2014 Sachem North grad Tom Strazza, chose to play his college ball at Eastern University in Wayne, PA. He saw significant time as an infielder and pitcher during his freshman season in 2015.
Our reporter David Moskowitz had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
What was the college recruitment/process like? What made you choose Eastern University?
The college recruitment process was exciting and nerve racking at the same time. Playing in front of college coaches meant you had to always be on your game, which added a level of excitement to every game, but also a few extra butterflies. There was also a good amount of research that had to be done on my part, which many high-school athletes don’t always think about. I chose Eastern University after I had visited once. The coaching staff was very welcoming, and their attitude toward the team was very family-like. The school itself has a beautiful campus, and is strong in the area of study I was looking for.
June 5 at Dowling College
Eastern University is a good academic school. What was the adjustment like going from high school to Eastern academic-wise and how was the student-athlete balance?
The workload is definitely more intense than high school. The first semester was a bit of a shock, but I adjusted pretty quickly. Being a student-athlete requires good time management, but even with that there are a lot of late nights.
Not only were you a two-way player last year, you also saw significant action as both an infielder and as a pitcher. That is rare for a freshman. Did you expect to receive significant time as both an infielder and pitcher? Were you satisfied with how you performed?
Coming into the season I knew there were open spots in the infield, and on the mound. I didn’t come into the season expecting anything, but I knew I could definitely contribute as a pitcher right away. After senior captain and shortstop Ryan McMenamin began practicing more and more with me I felt very comfortable playing up the middle with him. I’m content but not exactly satisfied with how I performed, because there is definitely room for improvement.
Your dad was a huge influence on your baseball career. Most dads are a part of their son’s career but your dad went above and beyond: What was it like to have your dad around so much during your career?
More than anything I’m thankful my father devoted the amount of time he did with me, because without it I wouldn’t be here. Most of my baseball memories prior to college include my dad, which is something that I’ll always have with me. However, a bad game usually didn’t end at the field, or even at the dinner table.
Travel baseball has become incredibly competitive in recent years. There are many good organizations out there: the Whalers, the Ducks, BEAST, etc. What is special about your dad’s organization, Diamond Baseball Academy?
Diamond Baseball Academy is realistic. Often times players are given an idea of playing highly competitive division 1 baseball, which isn’t realistic to every player. Most times when kids hear this they search for colleges with one idea in mind: baseball. When choosing a college there’s much more to it, and at DBA we try to do two things when it comes to college. Get them somewhere they will play. Get them somewhere they fit in academically and personally. Many organizations just look to appease a player’s baseball outlook of a school, and not who they are as a person. My father, and the rest of Diamond Baseball Academy, tries to make players feel like a family and get to know them as a person to help them the best they can.
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What did you do to improve this offseason? Any specific part of your game you guys tried to improve upon?
Over the offseason physically I worked on getting my legs in good shape for the season. Being a two-way player if you don’t have your legs under you won’t be able to perform. Mentally you just have to get yourself in a focused mindset. It’s important we all remember what happened last year, but understand we can’t sit back and expect it to happen to us again.
What are your long term plans? Do you see yourselves staying a part of the game in some capacity in the long term?
Long term I would like to continue as a coach. I know there is going to come a day I have to stop playing it, but if I can coach I will still feel like I’m part of the game. Would love to coach alongside my dad.
