By Laura Amato
It felt like the beginning and the end, all at the same time.
Monsignor McClancy ace Charlie Neuweiler’s high school career wrapped up earlier than he expected, with a loss to Iona Prep in the CHSAA playoffs, but the senior standout still managed to find the silver lining. After all, being drafted by the Kansas City Royals is a pretty good post-season confidence boost.
“It’s been a little crazy, can’t lie about that,” Neuweiler said. “I was rushing around. I had my whole family come over and it was like a revolving door. Just in and out and they’re all saying their goodbyes.”
Neuweiler’s terrific season and standout statistics earned him TimesLedger Player of the Year honors and now, as he preps for the next step of his baseball career, he’s doing his best to savor each moment.
That was easier said than done, however, when he barely had two moments to catch his breath. Neuweiler got his draft phone call June 13 and was on a flight to Arizona two days later, preparing for team physicals, contract signings and life as a professional baseball player.
He was the first to admit that it all happened quicker than he expected, but Neuweiler also couldn’t quite mask his excitement.
“I figured I’d leave [on Monday, June 19], that’s late enough that I could stay and see some people, but still pretty early,” Neuweiler said. “Then all the sudden I got the call on Tuesday and the next day I wake up to a text telling me ‘You’re on a flight out of here on Thursday night.’”
“I’m getting close to it sinking in, but every time I do, something else pops up,” he added. “Every time I think I have something down, there’s something else.”
Of course, Neuweiler has plenty of reason to be confident heading into this next chapter of his career.
He posted a 7-2 record this season, including six shutouts, while striking out 110 and pitching to a 0.28 ERA. Neuweiler gave up just 26 hits in 64.2 innings pitched and walked only 16 opposing batters.
He was nothing short of dominant in his final season at McClancy and the Crusaders star, who was originally committed to LIU Brooklyn, relished every chance he got to throw.
That made it more difficult to leave. Neuweiler wasn’t able to play in the Mayor’s Cup June 15, but he refused to even consider any regrets.
This was, after all, the dream and Neuweiler hasn’t been able to wipe the smile off his face since his phone rang.
“I would have loved to play in this game or even stay for it,” Neuweiler said. “But it was still an honor to be selected. I couldn’t ask for a better way to go out in my senior year and start this new chapter in my life.”
Neuweiler is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead – baseball or otherwise – anxious for this brand-new start and confident his time at McClancy has prepared him for just about anything.
“This meant everything,” Neuweiler said. “[McClancy coach Nick Melito] was like a second dad to us.
“McClancy staff was like a second family to us and they treated us like their kids. It was just unforgettable.”
