It has been an unbelievable season for the Farmingdale State Rams. They just recently defeated rival SUNY Old Westbury to capture the 2019 Skyline Conference title. It is their first championship since 2014. A major reason for their success is their starting pitching led by senior Matthew Constantine. The West Babylon-grad leads the team in innings pitched (67.0), wins (7), saves (2) while compiling a sterling 2.28 ERA. Against Merchant Marine Academy–a game that Farmingdale eventually won in extra innings–Constantine went 8.1 innings and then came back on zero days rest and fired 1.1 innings in the championship game.
If the Rams are able to advance to the Division-III College World Series, he will certainly be a big reason why.
He spoke to me about a variety of topics and here’s what he had to say…
You improved each year in your collegiate career. What do you attribute that to?
Honestly, I attribute my success to working hard in the off season. Since I was a kid, I’ve always had to work twice has hard to play on the same level as most of the kids my age because I was much shorter than them. That work ethic has definitely stuck with me. Also working with my pitching Coach Greg Arnold has helped me out tremendously. His emphasis on mechanics, mental and physical preparation helped me stay focused on the mound. I also set personal goals for myself before each season and try to stay focused to achieve them. The biggest influence on me has been Coach Osik and his determination to win and his ability to get the best out of every single player has been a driving force for me.
How were you able to take the ball on no rest and pitch 1.1 innings in the championship game? Was it your idea and did you have any pain?
My number one goal this year was to win the Conference championship and I would’ve done anything needed of me to help get it. Coming into the game with little rest is nothing new to me considering I’ve done it many times before. When Coach asked me to get ready I really didn’t think anything of it, the adrenaline rush was all I needed. As far as pain is concerned, I was good to go after leaving the trainers that afternoon.
What do you feel like was the difference between this year’s team and last year ?
I think the biggest difference between this year and last year’s team were the transfers. Every one of them brought something special to the table and all were determined to win. The hitting this year was a nice change of pace. Pitchers didn’t have the pressure of being perfect every game. Guys like Ryan DePalma, Vin Napolitano, Morgan McCarthy, Mike Amandola and Steven Burke came up huge this year. In past years whoever we faced would pitch around Vinny Rice but with the new guys it would just hurt them. I also think we had much more depth to this year’s team, every player contributed to our success. This year the entire team was focused on one goal and that was to win the Skyline championship.
What made you choose Farmingdale ?
I didn’t have many baseball options going into college considering I didn’t get an opportunity to play much in high school. I knew I wanted to stay close to home so I was considering Nassau, Suffolk and I even threw for the pitching coach at Old Westbury. I had a conversation with Coach Randy Caden at a Nassau vs. Suffolk playoff game. We spoke about Farmingdale and its winning baseball history and he thought it would be a perfect fit for me. Knowing Coach Caden since I was a kid training at his facility, I trusted him and felt comfortable choosing Farmingdale.
As a team leader do you feel responsibility to be a vocal leader? Is it in your nature to do so? Also can you talk about the impact of Vinny Rice on the team
Honestly, that’s not really me. Guys like Shawn Blasberg, Nick Attardi and Vinny Rice naturally take on that role. Even before games and during games they have had some incredible words to keep us motivated to win game in and game out. I would do my share of talking mainly towards the younger pitchers, talking to about pitching grips or their approach once you’re on the mound. Vinny Rice on and off the field has been the best all around athlete / person I’ve probably met in my life. The way he carries himself on the field with confidence and leadership could fire up any team. I glad that I had the opportunity to watch him play everyday and win a championship with him.
Who are some pitchers in Major League Baseball you enjoy watching?
I love watching any pitcher that has a lot of movement on his pitches. My favorite pitcher to watch is Clayton Kershaw because his control is incredible for how much his pitches move. I personally just love watching pitchers that don’t throw 98+ but get people out and make them look bad in doing so.
Who are your biggest role models in life?
My parents, since I was a kid they’ve always told me to treat people the way I want to be treated and that if I work hard I can achieve anything I put my mind to. They always have been there for me encouraging me to be the best person I can be.
What do you plan on doing after your playing career?
After my playing career is over I plan on getting a great job and working towards my masters degree. Just like in baseball I have personal goals set for myself and plan on achieving them with the same hard work and determination.
