by Vinny Messana
Until recently, many Div-I college coaches would’ve scoffed at any right-handed pitcher under 6’0″. Some teams still have a strict guideline they follow regarding the height of pitchers.
Athletes like Peter Theodorellis, however, are proving that notion to be antiquated by dominating on the mound despite not possessing the height that scouts look for.
“My size and other people’s opinions I can’t control,” said the 5’7″ RHP from Commack HS. “I can control how hard I work at making the most of my God-given abilities. My will and performance are my true measurements,” he added.
Nobody can argue the results. Despite playing in the uber-competitive League I of Suffolk County, Theodorellis had a tremendous 2016 campaign. He was named League MVP, as he led the Cougars to a 13-6 record and a co-league title–before having their season ended by Longwood.
He won four games on the mound and also had a hit in every game this season (.492 Avg).
He spoke about how he became aware of the streak and what it meant to him.
“I noticed my hitting streak about third series in, but didn’t really tell anyone,” he said. “My teammate, Brian Morrissey, in my game against William Floyd brought up how I have a hit in every game and that’s how it became more public. It honestly means a lot to me because my overall team goal was to win the league title and make a deep playoff run and it’s great to know my hit streak has helped our team play this well,” he added.
All this success came after Theodorellis invested a ton of his time into improving his game and working to overcome the stigma against undersized pitchers.
“I was taught to work hard and I’m fortunate to have great support and instruction. From a physical standpoint, Infiniti Performance helped jump start my season. Neal Heaton has been my pitching coach since I was 10 and we worked a lot on concentration and pitch location. Frank Catalanotto taught me pitch recognition and plate approach. As a two way, I try and take at least 100 swings a day. Coach Boll’s school and Titans winter workouts helped prepare me for the season while refining my skills,” he said.
Being a 5’7″ RHP from Long Island means it’s only natural his favorite player to watch is Marcus Stroman–who has essentially become the face of undersized pitchers.
“Marcus Stroman is definitely at the top of the list. It’s awesome because in the off season before he would leave for spring training I would get to see him pitch and train at All-Pro and Infiniti Performance, and it is clear he is always working hard. Coming from Long Island and being a successful pitcher, he is paving the way for the extinction of stereotyping baseball players based on their height,” he added.
Like Stroman, Theodorellis was named League I MVP. It adds his name to an impressive list–including some fellow Commack grads such as Charles Galiano and Jesse Berardi, who Theodorellis has a great deal of respect for.
“When I was a freshman, Jesse was a senior and he was very welcoming. He treated each player with respect and always tried to help everyone. It was a lot of fun watching him play. Charles was a great help this year, he worked out with us over the winter before he left for spring training and helped our team learn proper swing mechanics. He taught our pitching staff and catchers advanced game control techniques.”
All the previously mentioned individuals that have played a role in Peter’s career, which–combined with his hard work–resulted in a scholarship to Div-I Farleigh-Dickinson in New Jersey.
“The FDU coaching staff recruited me from Blue Chip Prospects events. Coach Puccio, Coach McKay and Coach Anderson have developed a consistently successful competitive Division 1 baseball program that I cannot wait to be a part of. Academically, I plan on pursing an MBA and I am only an hour from home so it is an excellent fit,” he added.
Until then, he has some work to do.
He currently plays with the 17u BodyArmor Titans, and he stated his goal is to be the “best travel team in New York”.
Additionally, he “looks forward to building upon this year’s successes on and off the field” and achieve his ultimate goal–winning a NYS Class AA title.
