High School Athlete gives back while chasing the dream!

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High school team captain and travel baseball player gains community support while chasing his baseball dreams

By Loopitz  of LoopitZ ArtZ & Photography | LPTZCo

NEW YORK — For young baseball player Anthonie Viverito, the journey is just getting started. As he continues developing on the baseball field and chasing bigger goals for his future, Anthonie is now competing in the 2026 Youth Athlete of the Year competition.

With support coming from family, friends, teammates and others following his journey, the competition has become about much more than simply moving up in the rankings.

“I would like to thank everyone who has been supporting me through this competition,” Anthonie said. “I appreciate every vote. You are not only voting for me to win a competition, but also showing me that I have supporters and fans, even though I am just starting my athletic career.”

For a young athlete still at the beginning of his baseball journey, that support has become additional motivation to keep working toward his goals.

One of the things that makes the competition especially meaningful to Anthonie is its connection to the Why Not You Foundation.

The competition helps bring awareness and support to an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for young people. That gives Anthonie another reason to encourage people to participate.

“This competition means a lot to me because it isn’t just about voting for me,” Anthonie said. “It’s also helping raise awareness about the Why Not You Foundation, and buying votes is a donation to help other children who don’t have it as good as I do.”

For Anthonie, that makes the experience about more than his own accomplishments. It gives him an opportunity to use the attention surrounding his athletic journey to help bring attention to other young people as well.

Wearing #15, Anthonie is already taking on responsibility beyond simply playing the game. He currently serves as captain of his high school baseball team, a leadership role that gives him the responsibility of helping set an example for his teammates both on and off the field.

Being named a captain at the high school level represents more than athletic ability. It means being someone teammates can look toward for leadership, encouragement and accountability.

Anthonie is also expanding his baseball experience outside of school as a current travel baseball player. Competing in travel baseball gives him additional opportunities to face different competition, continue developing his skills and gain experience beyond the regular high school season.

Balancing high school baseball, travel baseball, academics and the responsibilities that come with being a team captain is all part of the process as Anthonie continues figuring out how far the game can take him.

Like many young athletes, his goals are big.

Every practice, game, win, loss and lesson becomes another part of that journey.

The Athlete of the Year competition has now added something different to the experience — the opportunity for Anthonie to see just how many people are willing to stand behind him.

And he has a message for everyone who has joined him so far.

“Thank you all for supporting me throughout the beginning of my baseball career,” Anthonie said. “I hope you stay along, and I see you all when I’m in the show!”

Anthonie still has a long road ahead in the competition, with voting continuing through October.

Supporters are encouraged to continue voting daily and sharing his competition page with friends, family, teammates, coaches and fellow baseball fans.

For Anthonie, every vote represents another person who believes in where this journey could eventually take him.

Winning Youth Athlete of the Year would certainly be something worth celebrating, but the support he is receiving along the way is already showing this young athlete that people are paying attention to the work he is putting in.

Baseball careers aren't built overnight. They're built through practices, games, leadership, sacrifice and taking advantage of opportunities when they appear.

For Anthonie Viverito #15, captain, travel baseball player and aspiring ballplayer, this is only the beginning.