Spotlight On: Adam Taraska

“The biggest reward that I’ve received in my life is that after running Future Stars for 36 years is that, I’ve come into the second generation of campers. Parents that attended are now sending their kids to the camp because they love Future Stars and they fondly remember their experiences.”—Charlie VanDercook

Meet Adam Taraska, in his 5th summer as Future Stars Baseball Camp Director at our Purchase College location.  When not at Future Stars Camps, Adam is in his 5th season as the head baseball coach of the Purchase College Panthers.

What was your most memorable 2017 winter moment?

Adam:  Cruising in the Bahamas and wave running in the Bahamas.

What are you most looking forward to at camp this summer?

Adam:  Being outside and on the field all day every day with the counselors and campers. I'm over the snow!

Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?

Adam:  Sharing this great game with today's youth, who will be tomorrow's high school players and camp counselors.

What song do you play most often?

Adam:  Hero of the Day by Metallica. When I was a high school baseball player, I used to listen to it before every game. Now, my new tradition is the night before opening day, I take 4 minutes and make sure I play it at home.

What do you miss most about being a kid?

 Adam:  How long the days are.  As an adult, the hours, days, weeks, and years fly by. When you're a kid, time moves so amazingly slowly.

What kind of movies do you enjoy?

Adam:   I enjoy historical timepieces with great plots.  My favorite movies are L.A. Confidential, Gangs of New York, and Almost Famous.

What’s your favorite outdoor activity/indoor activity?

 Adam:  I enjoy playing racquetball in the winter and grilling in the backyard in the summer.

What is your favorite quote?

A quote by the longtime NHL coach, John Tortorella. He used this quote with his 2004 Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning, meaning that if you play the game to not make a mistake, you will lose. If you play aggressively and don't worry about making a mistake, instead drive yourself to make a great play, you stand a much better chance to win.

"Safe is death" -- John Tortorella

***

Image Credit:  Adam Taraska