(Photo Credit: Kevin Carver)
by David Moskowitz
You went to Smithtown West. Both Smithtown High School teams are usually competitive. What was it like to play there?
I was on The Smithtown West Varsity team as a 9th grader, competing until my senior year. Having a few strong players ahead of me, I was able to see how they would handle situations on and off field, forcing me to grow as a person and player. Having these experiences, I was able to become a leader myself in my later years on the team. Coach Mike Miller had helped me develop my confidence, work counts, and teach me the mechanics on how to throw different pitches. He was a huge part in cultivating my success throughout my four years at West.
Can you comment on the rivalry between the two school districts?
The rivalry between the two schools had been entrenched in the minds of Smithtown players since little league. During the match ups between East and West, the overall feeling of the week ahead was different than any other week. The three game series was one of the most important stepping-stones to win the County Championship.
You committed to Hartford. What made you chose that school?
I knew that I wanted to go to junior college due to the fact that I could gain experience playing right away and face tougher competition. My quest to find a junior college began in Florida, where I verbally committed to Polk State College in Winter Haven, Florida. During the spring of my senior year of high school, I tore my UCL in the first game of the season. Following Tommy John Surgery, I de-committed from Polk State College and graduated high school with the intention to attend Suffolk Community College to further my education. During the month of July, I received a phone call from the head coach of Hartford Community College, Coach Tom Eller. Coach Eller heard about my injury, leaving me as an eligible prospect. He saw me pitch the summer prior on multiple occasions, believing that I would return to form, if not even better. After my official visit to Hartford Community College in northeast Maryland, I believed it was a good fit.
Highlights from Hartford Community College:
Second in school history with an 11.49 career strikeouts/9innings
2014 Region XX MVP (Freshman)
97 Career Strikeouts in 78 Innings
Single game record for strikeouts (16K’s)
Two time MD-JUCO Champions
I transferred to Flagler College after graduating with my Associate’s Degree from Hartford Community College. During my time at HCC, a few schools in the Peach Belt Conference had contacted and scouted me after observing my play and hearing about my accomplishments. Wanting to further my baseball and academic career, I was excited with all the attention from these schools. I had chosen Flagler after my official visit, falling in love with the campus, the town, and the overall feel of St. Augustine. Along with seeing what the Flagler program had to offer, I was awarded with a baseball scholarship.
How did you prepare transferring a second time?
I was fortunate enough to be asked to play in the Coast Plain League (Summer Collegiate Baseball League) for the Forest City Owls (Forest City, North Carolina). Being apart of this team I was able to fine-tune my game, which helped me to excel in a highly competitive league. What helped me succeed was the knowledge that had been passed along from other players. Two of the pitchers who I worked with consistently were, Chaz Miller and Dustin Dye. These teammates provided me with their knowledge and work ethic allowing me to excel at the highest level possible.
Fast forward to 2017 where you will be playing for Old Westbury. What made you transfer again?
After being a part of the Flagler baseball team for a year, the program wasn’t all that I had initially expected. Deciding to transfer home was a major decision after 3 years away, at 2 different schools. My parents and grandparents would travel to support me. Knowing this is my last collegiate season of baseball, being able to play on Long Island was something I wanted to do so that I could give back to my family after all the opportunities they have given me.
Who has made a special impact and helped you along the way in your baseball career so far?
Tom Eller, Hartford Community College Head Coach
J.T Maguire, Hartford Community College/Forest City Owls
Neal Heaton, Pitching Coach
Richard English, Dad
Barbara English, Mom
St Josephs, Maritime, Old Westbury, and Farmingdale all improved from last season. Each school had some big-time transfers (one of which is you). How far do you think Old Westbury can go this year while facing such tough competition?
I believe Old Westbury can get to the World Series. With the talent and coaching staff, this goal is very attainable. As a new addition to the program, I am excited to see how our Spring Break trip to Fort Myers, Florida will prepare the team and myself for the season ahead.
What are your long-term plans?
Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree. My long-term plan is to continue and build the family business, which has been passed on through 4 generations.
Do you think you will be involved with baseball after your collegiate playing days are over?
Yes, with the knowledge and experiences I have gained throughout my baseball journey, I can see myself being a pitching coach at the collegiate level. Having some disadvantages, such as my height, I was able to make up for this through my mechanics and knowledge of pitching. Being an undersized pitcher, I had valuable insight on exercises and arm care that I hope to pass on to someone similar to myself one day in the future.
