Walsh Jesuit High School rising junior Joey Canzoni has committed to continue his academic and athletic career as a member of the University of Cincinnati baseball team.
Canzoni was a first-year varsity starter at third base this past season as a sophomore. Canzoni batted fifth in Walsh Jesuit’s lineup and finished with a .355 batting average, 27 hits, 26 runs, five doubles, four triples, one home run and 18 RBIs.
“I look forward to my next two years at Walsh Jesuit and playing with such a talented team,” Canzoni said in a prepared statement. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to play for the University of Cincinnati. I feel like the school was a great fit for me.”
Canzoni, a Walton Hills resident, helped power the Warriors (28-4) to a Division I state semifinal appearance in 2021 with four hits, four runs and four RBIs in two regional tournament games (wins over Mentor and Mayfield). Walsh lost to eventual state champion New Albany in a state semifinal game at Canal Park in Akron.
“Joey Canzoni is one of those rare players that legitimately possesses five tools,” Walsh coach Chris Kaczmar said in a prepared statement. “He is a very gifted player both offensively and defensively, he has excellent speed and plus arm strength. Most importantly on the baseball side, he puts those elite tools to good use as he excelled in our biggest games as merely a sophomore.
Interestingly, he led our team in ‘loud outs’ this year by a wide margin, but always maintained the same unwavering positive approach to his game, which is challenging for a younger player. He is a fearless, tough competitor and he loves the game.
“Joey is also a very hard worker and a tremendous young man whom I consider to be a close friend and a true asset to Walsh Jesuit baseball in so many ways. We are extremely fortunate to have him for two more years and thrilled he will be playing for coach [Scott] Googins in-state at UC.