Cathedral Prep’s Andrew Costello talks Japan, U18 baseball World Cup
Prep senior Andrew Costello detailed his experience in Okinawa, Japan, where he and Team USA won a gold medal.
Winning rarely gets old.
Especially on the world stage. Especially with ‘USA’ written across one’s chest.
Fairview native and Cathedral Prep senior Andrew Costello recently enjoyed another chance at both.
Costello won gold with Team USA at the latest World Baseball Softball Confederation U-18 Baseball World Cup, adding to the U-15 gold medal he won in 2022. After returning from a two-week trip to Okinawa, Japan, Costello detailed the culture, competition and lessons he encountered.
“Representing the best country in the world is a true honor, and it means something different,” Costello said. “It’s playing for more. It’s truly a blessing and I’m very proud of it.”
Costello batted .429
Costello went 6-for-13 in six tournament appearances, including three starts at catcher. He drove in five runs and scored three, helping the U.S. to its 11th U-18 world title.
“It’s always going to be a little bit better,” Costello said of comparing this gold medal to his last. “Wearing those three letters across your chest is a feeling not many people get, and it’s a very big privilege. I’ll always be thankful for the opportunity.”
Team USA finished the tournament 8-1, its lone loss to Japan.
Star power
More than 16,000 fans attended the United States’ gold medal game against Japan, a 2-0 American triumph.
U.S. players were treated like professionals, Costello said. The hosts not only welcomed them, but looked up to them.
“They look at us like superstars. It’s very cool to see,” Costello said. “Very respectful people… I have nothing but good things to say about them.”
Costello visited World War II battlefields, faced 97-mile-per-hour fastballs and ate plenty of rice and fried chicken. Fun time, though, is over.
Time to get back to work.
“Sprint work, weight work, training every day trying to get better,” Costello said. “I have a lot of work to do. I’m excited for this offseason and never satisfied.”
Contact Jeff Uveino at juveino@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @realjuveino.
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