Sports

Sandburg's Austin Cangelosi Stepping Out of His Father's Baseball Shadow

Sixteen-year-old Austin Cangelosi shares a unique baseball bond with his dad, but always is looking to prove he can make it on his own on the diamond.

Since he was 10 years old and first picked up a bat, Austin Cangelosi has had a former big league ballplayer as a coach--his own father, John.

John Cangelosi spent 13 years in the major leagues, and now 16-year-old Austin is well on his way to following in his father's footsteps.

But, unlike so many of others who dreamed of being able to say, "My dad has a World Series ring," Austin said it's not always as great as it sounds.

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"People think I got where I am because of my dad and not because of my talent," Austin Cangelosi said. "While he was able to tell me things about (baseball) at an earlier age than most kids, I got where I am on my own."

John Cangelosi retired from baseball when Austin was a toddler, but Austin wishes John still was playing today.

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"I think I would have been able to get more appreciation of him playing than I did," Austin said.

John still coaches Austin in travel baseball with the Orland Sparks 16-year-old elite travel team, but otherwise expects and encourages his son to remain independent and play because he loves the game, not because his dad was a ballplayer.

"I like the fact he's playing baseball," John Cangelosi said. "I never forced him to do it. He's always loved the game. I'm very fortunate I've been abel to see him play.

"He's always been a great kid. When I see him on the field, he reminds me of me. I'm proud of him. But, at the end of the day, it's nice to see that my son will be able to play college baseball and continue playing."

In Austin's first two at-bats last spring as a member of the Sandburg varsity baseball team, he hit two home runs. He drove in five runs on the day.

"When I'm not coaching him, I get to feel like my parents did watching me," John Cangelosi said. "They were always nervous. I never understood why, but now that I'm a parent and a father, and even though I played the game, I get nervous now. When he does well, you feel great. When he doesn't, you feel bad."

John said Austin could play either shortstop or outfield in college. The best piece of advice Austin ever picked up from his dad?

"Play because you love it, not because of what I did," Austin said. "He will support me in whatever I do."

Austin has goals to play professional baseball, but if that does not come to fruition, he would like to be a police officer.


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