Milton Native Named to All-American Baseball Classic

Milton native John Magliozzi can now call himself one of the top 38 high school baseball players in the United States.

The Dexter pitcher learned late last month that he would be participating in the 2010 AFLAC All-American Baseball Classic in San Diego on August 15, and he knew that this honor isn't given out to just anyone.

"It's one of the biggest honors of my life to be named to that team because it's one of the best things to happen in amateur baseball," said the right-handed pitcher Magliozzi, who will be a senior at Dexter next year. "It's going to be real fun when I get out there."

To get out there, Magliozzi had to put his skills on display at the Perfect Game National Showcase in June at Tropicana Field and he didn't disappoint. Magliozzi pitched two innings, had six strikeouts and lit the radar gun at 94 mph consistently.

The scouts were impressed and three days later he got the phone call for the All-American game.

Magliozzi has pitched for two years on the Dexter squad and to further his development he spends the summer in Georgia playing for East Cobb baseball. This season with the Braves in the under 17 division, Magliozzi is 5-1 with six saves on the season. He has primarily been starting for the Braves, but he will fill in to the close whenever asked.

"I can do anything," said Magliozzi. "Whatever the coach wants me to do, I'll do it."

Dexter's coach Dan Donato also knows his soon-to-be senior can do just about anything on the mound. Donato said Magliozzi has been the "go-to guy" when his team needs a big start.

"John is as talented of a pitcher that I've seen," Donato said. "He's one of the best high school pitchers that I've seen."

Magliozzi's fastball — which was clocked at 96 mph after the display at Tropicana Field — sets up the rest of his offspeed stuff, but just because the heater sets up the other pitches, it doesn't mean they are average by any means.

"His secondary pitches are absolutely phenomenal," said Donato. "He's got as good as secondary pitches as a lot of college and pro guys do right now"

Donato continued: "I've seen him throw a 3-2 breaking ball that breaks a guys back. I've seen a lot of smiling faces where kids are like that's unfair. I think he has the ability. He has complete confidence and he is not afraid to use it at anytime."

At 5 foot 10 inches tall, Magliozzi may always run into the argument of if he is too small to be dominant at the higher levels.

"He's always going to have to prove himself at those levels," said Donato. "I think once people see what he can do it becomes pretty apparent that he can pitch at any level."

Magliozzi uses his stature as a means of motivation.

"I compete on and off the field every day," the Florida-bound Magliozzi said. "I have to work harder because I'm the smallest guy, so I got to get better every day."

Right now he is just as good as the taller high school pitchers around the country, according to his selection to the All-American game, which only 37 other people can take claim.