Gordon Graceffo, varsity baseball pitcher
“Gordon Graceffo is a senior right-handed pitcher. He threw eight scoreless innings vs. Westfield, then threw a one-hitter vs. Summit. He is the Cranford male scholar athlete of the year and is attending Villanova University next year to play baseball.” — Coach Dennis McCaffery
What do find most challenging when playing baseball?
“When playing baseball, I find being consistent to be most challenging. As a pitcher, you must follow the scouting report and hit your spots to
get each batter out. Doing this throughout a seven-inning or more game is very difficult.”
What is your favorite part of being on a team?
“My favorite part about being on a team is the comradery that it creates. Having success with a team is much more enjoyable than having success yourself. During tough times, it is much easier to go through it when you’re on a team, because you can lift each other up.”
What inspired you to play the sport?
“When I was little, I had gone to baseball games with my dad and he knew I liked the sport, so when I was 6 or 7 years old, he signed me up for
T-ball, and then I started playing in the summer when I was 8 years old on the Cranford travel team. I haven’t stopped playing since.”
Who is your greatest role model and why?
“My greatest role models are my father and grandfather. From the time I was born, they have taught me right and wrong and taught me how to be a be better person through their actions.”
Is there a skill you wish to improve upon?
“I wish to improve on my hitting skills because, as a pitcher, I don’t get to hit like the position players.”
What are you looking forward to most this season?
“I’m looking forward to going out there and competing with my team to win five championships.”
Outside of baseball, what do you like to do?
“I like to spend time with my family and friends and play and watch other sports, too.”
Has playing baseball taught you any life lessons and, if so, what?
“Baseball has taught to me never stop working and never be content. It has taught me to believe in my teammates and in myself as well.”