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Get to Know: 2017 C C.J. Iametti (Don Bosco Prep HS, NJ)

January 13, 2017



By TJ Hunt
Director of Scouting, New Jersey 

As we continue to shape-the-state here in New Jersey, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so let’s take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Garden State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access... 

Name: C.J. Iametti
High School: Don Bosco
Grad Year: 2017
Position: C
State Rank: 133
Commitment: SUNY-Oneonta

PBR:  Let's start with your baseball commitment to Oneonta State. Tell us about the process and how you decided on the Red Dragons? How excited are you to play there?

Iametti: My recruiting process was a bumpy one due to shoulder problems. I missed my junior high school season and the majority of the following summer. The timing wasn't ideal as this is the period when most college recruiting occurs for rising seniors. I had some big school interest before getting hurt. Things kind of went silent as I wasn't able to play for a period of time. While most guys were playing and traveling up and down the east coast, I was rehabbing and training. I started a throwing program in August, but I wasn't where I wanted to be as far as arm strength. That said, my hitting and defensive skills were there. I knew I needed to start getting in front of schools again as soon as possible, so I attended several college select camps. The reality is I could have used more time to finish my throwing program. At one camp I'd throw well and at another I wouldn't throw well. Throughout this time, my hitting, defensive skills, and overall athleticism remained consistent. I started to gain interest from schools again which was great. One camp I attended was at Oneonta State. This was one of those camps where I showed poorly during pop time drills but I hit well and played well during games. After camp I received a text message from Coach Grimm. He said something along the lines of "I like you a lot... but tell me a little more about your shoulder." I went on to explain that I was just five months post surgery, but I told him I was feeling stronger week by week, and looked at the winter to be 100%. Shortly thereafter, he offered me a spot on the team for next fall. I chose Oneonta because it offers many of the things I was looking for in a school both academically and athletically. I am really looking forward to playing for Coach Grimm and the Red Dragons.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life?  

Iametti: One valuable lesson that baseball has taught me outside of the sport itself is to never stop pursuing a dream and to not give up. During my junior varsity season, I underwent a surgery on my shoulder. After a full year and a half of doing physical therapy, acupuncture, and even going to chiropractors, I realized that it would be best for me to have surgery. I went through with it and it was really hard for me to stay optimistic about the process - but I kept to the physical therapy and it ended up paying off. After worrying about schools for a long time during my recovery, I landed at Oneonta and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

PBR: If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like? 

A scouting report on myself would be that I am an athletic style catcher with good feet. Offensively, I would say that I have good bat speed and solid power.

PBR:  We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation. 

Iametti: My workout regimen in the offseason is going to Rockland Peak Performance four to five times per week, and doing cardio and body weight exercises whenever I'm not at RPP. I'm also catching two to three times per week there, and hitting a few times per week too. I try to get in cuts as much as possible. I also do a long toss program with my travel coaches and some teammates from school and travel ball. 

PBR: If you could only pick one, who would be your biggest baseball influence and why? 

Iametti: My biggest baseball influence would be, without a doubt, my dad. He's pushed me since I was a kid to reach my maximum potential. He does anything and everything he can to make sure my game is where it needs to be mentally and physically, even when he has to sacrifice his own time - which he does constantly for me.

PBR: Name three goals for the upcoming 2017 season:

Iametti: My three goals for the 2017 season:
1. County Championship
2. State Championship
3. Find out more about myself as a player, finding my strengths and working on my weaknesses.

PBR: Who is the best player you have played against in your high school career? 

Iametti: The best player I've played against last spring would be (2018 3B) Justyn-Henry Malloy (Vanderbilt recruit - St. Joseph's Montvale HS, NJ). He's one of my good friends and I know how hard he works to play at the level he does.

PBR: Do you have any pregame superstitions?

Iametti: I don't have any pregame superstitions other than saying a quick prayer before each game. 

PBR: What would be your best walkout song? (Clean songs only, of course)

Iametti: My best pregame walk out song would be Heavy is the Head by Zac Brown Band.


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