Gavin Caravello admittedly has a strong tie between family and baseball.

More succinctly, his grandfather and the game. The Northampton junior third baseman has grown to develop a passion for the game, mainly due to grandfather Fred Romano’s involvement.

“I started baseball when I was only 3-years-old because my grandfather played and coached,” stressed Caravello. “He always wanted to see me play, and I fell in love with it immediately.”

Caravello has been playing third base for the Konkrete Kids this season. He had hits in 10 of the Kids’ 14 games, with a .362 average, 14 RBIs and 19 runs scored through that same period.

Kids’ manager Mick Sugra has been impressed with Caravello’s transition to the hot corner.

“He hasn’t played much third base prior to this year, but he was a middle infield convert with quick hands and a strong arm. He’s been consistent offensively. He’s a big part of our offensive success,” Sugra said

Aside from his physical skills, Caravello wanted to sharpen his mental approach to the game. He has noticed a difference.

“Coming into this season was to work on the mental aspect of this sport,” said Caravello. “I needed to realize that bad things are going to happen in this game, and I have to learn to let them go and move on and learn from them. That has truly helped me this season more than anything.”

In turn, Caravello’s approach in the batter’s box and his overall production has increased.

“I have been seeing the ball the best I have ever seen in my high school career,” beamed Caravello. “The ball is looking very clear to me, and I am seeing it down the plate very well this year.”

And he owes it all to his grandfather’s support.

Romano played his high school baseball in Brooklyn, and he coached Caravello as a youth for Coplay baseball. Romano also is an assistant coach for the Whitehall softball team.

“The biggest influence for me would have to be my grandfather because he has pushed me through all my ups and downs and past my limits,” gushed Caravello. “It’s a true blessing to call him my coach and my grandfather.”