Gage Mustachia turns lifelong dream into reality, commits to play at Lenoir CC
Gage Mustachia turns lifelong dream into reality, commits to play at next level
For Gage Mustachia, the moment wasn’t just about signing to play college baseball, it was the realization of something years in the making.
“Man, it’s a dream come true,” Mustachia said. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I started the game.”
That dream didn’t come easy.
Behind the commitment is what Mustachia describes as “endless” work, countless hours in batting cages, traveling between facilities, and competing in tournaments.
“Endless amount of time, endless hours in the cage,” he said. “If I had to give you an estimation… I’d probably say thousands.”
Built on baseball — and family
Baseball wasn’t just a sport Mustachia picked up along the way. It was part of his upbringing.
From watching his middle brother play to learning from his father, a former Louisburg College player who once had a shot at being drafted, the game was always around him.
“It really started out as a kid, watching my middle brother grow up playing ball,” Mustachia said. “My whole family played baseball… my dad, he’s the one that really got me into it.”
That foundation turned into motivation.
Mustachia credits his father, Allen Mustachia, along with his brothers David Mustachia and Logan Jones, as key influences in his development. His mother, Crystal Mustachia, has been just as impactful.
“She’s been my number one supporter,” he said. “She’s always out there working, making my life easier so I don’t have to focus on much outside of baseball and school.”
Staying locked in at Jones Senior
Success hasn’t always come easily for Jones Senior athletics, something Mustachia acknowledged openly.
But instead of becoming discouraged, he used it as fuel.
“What kept me motivated was knowing that… I could have the chance to be at the next level,” he said. “And maybe that would help somebody else stay motivated… like a domino effect.”
That mindset helped him emerge not just as a top player, but as a leader.
“I feel like I’m doing better at being a leader and helping motivate my teammates,” Mustachia said. “I’m seeing a lot of improvements… they’re learning the game very fast.”
Mustachia’s growth has translated directly into performance.
After hitting .333 as a sophomore, he took a jump as a junior, batting .442 with 23 hits in 19 games. His on-base percentage climbed to .569, paired with a .558 slugging percentage.
This season, he’s continued to produce, hitting .394 with a .583 OBP, scoring 13 runs and recording 13 hits through 13 games.
On the basepaths, he’s also made an impact, swiping 19 bases in limited opportunities.
While family laid the foundation, Mustachia credits his coaches at Jones for helping him grow into the player he is today.
“Coach Perry… he was always sitting me down, talking to me, helping me be the best that I could, learn how to lead,” Mustachia said. “Coach Griffin as well… he actually talked to Coach Gary Smith for me before I even texted him.”
That connection helped open the door to his college opportunity, one Mustachia is stepping into with confidence.
“I’m very familiar with Coach Gary Smith… very open and honest about how we’re running things,” he said.
Mustachia’s athletic ability isn’t limited to the diamond. He also contributed as a key player on the football field, showcasing his versatility and competitiveness across multiple sports.
But baseball has always been the constant.
“It was kind of like a prerequisite in my family,” Mustachia said. “Honestly, it’s always been baseball for me.”
Now committed, Mustachia isn’t slowing down. If anything, he believes the milestone will push him even further.
“I think it’s going to help improve,” he said. “We’re still trying to work up on some more wins… and just keep getting better.”
And as he continues to lead Jones Senior through the season, his journey is already doing what he hoped it would — setting the example for what’s possible.
