PODCAST: Matt Rocchio

Here’s A Rundown of some of the topics we discussed:

State of the Team:

• Really moving in the right direction
• Graduated only one impact senior from 2019
• He’s very pleased with the leadership of the seniors so far.
• They’ve been working out for the past three months in the gym
• He cannot wait for the season to start

Impact Players

• LHP Matt Polestino will anchor the rotation. He’s been on varsity since ninth grade. He is committed to SUNY New Paltz. His first varsity game was at Shoreham-Wading River in 2017 and he shut them down for five innings in relief.
• Dan Brown, a scholarship player that will be going to Pace.

Beating Shoreham-WR in 2017

• They had lost 4-1 the day before so he knew they could hang with them.
• Joe Muchnicki was coming off a no-hitter the week before.
• Laid down a couple bunts early on to get a lead.
• After six, Muchnicki reached his pitch limit and he brought in the next day’s starting pitcher to close it.
• Brian Morrell ripped a line drive but it was right at the second baseman to end the game.
• Shoreham won 20 consecutive games after that.
• 

On Jack Ryan

• He’s a gamer, an old-school gamer.
• Knows how to work with the umpire, knows how to frame. Glad that Polestino had a year to work with him.
• Met him as a sophomore, his presence back then was amazing.
• A complete athlete.

Senior Class

• Aidan Desmond and Matt Polestino have been great leaders
• Averaged 21 players in the weight room per workout.
• Guys are cheering each other on and leading.

Calling Up Freshmen

• Had two 9th graders on varsity last year.
• If they are getting playing time it is more productive for the player than sitting on the bench.
• If they can handle the pressure, they are more likely to be up.
• Desmond had game-winning hit as a 9th grader.
• It’s about building towards the future.

On Facing a Powerhouse like Shoreham-WR

• He sensed his team was intimidated when Morrell pitched against them with 20 scouts behind the plate. The team was in awe and it showed as they lost 16-1.
• There’s no time limit so you have every opportunity to come back.

On His Time at Briarcliffe from 2007-2010

• Went on three interviews for assistant job.
• Tough to recruit since they didn’t play on campus. They played at PAL Stadium.
• They played some great competition. They were recruiting for their switch to Division-II.

On His Time With Team Beast

• Started three years ago, coached team that played in Boys of Summer.
• His team was eighth and ninth graders.
• The following year, coached a showcase team that traveled a lot.
• Most of his team this summer is committed to play at college; Richie Cimpric, Jake Fullerton.
• The exposure has been crazy.

The Advantages of The Internet in Recruiting

• When he graduated HS in 1997, none of these resources were available. It was very difficult to get a coach to look at your tape.
• Through showcases and social media, it is much easier to get noticed then it was.

The Pitfalls of the Internet in Recruiting

• They’ve had an incident in the past and his guys know to be careful what they post on social media.

On Multi-Sport Athletes

• He encourages his guys to be multi-sport athletes and to take time off from throwing.