A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Knoch’s Brady Wozniak

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, April 8, 2024 | 10:54 AM

After making the all-section team last season, Knoch’s Brady Wozniak has switched positions from third base to shortstop.

Wozniak is used to playing different positions. He has played up to four on the Mid-Atlantic Red Sox, a traveling team he plays on during the summer.

“I always want to play every position on the field,” he said. “I’ve played first base, third base, shortstop and outfield since I was little. It made my transition to short this year a lot easier.”

Playing on a traveling team affords Wozniak the opportunity to see a wider range of talent from across the country.

“We’ve played down in Georgia, Alabama, Virigina, South Carolina and Cincinnati,” said Wozniak. “Just seeing different talent makes you better.”

At Knoch, Wozniak is a captain, and coach Bill Stoops said his knowledge of the game makes him an additional coach on the field.

“He’s the leader on the team, and the other players look up to him,” Stoops said. “If a teammate has a question and the coaches are busy teaching someone else, they’ll ask him. His baseball savvy is unbelievable.”

Added Wozniak: “I can never get enough of the game of baseball. My dad played baseball in high school and college, and he never really forced me to play, but it was something I’ve always liked to do. I’ve always had a bat in my hand.”

The bat has been hot for Wozniak to start the season. After the first three games, he was 3 for 8 (.375) with four RBIs and a triple. The Knights finished with a losing record last year (3-15) and are 1-2 to start this season, but Wozniak said there is a different vibe to this year’s team.

“Some of the younger guys getting varsity experience under their belt last year has helped us a lot,” he said “In winter practice I could tell something clicked. Some guys got stronger. There’s a different energy, and I expect us to have a better season overall.”

Wozniak took some time out for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What was it like to make first team all-section last year?

It was an honor. It was special and a goal of mine.

What was the switch from third to shortstop like?

Easier than I thought. Last few years, I’ve been working on my agility and my speed, and it’s helped with moving side to side.

Which is your strongest position or which is your favorite to play?

Shortstop. You feel like you’re the quarterback or leader on the field.

What’s your approach when you’re at the plate?

When I go up there, I think I’m the best hitter, the best player on the field. Not scared of any pitcher. You need to have confidence to hit. Any negativity will work against you.

A favorite moment from playing travel ball?

This fall I had an opportunity to play for the Pirates scout team, the Allegheny Pirates. We got to practice at PNC Park, which was cool.

Who’s your favorite major league player?

Cody Bellinger, Mookie Betts and Bryce Harper are the guys I like to watch hit. I love their swings.

You’re the sports editor for the school paper. How did you get started in that role?

The newspaper teacher was my English teacher, and she asked if I wanted to write for the paper. So this year I took the class, and no one wanted to be the sports writer, so I said I’d do it.

College plans?

I’m attending Washington College, a school out of the Centennial Conference in Maryland. I’m still deciding between studying pre-dentistry or physical therapy.

Favorite high school memory so far?

Beating North Catholic my sophomore year in the playoffs. It meant a lot because they had beaten us two weeks prior to win the section.

Before graduating, what advice do you have for your teammates?

Just to enjoy every moment.

How did you become a Buffalo Bills fan?

My dad is from Buffalo, and we still have family up there. So I’ve been a fan my whole life.

How do you think they’ll fare this season?

As long as they’ve got Josh Allen at quarterback, they’ve got a chance at the Super Bowl. I think they’re going to make a move, whether that be in the draft or a signing a weapon.

Do you ever see them getting past Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs?

They’ll beat him eventually. I know they will.

Tags: Knoch