One of the toughest environments to pitch in college baseball is College Station, TX. The “12th Man” as they are known, are known to be ruthless to the opposition – especially pitchers.
Nobody told that to Cole Zaffiro. As a sophomore, all he did was fire four strong innings, allowing 1 ER and striking out five in relief. UPENN won two of three from the Aggies, one of the best teams in the nation. As it turns out, it was a harbinger for things to come as they wound up winning 33 games in a strong season.
They built on that the next season, winning 34 games including the Ivy League Championship. The ace of that team was undoubtedly Zaffiro, who led the team with 74.2 IP and struck out 90 batters. The Manhasset native was named first-team All-Ivy League.
Fast forward one year and Zaffiro is about to begin his professional career after he signed a free agent deal with the New York Yankees following the 2024 season.
While the flame-thrower still has a bright future ahead on the mound, he also is a graduate of the prestigious Wharton School of Business – which means he has positioned himself for success after his playing career is over.
I had a chance to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
Can you explain how the free agent deal with the Yankees came about and the emotions that come along with fulfilling a childhood dream?
Leading up to the draft, I was obviously very anxious. I knew I had lots of interest and deep down I really thought I would be picked/signed. On day 2 of the draft, I had a few teams calls but then nothing happened. So the rest of that day, I was very anxious if I would sign if they picked me on day 3. So I was very confident going into day 3. On day 3, I think I was on phone calls basically the entire day. While the draft was going on, I probably had 3-4 teams call and I told them I would sign but then I didn’t end up getting picked. I was totally bummed out not hearing my name called. But once the draft ended my phone did not stop ringing; there were 4-5 teams offering me free agent deals. It was kind of a cool experience because I ultimately got to choose which team I went to instead of getting picked to one. After the draft, it was so stressful because you do not really have much time to decide. Ultimately, I am glad I chose the Yankees and am very excited for the future of my baseball career. After I agreed to the deal, the emotions I felt were indescribable. I was more in shock than anything and it did not really sink in until the next morning and when I woke up I felt so much better and was excited to get down to Tampa to work.
What was your experience like with the college recruiting process and why did you choose UPENN?
My college recruiting process was a bit interesting. I did not really have much Division-I interest until the summer before my senior year. I was doing a bunch of tournaments and I always knew I valued a great education so I had certain schools I was really targeting. I started to get some Ivy League interest and that’s when I knew I would pursue that. I visited Penn in July and really liked the coaches and the campus seemed great. It was definitely one of the best decisions I have made.
Was baseball always your No. 1 sport? Did you play any other sports?
Baseball has always been my number one sport since I was a little kid. I have wanted to play pro ball for longer than I can remember and alway knew I wanted to do it in college. I did play basketball all through my childhood and through high school and I believe I was quite good at it, but it has always been baseball.
Who are some people that have had a positive impact on your career?
The people that have had the biggest positive impact on my baseball career are my parents. I owe so much to them for giving me all the opportunities to play the game I love, from bringing me all across the country to play and supporting me to get to college to play this game. My two brothers, Jack and Trey (Jack played baseball at Catholic University. Trey is incoming freshman at Lafayette College) have also had a huge impact on me. It was always helpful having a throwing partner and someone to talk baseball with on how we can get better. John Mangieri has been my pitching coach since I was 13 years old and I really don’t think I would be the pitcher today without him. I have been doing pitching lessons with him and played on his Storm travel team in high school. He has taught me so much about pitching and I am so grateful for everything he has done for me. He also helped me so much with college recruiting.
Most thrilling moment of your baseball career?
The most thrilling moment of my playing career has to be pitching in the Auburn Regional in 2023. I pitched game 2 against Samford after we upset Auburn in Game 1. I ended up throwing 8 innings with 8 Ks and only 2 ER and earned the win. It was such a cool moment and it advance us to the regional final, which we ended up losing to Southern Miss unfortunately.
Best baseball trip you’ve been on?
My favorite baseball trip I have been on was my sophomore year traveling to Texas A & M. We opened up against them and we took 2 out of 3 games. My freshman year, our season got cancelled because of COVID so this was my first real college game. I got to pitch there and it was just an awesome experience because we won.
Favorite TV Show and Movie?
TV Show: The Blacklist
Movie: Batman Begins
Favorite app on your phone?
X (Twitter)
Favorite restaurant on Long Island?
Gatsby’s Landing in Roslyn.
Favorite Vacation Spot?
Charleston, SC
Dream Car?
Porsche 911
