Ward Melville has a habit of grooming pitchers in beasts.
Frankie Collora might just be the latest to join that list. With an improved velocity in the mid-to-upper 80s and command of three offspeed pitches, he promises to be a problem for League I hitters next year. He announced his verbal commitment to SUNY Cortland, so I spoke with him to get a better understanding about his decision and what makes him tick.
Here’s what he had to say…
Who are your biggest role models in life and why?
My biggest role models are definitely my parents because I’m an only child with a limited size family so I’ve always looked up to my parents and they’ve led me on the right path ever since I was little.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball and why?
I used to love watching Mark Teixeira as a kid and I have a whole binder filled with Mark Teixeira trading cards which I still go through every once in a while. Currently, my favorite player is Mike Trout because he’s easily the best player currently in the MLB and could be the greatest of all-time.
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and how you made your decision?
The college recruiting process was definitely interesting for me and I enjoyed talking to schools that varied in all different ways. Many of the coaches I met were great people and I enjoyed having conversations with them because they were personable while also being professional. I recently decided to commit to Cortland because it has good academics with a nationally-ranked baseball team an a professional and committed coaching staff. After talking and meeting with Coach Brown, the choice was simple. I can’t wait to be a Red Dragon and play for Coach Brown. The Jacket fits!
Do you have any private instructors you work with?
Yes, I work with George Rainer at All Pro Fieldhouse in East Setauket and I have worked out with him since I was 8-years-old. I also used to work with Joe Solomeno before he went into police force training.
Do you have any superstitions?
Can’t wear white socks when I pitch, not only do they not look good with white pants but I’d rather pitch with black socks or high socks.
Who are your favorite musical artists?
I don’t necessarily have any favorite artists but I prger to listen to rap/hip-hop.
What is your favorite app on your phone?
YouTube because I don’t have Netflix or any other streaming services so when people ask me about Netflix I usually shrug my shoulders in confusion but I use YouTube in the car on road trips or for certain things I need help learning or understanding.
What are your goals for 2020?
After losing in the County Championship last year, I’m looking to come out and win the Suffolk Class AA Championship and beyond while competing every pitch, every game and having a great season for Ward Melville and Coach Petrucci, as well as having a great summer season.
Who are some teammates that you have forged a strong bond with over the years?
I have had fun playing with the same players since the 11U travel baseball with the Three Village Patriots and then onto Ward Melville HS as well as the past three summers with the Titans. I would like to thank all of my current and former teammates for the fun and support through out the years.
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