Sachem North Catcher Climbs National Ranks

Sachem North baseball catcher Luke Leonardi Jr. is rising in the national ranks as he heads into his final season of high school. Over the past year the Holbrook catcher has improved to the Top 1000 Players and is ranked No. 114 among senior catchers in the nation, according to national ranking site Perfect Game.

The ranking site, which breaks down player numbers at national and state levels, has ranked Leonardi Jr. No. 26 as a player and No. 4 in the state as a catcher. He is now the highest ranked catcher on Long Island, from Perfect Game's perspective.

At the 2012 Top Prospect Showcase in Bristol, Conn. Leonardi was scouted:

"Quick feet behind the plate, gains ground toward second base. Quick and clean transfer. Good arm strength and accurate throws. Catching actions project. Right handed hitter, open stance at plate. Loose bat, stays inside the ball, can square the ball up. Extension in swing. Has idea at plate. Aggressive hitter with solid bat speed."

"He has worked very hard to get these rankings," his father, Luke Leonardi Sr. stated in an email. " Leonardi Sr. added that Luke has not yet committed to a college, but is close to a decision. With the new rankings, and with his solid academic record, his options appear to be wide open.