Westfield High School senior baseball ace Josh Wagner, who recently committed to play Division 1 baseball for Merrimack College, sat down with The Westfield News to discuss how he came to that decision and to look back on his career thus far.
Q: So, when did you come to the decision of signing with Merrimack?
A: I think it was about two to three weeks ago. I took a visit [to the campus] in November and I really liked it. Then I did all the normal college stuff. I applied and all that stuff and then I went back around three weeks ago and I got the offer. I knew that it was the right fit for me.
Q: You say it was the right fit for you. Can you explain what factored into your decision?
A: I think the campus style I really enjoyed, and I really saw it as a home for me. I really like the coaching staff that the baseball program has and the program in general. It seemed like the best fit for me.
Q: To have an athlete from Westfield, Westfield Technical Academy, St. Mary’s, or Southwick Regional play Division 1 sports is an impressive feat. What does it mean to you that you will be representing our area as a D1 student-athlete next year?
A: It means the world to me; it’s been one of my dreams since I was a little kid. To be living that dream is incredible.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish at Merrimack?
A: I hope to keep the western Mass legacy [going] and do as good as I can over there as long as I can play the game.
Q: I remember watching you play for the Westfield Little League Baseball All-Stars several years ago. Local fans value Little League championships just as much as Western Massachusetts titles in high school baseball in the Whip City. What was it like starting at that early age and representing your city in those games?
A: I think it was around that time when I think I was 11 when I really started to get serious towards baseball and I really realized that I wanted to play at the next level throughout high school and do as best as I can.
Q: You went on to play youth baseball for the Greater Westfield Babe Ruth League and travel ball for the Powerhouse Bulldogs club based in East Longmeadow. Does anything stick out in your mind from that time?
A: I think just making the jump from Little League to, obviously, the bigger field was a big thing and once I realized that I could compete at that bigger field it got a lot easier for me. I started training differently and working harder throughout that time knowing that I could do anything that came across my mind on that field.
Q: Expectations are always very high when it comes to Westfield High School baseball. Tell me about your time as a Bomber.
A: My sophomore year I went 11-1 on the mound and won Western Mass. … I’ve made it to the Final Four. As seniors this year now, I think the guys just know there’s one more thing that we all want to accomplish and that’s a state championship. … We just need to do the best we can as a team and better myself as well.
Q: What will your approach be to this, your last high school season?
A: As a senior, as a pitcher, and as a leader, I’m going to make sure the guys are as ready as can be and make sure to keep their heads up at all times and also for myself, just doing the best that I can in every possible way.
Q: Westfield has produced several top-notch pitchers under the direction of longtime varsity head coach Mike Kennedy and a sharp collection of assistant coaches. The biggest thing that’s really stood in the way of this team winning more championships has often been a lack of run support. What advice would you offer your teammates to overcome that obstacle?
A: The majority of our guys just try to do a little bit too much. … I’m going to tell all the guys this year, as a captain, to ‘just go up there do what you’re capable of and have fun.’
Q: Who has been the most influential person or persons in your baseball career?
A: Obviously my parents are a big help. Without them this isn’t remotely close to happening and then also the coaches that have helped me throughout all my years, building me up to where I am today.
Q: Lastly, what can we expect from this team this year?
A: This team is looking to go as far as it can. I think we’ll be ready to go. We’ve been practicing already in the offseason on the side. We’re going to throw, hit, do all of the normal stuff, just making sure we’ll be ready at all times.