A Bayside High School baseball star is busy this off-season, trying to follow in his father's footsteps, a former New York Met. As NY1's Rocco Vertuccio explains, he could one day play in the majors like his dad.
"He doesn't just hit homeruns, he hits moon-blasts." said Bayside High School Baseball Coach Pat Torney.
Torney is talking about his star third baseman, Daniel Alfonzo. The junior led the Public Schools Athletic League with eight home runs in his sophomore year.
"You could definitely tell he had natural talent and that he'd been coached before, "said Torney
He also has a baseball bloodline. Daniel's father is former major-leaguer, Edgardo Alfonzo. The All-Star infielder hit 146 homeruns in his MLB career. He played 8 of his 12 seasons with the Mets.
"I feel honored and privileged to have a dad who played in the major Leagues. Not everyone gets that," said Daniel.
Like father, like son. Daniel packs some power at the plate. He once hit a ball more than 400 feet. Coaches say his talent will likely attract pro-scouts. Torney says as good as Daniel is, he will face challenges trying to make it to the next level.
"You look at these guys who play in the major league's nowadays and they're all huge. They have big size, they're tall, they're really built. That could be a problem for Danny," said Torney.
Daniel is counting on someone who has been there-done that.
"I try to tell him hey if you want to play the game you better listen to me," said Edgardo.
Some of his fatherly advice includes getting fit. Physically and mentally.
"Bad situations will come. It's good when you're going four for four and the team wins but what if you're going 0 for 4 and you make an error?," said Edgardo.