Sachem Alum, Cleveland Guardians Pitcher Rafe Schlesinger Returns Home to Inspire Student Journalists

Professional baseball player Rafe Schlesinger returned to Sachem High School East on Wednesday afternoon, October 14, for a special homecoming that gave aspiring student journalists a firsthand experience reporting on a professional athlete.

Schlesinger, a Sachem East graduate who finished the 2026 baseball season at the Double-A level in the Cleveland Guardians organization, spent the afternoon participating in a mock press conference organized through WSHR, Sachem’s student media program.

Twenty broadcast journalism students had the opportunity to ask Schlesinger questions about his life, baseball career and journey from Sachem East to professional baseball. Several students also conducted individual on-camera interviews, while others documented the event through still photography, traditional video and vertical video for social media.

The experience was designed to replicate a professional sports media environment, giving students an opportunity to develop their reporting, interviewing and multimedia storytelling skills.

Students prepared questions in advance, demonstrated professionalism and courtesy throughout the press conference, and asked thoughtful follow-up questions to better understand Schlesinger’s experiences.

For WSHR, the event showed the program’s commitment to providing Sachem students with authentic, real-world journalism opportunities.

News 12 also covered the press conference and highlighted the innovative student journalism work taking place throughout the district.

Schlesinger’s return was especially meaningful given his place in Sachem athletic history.

After a standout career at Sachem East, Schlesinger continued his baseball journey at the University of Miami before the Cleveland Guardians selected him in the MLB Draft. He became the first Sachem East baseball player drafted by a Major League Baseball organization and the 10th Sachem player to achieve that distinction.

Now regarded as the Guardians' top-ranked left-handed pitching prospect, Schlesinger continues to represent Sachem on the professional stage.

His return also highlighted WSHR's continued growth, which has significantly revitalized since 2025. The student media program has expanded its opportunities in broadcasting, digital journalism, sports coverage and multimedia production.

The Press Club of Long Island recognized WSHR as Long Island’s top high school radio station in 2026, while its television program also earned regional recognition.

Wednesday’s event brought together two important elements of the Sachem community: its alumni's accomplishments and the development of its next generation of storytellers.