Pace Paw Print

Issue date: 11/14/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jonathan Quartuccio

There are many who say Barry Bonds is unapproachable. Some say Tiger Woods can not be talked to when he is angry. And there are experts that say Terrell Owens is a thorn in the locker room and tears organizations as well as their respective cities apart. Though some may say it, does Jack Cawley really have anything in common with this class?

Cawley was born and raised in the Bronx. His mother was raised in Italy and then moved to Hell's Kitchen. Cawley's father also spent his whole life in the Bronx. From an early age, Cawley was involved in athletics excelling in both baseball and hockey.

Cawley attended Iona Prep High School and won four city championships and won the Most Valuable Player award his junior year in hockey. He won the city championship in baseball his junior year, was named athlete of his school, and was voted top 10 athletes in Westchester County.

When thinking about what to do post high school, Cawley says, "Baseball basically chose me." Though he enjoyed playing hockey more than baseball, Cawley received many more offers to play baseball at the collegiate level.

One of the reasons why he liked playing hockey was because he liked the fact that you can fight in the sport. But does that mean he likes to fight all of the time?

In response, Cawley replied, "I am a friendly guy. If a situation may arise I will handle my business. I am not afraid to engage in battle."

When Cawley was just 16 years old he was arrested for stealing a fire extinguisher and spraying it at people. He spent three nights in Central Bookings where he says he learned a lot.

"It was a scary experience. It made me wake up and realize what kind of people are in these places, and that I did not belong in these places. I learned that to think before I act, and to think more long term instead of in the moment."

Cawley believes he has turned a new leaf especially because of that situation. He has not had to deal with any more legal problems since that time. He is happy at school and enjoys playing baseball for the Setters. So why does it still seem people think Jack Cawley is a bad guy?

Junior teammate Andre Liscinsky shed some light on the situation by stating, "His facial expressions and the way he handles himself makes him seem intimidating. If he doesn't know you it may seem like he hates you. But he is really inviting. If you are friends with him, you know he is a loyal guy."

"I knew him and his MO before coming to school," further explains senior teammate Mike Sheehy. "Once you get to know him, he really is a sweet guy."

Cawley's bad reputation, if there was any such thing early in his college life, seems to be decimating very quickly. At least in the eyes of baseball's Head Coach Henry Manning. Recently Cawley was named one of three captains for the upcoming baseball season.

"It was a huge honor," Cawley says. "I went through a lot my freshman year getting used to how college baseball works. Becoming captain and being looked at as a leader, I feel that people are starting to look at me a little differently."

Cawley wants to continue his success on the diamond. After being looked at by some Major League baseball teams, Cawley believes he has a good chance of actually being drafted this year. He wants to see his team win the Division II National Championship this year and to play even better than he did last season. Though it is hard to top a .359 batting average and 32 stolen bases, Cawley believes he can.

Nobody denies Cawley's talents on the field. Perhaps, though, onlookers should start paying attention to how much better he has become as a person away from the field.

Cawley said, "I like to have a good time with people who like to have a good time. I just want people to know that I am a very family oriented and am an approachable guy.

Jack Cawley's Favorite Things

About Alex Rodriguez opting out of his contract - Not having to listen to Steve Fiore any more

Person you'd want to be in a fox hole with - Janine Vero

Sport to play (other than baseball) - Hockey

Sport to watch (other than baseball) - Football

Form of precipitation - Snow

Major League Baseball team - New York Yankees

Pasta shape - Spaghetti

Number - 19

Rapper - Jay Z

Rock Group - Metallica

Saying after someone sneezes - That's nasty

Person at Pace - Hank Manning

Quote - "You got abused"

Piece of literature - New York Post

Legendary baseball - Joe Dimaggio

Pace building - Townhouse 25

Jelly Belly jelly bean flavor - Sour cherry

Television show - Golden Girls

Political party - Republican

Baseball movie - 61

Place to eat - Louie N Ernie's Pizzeria

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