From little league to the big leagues

EVERY YEAR, APPROXIMATELY 2.5 million American kids lace up their cleats and take the field in Little League baseball. Of those, around 500,000 will make it onto a high school varsity roster. From there, the number thins dramatically—about 56,000 will play college ball at any level. But just 1,200 American men will ever step onto a Major League Baseball field in a given year.

For professional baseball players, it’s known as “The Show.” It’s a longshot dream, a near-impossible climb. But for Brielle’s 24-year-oldAlex Galvan, nothing is out of reach.

At 6-foot-6, Galvan is a towering presence on the pitcher’s mound. As a two-sport standout at Manasquan High School, Galvan made a name for himself on both the baseball diamond and the basketball court. In baseball, he led the Warriors to a state championship and lettered four years. In basketball, he helped take home two state titles, earning All-Shore honors in the process.

After graduating Manasquan High School in 2020, Galvan went on to pitch for the University of Louisville, before transferring to the University of Central Florida, where he truly came into his own.

After an injury shortened his 2024 season, Galvan returned to the mound in 2025 as one of UCF’s most dominant relievers. In 17 appearances, he pitched 28.1 innings with a 2.86 ERA, racking up 38 strikeouts while holding opposing batters to a .202 average. He notched two saves and delivered 10 scoreless outings—an impressive showing that caught the attention of a few MLB scouts.

In July 2025, the Arizona Diamondbacks selected Galvan in the 13th round of the MLB Draft. By July 22, he had officially signed with the organization and was assigned to the Arizona Complex League D-backs, beginning his professional career in rookie ball. With his tall frame and a wicked fastball that reaches the mid-60s, Galvan has all the physical tools needed to climb the ranks. Even though his professional trajectory is just beginning, he’s already accomplished what millions of young athletes dream about: He’s turned the game into a career.

And for the kids still playing ball under the summer sun of the Jersey Shore, Galvan’s story is proof that even the biggest dreams can start right here in our own sunny backyard.

Special thanks to the Galvan family, and to photographer Chris Rice for the excellent Manasquan High School shots.

HOME RUN

To celebrate his signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks, we caught up with Alex to discuss rowdy fans, superstitions and the best advice he ever got from his coaches.

Who was your favorite baseball team growing up?

The Yankees. I grew up in a big Yankees house. My whole family are fans, and we love to go to the games.

Were there any particular players that you looked up to or idolized?

Derek Jeter, without a doubt. He was the captain of my Yankees, a true leader and a winner.

What are some of your favorite memories of growing up at the Jersey Shore?

Summers at the beach with my friends. I loved the long days in the sun, swimming, surfing, and just hanging out.

What has been the biggest adjustment about moving to Arizona?

Definitely the heat. It’s extremely hot out here, and the dry heat is a big change from the muggy, humid weather I was used to in Florida and New Jersey.

Everybody knows that ballplayers are superstitious. What are some of your own personal superstitions?

One of my superstitions is doing the exact same warmup before every game. It’s a routine of upper body movements and band work. I won’t take the field without it.

Did you do anything special to celebrate after signing with the Diamondbacks?

Yes! I went out to dinner with my family at The Pig and Parrot to celebrate—just me, my parents, my brother and my girlfriend, all the most important people in my life.

Would you rather hit a walk-off home run or pitch a no-hitter?

No-hitter, of course!

Do you have a favorite baseball movie?

“Rookie of the Year.” It reminds me of being a kid. I thought it was really funny and used to watch it all the time.

What city or state has the rowdiest baseball fans?

Texas, without a doubt. The fans yell at you nonstop, and they have chants that the whole stadium knows.

Pine tar on the helmet? Stylish or nasty?

Stylish because it looks cool.

What is some of the best advice that you’ve gotten from a coach?

“Get 1% better every day.” I’ve heard it from a few different coaches in a few different ways, but the message always stuck with me. It means giving your best effort daily without overwhelming yourself. If you focus on small, steady improvements, that 1% adds up and by the end of the year, you’ll be 365% better.

Any words of wisdom for all the little leaguers who dream about reaching the majors?

Keep chasing your dreams. Work hard, practice every day and stay focused. Nothing is given, you have to earn it. Baseball is a game of failure, no matter who you are.

BY MOLLY MECHLER