Morrell with a big double for @hofstrabaseball in the 9th
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📈 https://t.co/zrrBJzfPgg pic.twitter.com/wHoDoVQ5WY— Colonial Athletic Association (@CAASports) May 29, 2022
2022 was an amazing and historic season for Hofstra. Can you go into some detail about what changes Frank and his staff implemented, how they were able to turn around the program so quickly and also what it felt like to go on that outstanding playoff run?
Once I heard Cat got the coaching position at Hofstra, I knew in my head that it was a no brainer that Hofstra was where I was going. One of my best friends growing up was Zach White who was a pitcher who played at New York Tech for Cat and his staff. I immediately called him on the phone and asked him tons of questions. During our conversation Zach had nothing but positive things to say about his experience at NYIT and explained everything the coaching staff had to offer me. Knowing Zach and the type of person he is I knew right then and there I wanted to play for these guys.
Going into the fall Cat, Jimmy, Ro and Wess set the standard high. Practices were very professional. We would get a practice plan the night before on everything we were working on the next day. Everything was structured. During practices, the thing I found most beneficial was how every coach was involved with every player in one way or another. It wasn’t just Cat, Jimmy and Wes working with the hitters or Ro just with the pitchers. They would bounce around and watch everyone. They always gave everyone great feedback and dedicated themselves to each player. We would do a ton of individual and team reps. It was an overall group effort and everyone bought into everything the coaches were preaching.
The coaching during the season was very impressive. We would receive scouting reports on teams that we were playing against for that day (Charles St. Clair big help with that). Before every at bat, my teammates and I would talk to Cat about pitchers tendencies and how to approach certain guys. Before getting in the box, we would always have a plan. I think this was one of the biggest advantages every player had, playing for coaches who have all played professionally and Cat who spent 14 years in the big leagues, you know you are obviously getting the best advice. Listening to the coaches and making the necessary adjustments definitely made me a better hitter as well as all the hitters on the team. All of the hitters had a plan and knew what they needed to do before stepping into the box. All the coaches would discuss with us our approaches which they worked on with us the entire year. This made our hitters extremely difficult for opposing pitchers to face. They really created a professional mindset for all the guys and it really paid off.
Even the guys that were bench players for us had significant roles. Every guy this year I felt understood their roles and that’s why Hofstra had so much success.
When talking to my teammates, the one thing that stands out to me was the amount of fun we had as a team. We were a family the entire season and continue to be. Nobody wanted the season to come to an end. Every game we played we played like it was our last. Our nickname became, “The Walk off Warriors.” During the CAA tournament we all bought into the fact that we were going to win our conference and it really showed when we walked off pretty much every game to become conference champions.
Towards the end of the season it was an amazing experience. The support we received from our parents, Hofstra’s Athletic Director Rick Cole, Senior Associate Director Brian Graff, Assistant Director Jerry Hubshman, the entire athletic department and fans was incredible. It was really cool to see that everyone was following us.
One thing that I feel is important to note is how we represented ourselves as a team. Having a Coaching staff that all played professional baseball and represent themselves in a positive manner, really rubbed off on all the guys. Being an older guy, I really saw that all our players were focused and didn’t want to cause any distractions. Representing our University in a positive manner was something that we took all took “Pride” in.
You re-invented yourself as a hitter beginning last year at St. John’s and an even better with Hofstra. Are you surprised you didn’t lose any of your hitting ability after 2 years of being a college pitcher? How did you stay sharp during that time? Also is there anyone you would credit with helping you get to where you are?
It was definitely a tough transition making the change from a pitcher to a hitter when I decided to transfer. I honestly struggled a lot early on. I almost quit after the first few weeks of summer ball. Coach Bill Ianniciello from Adelphi really helped me that summer. I was able to gain confidence back by just taking as many reps as possible. I can’t thank him enough for working with me that summer.
When I first got to St. John’s, Coach Blankmeyer and the entire coaching staff were also a huge help in getting me back. I can’t thank them enough for giving me the chance to comeback as a hitter at the division 1 level and represent St. John’s.
