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| Photo Credit: Molloy Athletics |
It’s always great to see local products succeed in fulfilling their dreams of playing professional baseball. Max Schonfeld, 2014 graduate of Molloy, recently signed with the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League.
The East Meadow native grabbed the attention of Baseball on the Island last year by dominating the ECC and ultimately setting Molloy’s program record for lowest career ERA for a single season (1.61) as well as career (2.19).
In fact, if you glance through the record book you will find Schonfeld’s name virtually all over the place. He was just one out away from throwing the most innings in a single season (92.2) and is tied for first with 13 starts in a season. He’s third in career wins (15), complete games (8), shutouts (2) and second in strikeouts (160).
It was clear that Schonfeld was dominant against his Division-II foes. His next challenge will be professional players.
“Playing pro ball has been something I’ve dreamed of and worked towards my entire life,” said Schonfeld. “Of course getting to a higher level will bring the competition of only the top players in the country, but it is something I am looking forward to and eager to be a part of.”
He was discovered this summer while playing in the California Winter League–a popular breeding ground for college graduates who seek an opportunity to play at the next level.
After his fourth start he was offered a contract by the Grizzlies, which he, of course, signed.
He amped up his workout regimen in the following days. He began throwing bullpen sessions at Storm Baseball Academy with John Mangieri and worked on his strength and conditioning with Team 13 Fitness.
Schonfeld noted he will continue this routine through the end of April–when Spring Training begins for the Frontier League.
While playing professionally is a dream–he will still miss aspects of playing college ball.
“What I’ll miss most is the atmosphere of college baseball and the camaraderie with my teammates, nothing will ever compare to the college baseball family that I was fortunate enough to be a part of for 4 years. I hope to have the same experience in pro ball.”
