On and off the diamond with Pascack Valley High鈥檚 Charlie Saul
HILLSDALE, N.J. — Charlie Saul says, 鈥淢y favorite memory has to be the sectional title win against Teaneck last year. It was just so cool to be a part of and something I will never forget. The atmosphere was awesome and the moment we won was one of the greatest feelings ever. It feels like it happened just yesterday.鈥�
Anyone who knows Charlie would not be surprised by a team accomplishment being his favorite聽memory. After all, he is a team-first player.
Charlie Hustles His Way to Success
Charlie has been playing baseball since he was 3 or 4 years old. From the beginning, he was drawn to the diamond and the unique pace of the game.
He says, 鈥淚t鈥檚 just an awesome sport. It is super competitive because each pitch you must be 100% locked in. I love the aspect of perfecting your swing and improving every other aspect of your game.鈥� Through the years (and the countless hours of honing his craft), Charlie has become a sweet swinging outfielder for Pascack Valley High School. He adds, 鈥淚 love the fact that you can鈥檛 run out of the clock. If you鈥檙e up, you still need to throw strikes and make plays, giving the other team their chance.鈥�
The 2021 season was a memorable one for both Charlie and the team. Charlie nabbed 1st team all-league, 2nd team all-county, and 2nd team all North 1 Group 3 honors for his outstanding play. And the team won the League Title and the North 1 Group 3 State Sectional Title. In addition, the team finished the season 24-6, which is the best record in Pascack Valley baseball history!
Lead By Example
Charlie has grown not only as a player, but also as a leader on the team. He says, 鈥淭o me, leadership means setting the best example possible, to go out on the field to compete, and win while making everyone else better. It鈥檚 about bringing the team together to out-hustle, out-compete, and out-energize our opponents. It also means helping teammates understand the game from the mental side, so they can become better players. Lastly, it鈥檚 about lifting and picking up your teammates after they make a mistake.鈥�
Off the Diamond
When Charlie is not playing baseball (or training for an upcoming season), he is also an exemplary student as evidenced by him making the Honor Roll and being a member of the National Honors Society. He also loves to work out, play pickup basketball and football with friends, and golf.
He also sees the importance of giving back to the community. He says, “In the past, I have volunteered at a Kindergarten camp and some volunteer work for my church such as the food pantry and setting up food for after mass.鈥�
Charlie鈥檚 On Deck Circle
Charlie says,聽鈥淚 am reclassing through the bridge year which was established due to Covid. It allows me to become a 2023 grad while going to Bergen Community College to take classes.鈥� He also intends to learn a new position over the summer鈥攆irst base. And whether it is over the course of the next 2 years at Pascack Valley or playing baseball in college in upcoming years, Charlie will have his biggest fans鈥擜ndrea (Mom), Kevin (Dad), and Luna (Sister)鈥攔ooting him on in every game, every at bat, and every play in the field.
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