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Blazing Speed Helps 'Jet' Excel

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune correspondent

Published: January 11, 2009

HUDSON - When a baseball player hits for power and average, and displays speed on the base paths, he is indeed someone special.

West Pasco Little Leaguer Justin Diaz, 13, is that type of athlete. In 18 games last season, Diaz had eight home runs, hit .703 and stole 10 bases. He led the league in all three categories.

"Justin has the fastest quick-twitch muscles that I have ever seen," Coach Dave Grabowski said. "He is so naturally gifted that the sky is the limit for him. He consistently turned singles into doubles and triples and even stole home plate a few times. Justin did everything we asked of him and gave a little extra, too."

The West Pasco coaches improved Diaz's swing based on a method called "squashing the bug," where he kept his back foot firmly planted at the back of the batter's box.

"My coaches also taught me to make adjustments according to the pitcher I'm facing," Diaz said. "If it's a hard-throwing pitcher, I choke up on the bat, allowing me additional time to react to the pitch."

Despite his prodigious power and high batting average, it is Diaz's speed on the base paths that draws the most attention.

"Justin is the fastest Little Leaguer I've ever seen," said his all-star coach, Dave Treloar. "Anytime he reaches first base, he invariably steals second and third."

Diaz, who has been clocked from home plate to first base in three seconds, began playing baseball for the Knights of Columbus at 9. Eddie Davies, his coach at the time, referred to Diaz as "Justin the Jet."

"I never saw a player who could run as fast as he could," Davies said. "As our leadoff batter, Justin had one of the best-ever on-base percentages. If he didn't get a hit, he'd draw a walk. If you blinked, he'd be on third base. Justin was a huge asset on our undefeated team last fall."

Diaz's formula for stealing bases is simple.

"I study a pitcher by watching his motions," Diaz said. "Then, when I reach first base, I take a three-step lead and get a good jump toward second."

To keep his skills sharp, Diaz participates in at least four practices and games each week. To build his strength and speed, he follows a daily home regimen of push-ups and sit-ups.

Diaz is also determined to succeed in the classroom. The Dayspring Academy eighth-grader has a consistent B average.

"Justin is magnetic," said school administrator Suzanne Legg. "Wherever he is, you can be assured that there are at least five other middle-schoolers with him. He is not flashy or showy. People just want to be with him. He has leadership qualities that are just waiting for him to hone. He is what I would call 'one to watch' - one of those kids that when he decides on a direction, there will be no stopping him."

Dan Delgardo, Dayspring's fitness and nutrition coach, agrees.

"Justin is a natural athlete who is not even scratching the surface of his abilities," said Delgardo. "Whether it's cardio exercises, running or strength building, he follows the 50-minute class regimen exactly. At a recent fitness challenge, Justin completed 85 push-ups in a minute. His abilities have other students following his lead."

Born in the Bronx in New York, Diaz recalls a childhood surrounded by graffiti and poverty. "My parents have worked hard and set boundaries and expectations to give me every opportunity to succeed in school," he said. "I know that studying hard and getting good grades are important. I hope to attend a Division I college and play baseball."

In addition to focusing on baseball and academics, Diaz volunteers doing janitorial and landscaping chores at Fox Hollow Elementary School. He also cleans classrooms and copies papers at Land O' Lakes High. "I put my heart into whatever I do, whether it's facing a fastball pitcher or helping to clean up my community," he said.

Teachers, coaches: If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming In the Community article, contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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