From Spanish River High School to representing the United States of America. University of Miami RHP AJ Ciscar will be on the mound Tuesday for the Palm Beach Xtreme as they take on the Miami Gardens Makos at 6:00 PM.

AJ’s time playing for the SFCBL’s top team will be short-lived. AJ is set to head off to Cary, North Carolina to compete in the “Team USA Stars vs. Stripes” series with the opportunity to get on the mound as a member of the Collegiate National Team.

“It’s awesome. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime.” AJ said when asked about what it means to represent his country. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while.” This will be the highest level of getting to play for the national team for AJ, as he previously had the opportunity to play U11 and U12 for the country.

AJ’s dream goes beyond representing his country, he will also get the opportunity to throw to his older brother, Michael Ciscar, behind home plate. “I haven’t got to throw to my brother in a live game since we were young. It’s a really cool opportunity. My brother is a senior in college, so this may be the last opportunity we get.”           

Michael had some very high praises when speaking about AJ. “Growing up, we’d always get to play on the same team. We both got to play up a few levels together. He’s always been a bigger kid and always had a really good arm. He works really hard.” Michael is thrilled to be getting the opportunity to catch for him on Tuesday. “To be able to play on the same team again is awesome. To play at this level with the level of success that we have had is what you dream about.” 

Michael says AJ’s best trait is his mindset when he’s on the mound. “In between the ears, he’s already a big leaguer. I go to him sometimes to ask him what he thinks of certain situations. His work ethic is unmatched. His intensity—he looks like he’s going to kill somebody out there. The way he’s present and enjoys the moment—doesn’t let the moment get too big. It’s fun to watch.”

“I know he’s going to pitch in the big leagues one day. Not just because he’s my brother, but because of how he goes about his business. He’s going to go out there and be in the moment. Trust God and trust the process.” 

AJ is excited about the opportunity to play for the Xtreme and head coach Doug Jennings. “I’ve known Doug for a couple years because of my brother. Doug is a great coach. It’s beautiful to get an opportunity to play for a guy who has done it at the top level.”

AJ has a sinker and a sweeper that have given hitters massive trouble. He will be starting on the mound Tuesday night for the Xtreme as they take on the Makos. Come out to Spanish River High School or watch on the SFCBL YouTube channel.