Hofstra improved their pitching staff this week with the addition of RHP Chris Mott (Sachem East 2015). The grad student was off to an outstanding start to the 2020 season for the defending East Region champs. He compiled a record of 3-1 with a 1.46 ERA and 29 strikeouts over 24.1 IP. Opposing batters hit only .165 against him. In 2019, he was a key cog in the Bears rotation as they made a historic run to the Division-II College World Series. Mott has been resilient in his career. He was originally committed to Dowling College, but the school shut its doors. He then attended Suffolk CC in 2017 before transferring to NYIT in 2018 during the school’s first season in the ECC. He struggled mightily that year, compiling a 10.32 ERA over 11.1 IP. He turned himself into one of the more dependable arms on the club in 2019.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Can you explain the past couple months, from your reaction to the news regarding NYIT to how you went about finding a new home and why you chose Hofstra?
Everyone on the team was shocked when the news hit that NYIT was suspending athletics. It came out of nowhere, two weeks before school was supposed to start. There was never even a thought about this happening. It was just upsetting that it came to this after seeing how the program evolved over the years to become a national title contender. After I entered the transfer portal, I started to get contacted from schools all over. It took me awhile to figure out where the best fit would be, but I ultimately decided that Hofstra was going to be the best fit for me to play my last year. Coach Russo, as well as the other coaches, were very understanding of the situation and helped me with anything that I needed. This team is very talented and I don’t see why we wouldn’t be able to win a CAA Championship this year.
Where did you play this summer? How was your experience?
I went up to Massachusetts to play in the Future’s League with the Worcester Bravehearts. Ben McNeill, EJ Exposito, and Joe Pesce were up there too. It was cool being able to play with those guys one last time since we won’t be playing at NYIT. The competition was very tough this year. The Cape was cancelled so some of those players came into this league. It was a cool experience meeting and playing with new players from all over the country, as well as making it to the Championship Series.
Do you feel like NYIT had a shot to defend its crown as regional champs? Can you explain what May 2019 was like and how exhilarating it was to be apart of school history?
Yeah definitely. I think we were the best team in the region going into 2020. We got swept by Southern New Hampshire early on, but I know when it matters most in the super regional we would have found a way to win and get back on a flight to Cary.
Who are the most influential people in your life?
My parents. They’ve always pushed me to work hard and make sure that I put in 110% in everything that I do. As well as, never shying away from any tough obstacles that I would have to face in life.
Who are your favorite players in Major League Baseball?
My two favorite players are Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole. Aaron Judge because he plays the game hard every time he’s out on the field and handles himself on and off the field like a true professional. Gerrit Cole because when he goes out on the mound to pitch, he has an attitude that he knows he’s going to strike you out.
Favorite app on your phone?
I don’t have a favorite, but I probably use Twitter the most.
Pre-game meal? Favorite place to get a slice of pizza?
I’ll usually just eat a protein bar before I pitch. The best pizza has to be L&B Spumoni Gardens in Brooklyn.
Netflix show you binged during quarantine?
Ozark and Ballers.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
This one’s easy. When we went to the College World Series two years ago.
Dream car?
It has always been an Audi R8.
What are your goals for 2021?
First, to win a CAA Championship with Hofstra. Second, to have a dominant year on the mound and get picked up to play professional baseball.
