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Sure, it’s only July — but Michael Rosetti already knows what he’s doing for Christmas. He’s going down under to a series of high-profile baseball games.
He’s not vacationing in the land of the kangaroos, nor will he be hopping along the sidelines.
In Australia, Rosetti will play ball in the invitation-only Goodwill Series International Games.
The invitation arrived via certified letter in February, recalled the St. John Neumann High junior.
"I was really excited," he said. "It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing. It’s going to help me a lot."
The Goodwill International Series, established in 1991, helps American athletes enhance their skills and serves as a valuable playing experience. The 15-year-old Rosetti, of the 1900 block of South Jessup Street, and his teammates will have the benefit of coaching by Major League scouts.
A few scouts noticed the local teen’s play at an area showcase of baseball events, and then invited him to participate in the distinguished series. Rosetti, a second baseman, emulates Major League player Nomar Garciaparra.
Originally, the Neumann student was headed to Beijing for the games in August, but with SARS as a concern, tournament officials moved the event to Australia later in the year. That works out just fine for Rosetti, who could use the extra time to raise the $3,500 needed to make the trip.
The price includes airfare, lodging, meals, tours, ground transportation, at least five competitive games, coaching and insurance. Each of the participants will get a tryout with a pro scout.
These showcase events are nothing new for Rosetti, who just returned from a week at the Seminole Advanced Baseball School in Florida — the "down under" of the United States. Participants in the school’s camps, which run throughout the summer, undergo five days of advanced training.
This was no vacation for Rosetti, either. Players awoke at 7 a.m. and were on the field by 8:30. The first four days included two daily sessions of games or instruction, while night sessions were used for hitting evaluation and coaching forums.
Advanced Baseball Schools recently produced 13 first-round Major League draft picks. Players from 26 states and several foreign countries have participated in the specialized camps.
Neumann baseball coach Gaeton Lucibello said the skills Rosetti acquired in Florida, and the ones he anticipates learning in Australia, should prove invaluable for the teen.
"More than anything, the experience is going to be great for him," the coach said. "It’s a chance for him to play against more consistent talent."
Michael Rosetti is serious about playing baseball. He trains year-round with former Major League catcher and South Philly native John Marzano, with the goal of getting a Division I scholarship to Temple University and ultimately reaching the majors himself.
Marzano played on the United States 1984 Olympic gold-medal team, and went on to play professionally with the Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. Now a few years removed from the game, he teaches the fundamentals to up-and-comers.
Rosetti, after spending two years with his mentor, said he’s noticing the difference. "Without him and my dad, I don’t know where I would be."
The workouts cover hitting, fielding and throwing skills. The junior also hopes to serve as a varsity pitcher, and dedicates time to his fastball, change-up and curve.
These days, however, Rosetti is spending much of his time with the South Philadelphia A’s summer league team. The team, which entered the week with a 6-5 record, plays against South Jersey competition.
Next season might become historic at 26th and Moore streets, as it could be Neumann’s final year as an all-boy school. The returning baseball players surely will aspire to end their Catholic League playoff drought. Rosetti and his teammates entered the final game of the past season with a chance to make the cut, but then lost to Monsignor Bonner.
The 5-foot-9 athlete hopes that, by next March, he’ll be ready to make a bigger impact. He split his sophomore season between junior varsity and varsity, but spent more time playing at the former level. With the Catholic League season eight months away, Lucibello is hesitant to pencil in his starting lineup, but the coach did say of Rosetti, "He is definitely going to be in the competition for second base."
Maybe Christmas in Australia will put the varsity prospect over the top.
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To make a tax-deductible donation toward Michael Rosetti’s trip to Australia, visit www.areacoadebaseball.org. The tax identification number is 68-0212420.
