It was worth the wait.
St. Francis Prep baseball standout Sal Ferro didn’t have many Division I offers a few months ago, and was worried he’d never achieve his dream of playing college ball. That changed earlier this month when the lefthanded pitcher eagerly accepted an offer from Long Island University.
“Since I’m short, I don’t really look like I can throw it and I didn’t really get the offers I wanted,” Ferro said. “So when [Long Island University] offered, I knew I had to accept.”
Ferro had a dominant senior season with the Terriers this spring, racking up victories on the mound, but also making an impact in the batter’s box.
“They put me in the lineup and I ended up being one of the best hitters on the team,” he said. “When you hit well, you pitch well and everything just kind of fell together.”
Ferro’s confidence has grown even more in the past few weeks as he’s played summer ball for the Midville Dodgers. He tossed 21 innings in four games last month, winning two games — including a complete game — striking out 33 batters, giving up just five hits and only two earned runs.
“I’m just trying to throw strikes and try to gain some velocity before I go to college,” Ferro said. “Then I want to get into the weight room as much as I can. Every day, if I can.”
Ferro knew he’d found the program for him as soon as he stepped onto the Long Island University campus for his official visit, and he’s excited about the team he’ll join next year.
“They’re rebuilding right now,” Ferro said. “But last year they only had seven pitchers and they were able to win 22 games, so I know they can make it work,” Ferro said. “And two of those pitchers were actually primary outfielders, so if they could make it work like that, then I’m pretty confident in that group.”
Ferro was told he’d likely start in the bullpen — the Blackbirds need a lefthanded closer — but he’s optimistic that if he can rack up strikeouts the way he has in summer ball, he could get a chance to be a starter, something he’s been hoping for.
“I think I can help, for sure,” Ferro said. “I think we’re going to be good. Their hitting was great last year, but it was just the pitching that was a little weak and I can help that. I want to win a championship.”
