher the most.
"Catching you’re involved in every single pitch, every single game,” said Winslow. “It’s just really fun, cause on the other positions you’re not involved in every play, but catching, you’re constantly in the game."
Winslow is following in his father’s footsteps with his dedication to his on the field performance and supporting his team. After his regular practices, Winslow could be found practicing for at least an hour every day, perfecting his hits and keeping up with his defensive skills – which he says may be his biggest strength on the field.
Throughout the season Winslow has kept his head in the game and took a lot of pride in putting his best foot forward for his team.
"I thought they were some important games. We played some really tough teams, so I had to bring my game up a little,” said Winslow. “I tried my hardest."
All his efforts certainly do not go unnoticed, especially by his father who Winslow says is his biggest supporter.
"He's at all the games, even pointless games that no one should really be at, he's always there supporting me and cheering on."
Winslow hopes to continue to play baseball in college when he graduates next year.
