Senior Spotlight

AJ O’Brien

Amherst

Amherst baseball finished third in the Central Wisconsin Conference-East in 2024, with a 10-4 record in league play. The Falcons have even greater expectations in 2025 with the return of All-Central Wisconsin-East First-Team member Anthony “AJ” O’Brien.

AJ led the Amherst Falcons in hits with (22) and runs (22), as well as compiling 15 runs batted in and 14 stolen bases.

AJ was introduced to baseball by his father at three and started tee ball as early as possible as he first stepped up to bat at four.

“My favorite part is how unique it is compared to other sports. Baseball is a 95% mental sport. You don’t even need to be strong to be good. You just have to know what to do in the moment and execute”, AJ says of his favorite sport.
AJ says of his passion for baseball, “With every sport, there is love for the game and competition. You either have it or you don’t. And for baseball, I have that love.”

The versatility AJ shows on the field is what he contributes to his success, “ My ability to do it all. I have played at least one varsity inning at every infield position. I can do it all at the plate, and I am confident that if I were ever, for some reason, needed in the outfield, I could do that too.”

AJ’s most memorable moment so far has been being part of the Amherst team that made a trip to state, and his greatest accomplishment was being named team MVP.

AJ has seen his personal growth in the Amherst baseball program, “It’s almost shocking to look back and see my old self. Not only have I grown physically, but also as a player and a person. If you had told my old self where I would be today, he wouldn’t believe you.”

AJ gives a shout-out to a former teammate for having his back: “I’d like to thank Wyatt Blaskowski. He was always there to give me advice when I needed it and helped out the team when he could. And when I was not able to drive, he gave me a ride every day to and from practice. He was also the one to invite me and start team activities that were always fun. He is just a great guy who is fun to have around.”