When Dylan DeFilippis puts on his jersey, the name on the front is more important than the number on the back. DeFilippis wears No.2 out of respect for his biggest inspiration — Derek Jeter, the famous New York Yankees star.

“I really really like Derek Jeter, that’s the reason why I chose number two,” the Phoenix Country Day School center fielder said. “Everybody has different players at different positions, but Jeter was named the captain for a reason.”

Baseball has always been a part of DeFilippis life. His mother, Molly, put him in little league not because they loved it, but Dylan had a passion for the game.

 “I remember taking Dylan to every spring game when he was little, and he would follow all the players having their baseball card all organized with a Sharpie and he would go to the parking lot where the players parked and he would wait for them to get out of their cars to get autographs,” Molly said.

DeFilippis hits second in the lineup and makes big plays.

“Dylan is probably one of our banner kids for this program,” coach Ted LeClair said. “He plays a crucial role on this team. When he uncorks the ball, he hits gaps and you don’t see it because he is small, but when hits the ball, he hits it hard.”

DeFilippis delivered in PCDS opener with a hit, one RBI, two runs and two stolen bases in its win against North Pointe Prep. The Eagles are 2-1 with Desert Christian coming up Friday.

“That was really fun, I was just happy to get the season started,” DeFilippis said. “We have been training for months.”

Baseball is the world for DeFilippis, from enjoying Cubs games with his grandfather to playing the game himself.

“Baseball is one of the best things that I have done in my life, “DeFilippis said. “If I didn’t have it, I don’t know what I would do. If I am having a bad day, I go and hit the ball because it is the perfect way to relax and not worry about anything.”