By Christopher Tremblay, Staff Sports Writer

Growing up, Charlie Criscola never imagined himself playing baseball at a high level, never mind getting a chance to continue his athletic career at Northeastern University. The Uxbridge native began playing soccer at an early age and eventually was looking for something to do in between seasons; that’s when he found baseball. He was around seven years old and baseball not only became his number one sport, but one that would eventually lead him to college.

“Once I began playing baseball, it just took over and I stuck with it. I made a lot of friends playing the game,” Criscola said. “As a young kid just beginning the sport, I didn’t necessarily picture myself in this position, being able to play at a high level. A lot has happened and I am very grateful for all of it.”

A year or two after giving up soccer to focus on baseball when he was around the age of 13 or 14, Criscola got to play on the bigger field in town and it wasn’t long after that he realized that he had a talent for the game of baseball. It was here that he felt that he was able to get a good grasp of the game and how it was played. From that point on it became a dream to play on the next level.

Over the years he continued to play AAU baseball to improve upon his game, the older he got the more serious things got for him to make this sport his future. 

“My dad had gotten word about this program, Nokona (out of Ashland). Not only did I meet a lot of kids there, the program rally taught me a lot about the game of baseball,” he said. “It fully changed my life in terms of the game. I got to travel and play against some great competition, which elevated my game.”

Criscola was a typical kid growing up, playing any and everywhere on the field, but primarily focusing on three of the four infield positions, centerfield, and pitcher. Playing on the junior varsity team for the Spartans he continued to hold down the middle infield of the diamond with an occasional pitching stint, but all the while he knew for which position he was destined.

“I’ve known for awhile that I wanted to be a shortstop, that’s my position,” he said. 

Once the Uxbridge High School junior varsity season came to an end Criscola was brought up to the varsity squad to basically sit and learn. Moving up to the big league was a totally different experience for the then-eighth grader.

“I was a nervous kid playing on the varsity team playing against what looked like grown men,” he recalled. “I did get to bat and had two hits which definitely helped my confidence for the following year.”

Coach Peter Rice knew that the youngster had the ability to play on the varsity team, he just needed to work on his mechanics, hit the weight room and prepare himself for his freshman season, one in which he would be the starting shortstop.

“Charlie played a solid infield that year and was able to make plays that guys on this level will never get too,” Rice said. “He has the speed to get to those plays and also can extend a regular hit into extra bases.”

Having been put into the varsity environment the year prior, although it was only for a handful of games, the then-freshman had the observations of what was needed to become successful. As a starter he may have batted around .500 at the plate, but he didn’t consider himself a power hitter. 

“I did have a walk-off double that I hit over the centerfielders head,” he said. “That was a moment that really boosted my confidence and got me moving in the right direction.”

With his confidence beaming, he focused on the game that he loved and didn’t let things go to his head. He used his talent to play the infield and take to the mound once in a while during his high school career. 

 “I don’t think that I was too bad at pitching,” he said. I have no issues pitching on the high school level, but it’s a different story during summer ball as it’s much tougher to be successful.”

On October 26 of last year Criscola committed to Northeastern University to play baseball for the Huskies on the collegiate level.

“It was always a school on my mind, but they were watching me before I started to contact them,” Criscola said. “I think it was my play in the Futures Game that really helped me.”

Now he has committed to play for the Huskies after graduating there will be no more pitching for the soon to be senior. He will continue to play his position at shortstop and may even be open to learning to play third base.

“He’s a hard-working individual, but now that he’s committed to Northeastern we’ll be backing off on the pitching,” the Uxbridge coach said.

While he will not be taking the ball from Rice during his senior campaign, he will continue to work on his game. Criscola considers himself to be a fast runner down the line, quick around the basepaths and has a lot of range in the field with a decent arm.

“I’ll keep working on my strength and speed,” he said. “In addition to that, I want to cut down on the mental mistakes. Baseball is 80 percent mental and I just need to go out and lock myself into the game and go from there.”

During his senior campaign, the Spartan definitely plans to improve upon his hitting, while being a positive role model to his teammates and making a deep tournament run.

Criscola was also selected to play for Team Massachusetts in the High School National Championship event in Omaha, Nebraska. The best of the best from each state were selected to represent their state in 3 competitive games in the southern state.