Athlete Spotlight: Antonio Belgrove
Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications
SALEM, Mass.- This week Salem State Athletics is featuring the reigning MASCAC Rookie of the Week, Antonio Belgrove (Stamford, Conn.). Belgrove batted .333 (4-12) with two triples, an RBI, walk, two runs scored and had a .667 slugging percentage in a 1-2 week for the Vikings. He went 3-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored in his first career start to lead Salem State over Gordon, 7-4 and added a triple and walk in a 5-1 setback to Endicott.
Belgrove spoke briefly about his reaction when he learned he was named rookie of the week. "I was super surprised to win rookie of the week. I knew my performance helped us get the win, but I didn't know how it stacked up against everyone else. It means a lot to me to know that my hard work is paying off and I'm excited to see how our season goes." He revealed how he found out about this achievement. "I actually had no idea I won it. I was in the dining hall and my father texted me congratulations on rookie of the week, and that's when I knew."
The Stamford native recalled the first game of the season against Gordon on February 26, when the Vikings pulled away for a 7-4 victory. "Opening Day against Gordon was an important day for my family and I. I was proud to be able to put on the uniform at the college level. The team mindset leading up to the game was all about living in the moment, and enjoying everything to the fullest, and I made sure to do so."
The freshman discussed his impressive triple in his first collegiate at-bat of the 2024 season, which drove in his teammate Mark Smith (New Haven, Conn.) for the Vikings' first run of the 2024 season. "The triple was massive for the team, and I feel set the momentum for the remainder of the game. First game of the season I think, collectively, there's some nerves and it kind of helped settle us in."
Belgrove talked about his huge day at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a run batted in on Opening Day. "The 3 for 5 performance was nothing, but a product of the work I put in. Whether team practice, lift, or extra work with teammates we are always trying to get better and that's the kind of environment I like to be around."
Belgrove, who is currently a business major, talked about the team's preparation for #3 ranked Endicott College. "Going into the game we knew what to expect with Endicott and we worked tirelessly in practice after the Gordon game. Knowing the caliber of players in their program, it only brought the best out of us and I believe we put up a good fight."
During the second game of the doubleheader against the Gulls, the freshman denied a two-run home run with a leaping grab. "Off the bat I knew the ball was likely going out from how they looked during batting practice (BP). I had to get back quick and find the wall and just timed it up. I remember watching it go into my glove and I was ecstatic. I knew how important it was for our team in a game where every run matters."
He praised his teammate Mark Smith (New Haven, Conn.), who recorded his first career home run, during the first game of the doubleheader. "I was super proud of Mark for the home run he hit. He's a very good player that I've grown closer with playing next to everyday, and to see the work we put in flourish is exciting."
Belgrove spoke about the upcoming Florida trip over spring break. "I am super excited for Florida, not just for the weather, but I'm excited to keep it going with the team. I think we have a really good group this year and I am excited for what's to come."
Belgrove, who was inspired to play baseball by his father when he was three years old, talked about what kind of advice the captains are giving to him and how he is implementing their advice in his day-to-day routine. "The captains are giving me mental guidance and helping me navigate the college baseball realm. Sometimes it can be a lot and it's important to have people to go to like the captains."
His dream vacation is to go to Egypt because he wants to learn more about their life. A interesting fact about him is that he is Dominican and Italian. His go-to meal is rice and chicken before the game.
Belgrove and the Vikings will be back in action when the team travels to Florida this upcoming Sunday, March 10th, for a doubleheader against North Central (Minn.).