One of the hallmarks of a winning college program is player development. While any program would love to bring in the big-time recruit, it’s just not rational to expect that every player on your roster will be a PG All-American or an All-State player. There needs to be instances of players that come in and take a leap forward.
During my time at Farmingdale State College, that would occur routinely. Players that were either overlooked in high school or simply took their game to another level once they stepped foot on campus.
St. Joseph’s is the new king of the Skyline Conference – having won back-to-back-to-back championships including a thrilling walk-off win, 9-8, this year over those Farmingdale Rams in the winner-take-all finals.
The Golden Eagles, who lost their first game of the Skyline Conference tournament, came storming back to defeat Manhattanville and the United State Merchant Marine Academy to reach the finals, needing to beat Farmingdale twice.
In the first game, they were trailing 4-0 in the fifth inning and their hopes were dwindling. A team with a .325 AVG and .901 OPS isn’t going to go down easily though. Sure enough, John Lynch (the MVP of the tournament) tied the game up in the 7th inning with a solo shot.
In the next inning, Mike DiFilippo stepped to the plate with two runners on and promptly crushed a go-ahead three-run shot. The Golden Eagles would never look back, winning 12-5 and forcing the do-or-die game in which they ultimately won a thriller.
DiFilippo, who came into college as a pitcher with the ability to play SS, turned himself into an All-Region SS by his junior season. Additionally, he was selected to the ABCA All-Defensive team.
The Connetquot grad led the Skyline Conference with 142 assists and broke the single-season program record for double players (34).
At the dish, he was outstanding compiling a batting average of .364 with 56 hits, 36 runs scored and 33 RBIs and was successful on 24 of 25 stolen base attempts.
In 2023, the Golden Eagles were in the midst of a magical run in which they would go on to win 14 consecutive games. On April 22 against rival St. Joseph’s Brooklyn, they were in a tight game. Their starting shortstop, Ryan Decoursey, would exit with an injury. His replacement, Mike DiFilippo would enter and wound up hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 13th inning which would be a crushing blow for SJC-Brooklyn’s playoff hopes.
That moment would somewhat change the course of DiFilippo’s collegiate career as he was 0-for-8 on the season at the plate, and hadn’t appeared in a game on the mound.
From that point forward, he turned himself into a legitimate everyday SS on a Conference Championship winning team.
It is a player development win for the Golden Eagles, who are widely regarded as having one of the top coaching staffs around.
If there’s a lesson to be learned for athletes – break through the glass ceiling. It’s not too late to become an impact player and become the best version of yourself.
We had a chance to speak to him and here’s what he had to say…
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Did you play other sports growing up?
Baseball was always my number one sport. I played pretty much everything at least once when I was younger. But I made an early decision to stick to one and give everything I have into that sport, and it was baseball.
Who are some people that have helped you get to where you are in your career?
I cannot thank my father enough for all the sacrifices he has made for me to get where I am. I hear a lot of people say it, but he is the most hard working person I’ve met and will do anything to make me and my family happy. I dedicate all of my career to my father, without him I wouldn’t be where I am at.
Can you explain your experience with the college recruiting process and why you chose St. Joseph’s?
The recruiting process at St. Joseph’s was very welcoming. When I was recruited I got a tour of the campus alongside head coach Tom Caputo, the admissions process was fast and easy and it was the best choice for me at that time, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
You came in as a pitcher and turned yourself into an All-Region SS. Can you explain what happened that changed the trajectory of your college career?
I played shortstop and pitched my entire life. I played shortstop all throughout high school until my senior year, I was mainly a pitcher, but also played outfield. When I was at my first St. Joseph’s practice, the pitchers’ practice was over and we were told to go to our positions. I went to shortstop and it started from there. Throughout my freshmen and sophomore years, I was a pitcher and shortstop. My game was tailored by our great coaching staff and our previous All-Star shortstop. Last year, I injured my ankle and was out for 2 weeks. When I came back from my injury, we were flying through our competition so our coaching staff agreed to put me 100% back at shortstop and leave pitching in the back pocket. I then started to split games and get into the competition more, and without that decision, I don’t know where I would be at. I don’t think I could have envisioned exactly what happened, but I always had a gut feeling that I had to be a shortstop.
What was been the biggest thrill of your baseball career?
Crazy enough, It was this year in our championship against Farmingdale. It was the first game, top of the 8th, 4-4 with one out. Earlier in the inning, Lynch hit a home run and all I was looking for in the batter’s box was a fastball. I hit a home run and knew it right off the bat. It has to be one of the great moments of my baseball career.
Did you work with any private instructors when you were younger?
I didn’t really work with many private instructors. I had a few lessons here and there to help sharpen my game. But when I was younger, I relied on my coaches and my dad. It wasn’t until high school where I fine tuned my skills with instructors.
Best baseball trip you’ve ever been on?
The best baseball trip I’ve ever been on has to be my sophomore year Spring Training preseason trip with St. Joseph’s to Myrtle Beach. The hotel made the trop more fun than ever, and we had some really solid games.
Favorite musical artist?
I listen to a lot of music, but I’d say my favorite artist is Morgan Wallen.
Favorite app on your phone?
I try not to go on my phone too much, but I am on Instagram or TikTok the most.
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Any all-you-can-eat sushi.
Favorite TV Show and movie?
I am on a Chicago Med binge recent. My favorite movie of all-time has to be Wall-E
Favorite vacation spot?
Orlando, FL
Dream Car?
Blacked out Porsche 911
