David Falco really generated a buzz this summer when he pitched in East Cobb, GA and lit up the radar gun with 92 MPH fastballs. The Center Moriches sophomore was receiving scholarship offers from several Div-I programs since then. He announced his verbal commitment to the University of Maryland last night.
He spoke with Vinny Messana, and here’s what he had to say..
Talk a little about the college recruiting process and how Maryland came to be?
Well as soon as I hit 92 mph at a Perfect Game tournament, I received a lot of interest from top-tier Div-I schools. I’ve been to a lot of camps for schools all over the east coast. Most of them I had gotten a little interest from, but when I went to Maryland it was different; the whole coaching staff was involved in recruiting me, on my visit i spent time with every coach on the staff it made me feel wanted. I think that is the most important thing about the recruiting process–make sure the school really wants you.
With your father being a Head Coach of a big-time HS program, do you feel that had a big influence on your childhood and the person you’ve become?
Definitely, it gave me an advantage when it comes to my coaches. I will never get on a team with a tough coach who does a lot of yelling and screaming and say ‘”Oh I can’t be on this team, this coach is to hard on me.” I have been around coaches like this my entire life so dealing with people like that is second nature to me.
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Where does baseball rank for you? I know you won an LIC playing basketball, what was that like?
Baseball is definitely my number 1 sport, I have loved it my entire life but I believe playing more than just baseball is a must. Our basketball team at CM has always been good, but last year we had a lot of talent and played extremely well. I believe we have the best basketball coach on the island, he brings the best out in our team he doesn’t accept anything but the best. Winning the LIC was amazing, knowing that all your work payed off, but this year our goal is states
Who are some athletes you look up to?
I know its a generic answer but my favorite player of all time has to be Derek Jeter. I was at Derek Jeter’s last game at Yankee stadium when he hit the walk-off single. I have never felt so much respect for one player in any sport. The vibe in the stadium was unreal. I also look up to Marshawn Lynch i know he can be controversial at times, but how he plays the game with so much heart but at the same time having so much fun, that’s how sports should be.
What do you enjoy more; hitting long home runs or throwing 90 MPH?
Well I can throw 90 mph pretty much when ever i want to, but hitting home runs doesn’t come around to often. The feeling of hitting a home run in a game is probably one of the greatest feelings of all time. So i think i enjoy hitting home runs more.
What was your summer like playing with the HDMH Titans? How talented is that team?
This summer was the most fun I’ve ever had playing baseball. The guys on my team are great guys and great players we also have Gregg Sarra as our coach he is the best coach I have ever had, he will do anything for his players. Traveling the country and playing baseball with those guys was one of the best times in my life. My team is extremely talented, every player will have a chance to play college baseball.
What are your goals for 2018?
My goals for 2018 are to work on the pitching as a whole, but more specifically work on my change to make it as consistent as I can and get my fastball to gain a few mph. I also want to win states with my high school baseball team.