Joe Francisco and the entire TF staff helped me a ton. I was there everyday getting my work in. I knew If I wanted to get myself back as a hitter I needed to do twice the amount of reps as other guys were doing. Joe really helped me throughout the entire process.
Also other facilities on Long Island were a huge help. I worked with Bobby Demichael as well as my Coach Brown a lot during my tommyjohn rehab and they got me back to throwing a lot better. Anthony Distinti, Russ Tavares and Mike Stella was also a huge help with workouts. I’m fortunate enough to have great relationships with a lot of baseball people on the Island and they all were really helpful throughout the entire process.
What was your time like at Notre Dame and was it a tough decision to come home?
When I reflect on my time at Notre Dame, it was overall a great experience. The school itself was amazing and the relationships I was able to make were incredible. I still keep in touch with a lot of my teammates. I know it didn’t workout as I wanted it to be, however, I’m forever grateful for that staff for giving me the opportunity to represent Notre Dame. It was probably one of the toughest decisions of my life leaving. Just because I had so many relationships with teammates, coaches, professors and the entire athletic department.
What does the next chapter look like for you? Have you thought of life after baseball?
My goal is to keep playing the game I love and hopefully get an opportunity to play at the next level. It’s challenging making the transition from a pitcher to a position player a few years into my college career, however, I feel that my coaches at Hofstra have prepared me enough to hopefully get that opportunity. I can’t thank them enough and I will be forever grateful for them believing in me. They worked with me a ton this past season and are still working with me a ton. I’m in a great mindset and feel like I’m prepared for any opportunity.
Can you discuss the impact that your family has had on you?
My family has been tremendous throughout the entire process. I can’t thank my parents enough for being supportive and providing for me. My siblings have also been extremely supportive and have been with me every step of the way.
Of course we have to mention your time at SWR where you re-wrote the record book. Do you ever catch yourself thinking about your high school career and how much fun that was? Also do you have any plans to be involved with the SWR baseball program down the road in any capacity?
To be able to represent the SWR community was something special. I definitely look back from time to time. Sometimes doesn’t help having two Wantagh guys as my teammates this past year (Anthony Donofrio and Anthony Fontana) reminding me about the Long Island Championship game almost every practice. But my years playing at SWR were some of the best times of my life. Coach Sal Mignano really had a huge impact on my career. Taking a chance on me as an 8th grader and pulling me up to varsity is something I’m forever grateful for. He taught me how to play the game the right way and brought the best out of me. Coach Willi, Coach Ferg and Coach Micags also had such positive impacts on me during my career. I always try to stay involved someway or another. I give lessons to some of the up and coming kids in the community. I try to get to some games in the season. SWR has really shown to be a great program and Coach Willi has done a fantastic job following Mignano’s footsteps. I do plan on staying involved some way or another. I definitely want to show up to some practices and talking with the players. Making sure they understand at SWR we play “Hard ball with Class”.
Favorite meal?
Sushi
Favorite type of music?
Country
Best experience on a baseball field?
Winning a CAA championship and playing in a regional with my teammates and coaches.
Favorite app on your phone?
Gamepigeon. Wordhunt and Knockout (penquins) specifically.
Favorite vacation spot?
Block Island in the summer. Feel like I’m on the Hallmark Channel
Which teammates you have grown closest with – either past or present
I would say I’ve gained a ton of relationships throughout my college career. I have a bunch of teammates who are either playing professionally or are working outside of baseball so we try to keep in touch.
The person I’ve grown closest to at Hofstra is Matt Pelcher. I see him as a little brother. I been checking in with him recently and been following him in the Hamptons League.
A few teammates I stay in touch with in the past are Zack Dreznin, Tommy Sheehan, Jack Sheehan, Joe Boyle, Evan Tenuta and Cam Brown. We played together at Notre Dame and we talk almost everyday and try to see eachother a couple times a year.
