Printer Friendly Version - Rosa Rises to the Occasion on the Mound

Junior Carmelo Rosa threw a no-hitter in his first varsity start with the Haddam-Killingworth baseball team and then followed that up with a one-hit performance the next time he took the mound. Photo courtesy of Carmelo Rosa

Carmelo Rosa tried several sports while growing up, but he stuck with baseball because of his love for the game. This spring, Carmelo is displaying his passion for America's pastime as a member of the Haddam-Killingworth baseball team. The junior has already delivered two masterful performances on the mound, including a no-hitter in his first varsity start.

Carmelo kicked off his varsity career by tossing a no-hitter during H-K's 2-0 victory against East Hampton on April 5. Just one week later, he pitched another masterpiece by throwing a one-hitter when the Cougars earned a 2-1 win over Morgan. The right-hander has helped H-K begin its season with a record of 7-1.

"The no-hitter was unreal. I never expected a performance like that. I just try to go out there and win for the team each time," Carmelo says. "That day was a really crazy experience. I had a strong first couple of innings, and then I looked up and noticed that I had a no-hitter going. Everyone in the dugout was great and super supportive. No one said anything about it, because they didn't want to jinx me. I knew I had to keep fighting for the team."

Carmelo has worked diligently with his coaches throughout his tenure at Haddam-Killingworth. Carmelo says that H-K's coaches help him stay on solid ground from a mental perspective whenever he takes the hill.

"I've worked a lot with my coaches, and they've taught me everything I need to succeed with my mental game," Carmelo says. "I try not to show too much emotion on the mound and just stay relaxed up there."

While maintaining an even-keel, Carmelo keeps opposing batters off-balance by featuring a diverse array of pitches. Carmelo likes to bring the heat, but he knows he has to keep hitters guessing, so he tries to mix up his offerings.

"My first go-to pitch is my fastball. It's the easiest one to throw and get over the plate for me," says Carmelo. "I also love the curveball. I've worked on it for a while now, and it's been successful for me and a strength for me as a pitcher."

Head Coach Mark Brookes says that Carmelo's instant success at the varsity level stems from the reps that he puts in throughout the year. In addition to competing for H-K, Carmelo has also sharpened his skills by pitching for the Shoreline Cougars 18-U AAU baseball team.

"Carmelo has worked very hard over the past two years developing his pitching skills by pitching spring, summer, and fall, plus hundreds of bullpen sessions. His dedication to the game has been remarkable," Coach Brookes says. "More importantly, Carmelo has been the kind of selfless teammate that supports his peers and is genuinely interested in team success over his own."

Carmelo feels happy that he's off to such a great start at Haddam-Killingworth. However, Carmelo's primary mission is to help the Cougars' longtime skipper claim his first state championship.

"Our main goal is to keep fighting and win that state title for Coach Brookes," Carmelo says.