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New Episode LIVE now! - At The Yard Podcast

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. - Just less than a year ago, AJ Curry was playing for the Ryle Raiders in Lexington, KY, helping to lead the team to their first state tournament win in program history.

Today, he continues to dominate both on the mound and in the batter’s box, but back in the city he grew up in – San Diego.

No matter whether he’s playing in Kentucky or California, the lefty two-way star is a must watch player.

As for comparing high school baseball in San Diego versus Union, it’s a stark difference.

“It’s a different type of baseball. The environment of high school baseball in Kentucky is a much different atmosphere. The games are the talk of the town.”

The Ryle Raiders were most definitely the talk of the town, finishing the 2023-24 season with a 28-10 record.

Curry lit up the stat sheet, hitting for a .522 batting average, while notching 32 hits, including six doubles and four home runs.

“When I first moved to Kentucky, I felt lost because it wasn’t baseball season and I didn’t have any clue what to do. As soon as it became baseball season, I was able to get adjusted, find my friends and have something to look forward to.”

After the season, Curry took to social media to announce his commitment to play at the University of Tennessee in the fall of 2026, as well as his return back to the city he called home up until his sophomore season.

“Originally, I wanted to play for an underdog. My recruitment process started off slow, but I gave every school a chance and ultimately wanted the full experience, with a great location, great coaching staff, and great players.”

Curry, who played for the Francis Parker Lancers his freshman year, decided to play his junior season at University City High under head coach Chris Greer.

“Coming back to San Diego, I was welcomed in really well by the team with open arms. Our catcher, Raz Kalikovsky, took me under his wing. Our team is more than just guys who play baseball–we’re all good friends who play for each other and play unselfishly.”

Through the team’s first eighteen games, Curry is hitting to the tune of a .340 batting average, as well as owning a 0.87 ERA across seven appearances.

As for being a two-way player, Curry approaches it as two separate identities on the field.

“I have a completely different mentality on the mound than I do in the box. On the mound, I tell myself I’m the best player on the field and nobody can touch me. In the box, I stay relaxed and go into each at-bat with a calm mindset.”

Last summer, Curry attended both Future Games in LakePoint, GA, and the Prep Baseball All-American Game in Miami, FL.

For Curry, the Future Games gave him a taste for the potential future that was in front of him.

Curry at the 2024 Future Games with Kentucky

“Future Games was my favorite event I’ve ever played in. Future Games really got me out there. I had only played in front of one or two college coaches before, but at the event there were so many coaches there. I had a really good showing and I would say it was the kickstart of a lot of good things.”

Two months later, Curry arrived at LoanDepot Park and was blown away by the event and what it had to offer. 

“The All-American Game was a surreal experience. Being around all of the scouts, coaches, and potential draft prospects was so cool. Getting to talk with guys like Billy Carlson, Seth Hernandez, and Kayson Cunnningham and being able to pick their minds about the game and learn from them was awesome.”

Curry at the All-American Game in Miami.

Ultimately, the class of 2025 roster handed the loss to Curry and the class of 2026, defeating them 7-0. However, Curry viewed this game as a realization of what needs to be done to make it to the next level and beyond.

“One of my biggest goals was to play in the All-American Game. It was great, but honestly, it showed me there is a big difference between where I was then versus the level I should be at when watching the 2025’s play. There’s no time to celebrate because I made it, there’s always room to improve and get better to reach that next level. The job’s not done yet. When I make it to the major leagues, then I can celebrate.”

Curry, who’s practically played the game since he was able to do so, credits his success to the coaches and teammates he’s played with along the way, specifically Jayden Parker and Tyson Bobo.

Bobo, Parker, and Curry all played together growing up, and most recently joined forces for 5 Star Mafia West, a summer ball organization.

Parker, who plays with Curry at University City, is an SS/OF committed to Indiana.

Tyson Bobo, who plays just twenty minutes away from Parker and Curry at Patrick Henry High School, is currently uncommitted, but is the ninth-ranked OF in the state and tops 90 MPH on the mound.

“We’ve all known each other since we were seven or eight years old. We have a really good bond on the field and when we all play with each other we make each other better. I love playing with those guys.”

Since arriving at University City, Curry’s game on the mound has been elevated tremendously, thanks to the help of pitching coach Mike Pieratt.

Curry tops 93 mph on the bump with his fastball, while also throwing a devastating slider-sinker-curveball combo.

Being an advanced hitter in the box has also helped Curry’s presence on the mound, allowing him to be a true complete player.

“For me, being a hitter allows me to pitch while thinking how a batter sees the pitchers I’m throwing. When I use my slider and sinker, I’ll throw a slider outside and sequence my sinker to tunnel my pitches well. I think about how I would get myself out if I was in the box.”

The goal for Curry is ultimately to be a major leaguer, but the mentality doesn’t change for Curry even with the spotlight shining bright on him. As for managing the “hype”, Curry tries to avoid it entirely.

“I try not to pay attention to it. I like to play for myself whereas others play for Instagram or for who’s watching. I play baseball because it makes me happy; I don’t play because other people like to watch me play. I like to play the game while having fun and I’m always just trying to go out there and play my best.

With a senior season still to be played, as well as a college career in Rocky Top if not for the 2026 MLB Amateur Draft, Curry is enjoying the ride, checking off his goals on his way to the ultimate goal at hand.

“Baseball gives me goals in life, and I like to revolve my everyday life around baseball.”

Curry and the University City Centurions have six games left in their season to hopefully make a push for the CIF playoffs as they currently sit at 14-8.

Upcoming Events

Showcase	State	Date	Location
NorCal Rising Stars Game (Invite-Only)	CA	05/10	Champions Field - Lathrop CA
Ballplayers League Scout Day	CA	05/17	McBean Stadium
SoCal Rising Stars Game (Invite-Only)	CA	05/18	Mater Dei High School - Santa Ana, CA
2025 Future Games Tryout: Fullerton	CA	05/31	Fullerton College
2025 Future Games Tryout: Los Angeles	CA	05/31	Loyola Marymount University
2025 Future Games Tryout: Malibu	CA	05/31	Pepperdine University - Malibu, CA
2025 ProCase - NorCal	CA	05/31	Cosumnes River College
2025 Future Games Tryout: Northern California	CA	06/01	Consumnes River College - Sacramento, CA
2025 ProCase - West	CA	06/01	Loyola Marymount University - Los Angeles, CA
Orange County Summer ID	CA	06/04	Hart Park - Orange, CA
2025 Future Games Tryout: Central California	CA	06/07	Antelope Valley College - Lancaster, CA
Sacramento Summer ID	CA	06/08	Franklin High School - Elk Grove, CA
Central California Summer ID	CA	07/08	Ventura College
Senior Future Games (Class of 2026)	NATIONAL	07/22	LakePoint Sports
Future Games (Class of 2027)	NATIONAL	07/23	LakePoint Sports
Junior Future Games (Class of 2029/30)	NATIONAL	07/24	LakePoint Sports
2025 California State Games (Invite-Only)	CA	07/30	Fullerton College - Fullerton, CA & Fullerton High School

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