MALE ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Zach Fernandez, junior, baseball

“Zach Fernandez picked up his second shutout of the year when Union defeated West Morris in a 6-0 win over West Morris. This season, he has four
complete games of allowing one earned run or less. He is 4-2 with a 1.92 ERA in 43.2 inning pitched. He has 43 strikeouts and just seven walks.” — Union baseball coach Angel Navarrete

Coach Navarrete highlighted your complete games this year. Is that a special point of pride, endurance on the mound?
My complete games are special to me because I take a lot of pride in pitching and doing the most I can to help my team win.

What pitch do you consider your out pitch, your best? What makes it special?
I consider my curveball my go to-out pitch, and it’s special because I can throw it for a strike and I can throw in any count.

How much do you feel you have improved over last year?
I feel I’ve improved tremendously from last year in having fewer walks and having more confidence.

What are your short- and long-term plans, both in baseball and in general?
My short-term plans is to continue doing good this season and preparing for summer baseball. My long- term plans are to go to college and continue playing baseball.

Since you also play infield, which part of the game do you enjoy more, hitting or the fielding/pitching side?
The part of the game I enjoy the most is pitching.

How difficult is it to balance school and baseball?
Balancing school and baseball is very difficult because maintaining a good GPA and playing good is not easy.

Are there any particular subjects in school you enjoy more than others?
The subjects I enjoy the most are math and history.

What are you planning to do this summer?
This summer I will continue playing travel baseball and spend some time with my family and friends.