Baseball is everything for Peter Cruz. His obsession starting at just 2 years old, and after years of practice and dedication, he's now at the top of his game, both on the field and in the classroom.

Cruz, the captain of the Newtown High School varsity baseball team, is an inspiration for young players. His high energy and drive help to motivate the entire team.  

What You Need To Know

  • Peter Cruz is the captain of the Newtown High School varsity baseball team. He's also a member of the bowling team, a black belt in marital arts and a student ambassador

  • While he's still undecided, for the fall, he says he'd like to major in either business administration or exercise science

  • In the classroom, he maintains a 3.7 GPA, and has earned an advanced Regents diploma

"Baseball really started as a passion for me, and a love," Cruz said. "At the age of 2, I was swinging and hitting off a little tyke tee, and growing up, I knew that it was something that I wanted to pursue throughout my life."

Right now, Cruz plays third base, but he says he can play anywhere on the infield.

While Cruz says every day is dedicated to baseball, the high school senior is also a member of the bowling team, a black belt in martial arts and a student ambassador.  

"I'm a business ambassador, but I'm also a sports ambassador," he said. "We get to go out to middle schools and basically recruit the kids that want to be here. We get to show off our school and our beautiful programs that the school has to offer."

Cruz's coach, Ramon Canela, said Cruz was the team's starting catcher as a freshman. 

"He is a tremendous baseball player, but with a tremendous work ethic and dedication," Canela said. "It comes from the type of home that he comes from. His parents, both his mom and his dad, are great examples for him to follow and instill that in him, where sports are important, but the classwork is even more important."

Cruz says a lot of it wouldn't be possible if it weren't for his parents. In the classroom, Cruz maintains a 3.7 GPA and has earned an advanced Regents diploma.

As for the future, he says: "I'm still not decided yet. I'm still looking into best decision for not only me, but my family. I'm looking to major in either business administration or exercise science. There's a big difference, but those are my two loves right now."

Cruz is sure to drive success whatever school he attends, and it's all thanks to his unwavering determination.

"If I could hit a 90-mile-per-hour fastball in the black, in a bases-loaded game time situation, I could do anything," he said.