Andrew Sarro. {954 Preps}
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas baseball team had a pair of state champions commit to play college baseball.
Left-handed pitcher Andrew Sarro committed to Eastern Florida State College.
“It feels incredible to commit,” Sarro said. “A lot of stress and worry is gone. I committed to EFSC because they have a very good pitching program, it is close to home, and I have friends and family on and around the campus.”
Sarro was born in Rhode Island and began playing baseball when he was three. He moved to Florida and mostly played with the Parkland Pokers. He transitioned to the Original Florida Pokers when he started at Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
The journey, though, has been anything but easy for Sarrow, who underwent Tommy John Surgery a year ago and missed his junior year and half of the summer. His team went on to win their fourth straight State Championship, while Sarro finished his recovery in July. He says he worked harder than ever to commit to EFSC four months after being cleared.
Sarro will be a nice addition to the Eagles this season, as he played on the junior varsity team as a freshman. He adds to an already stellar pitching rotation that features returnees Gio Rojas, Luke Cherry, Breylynn Courtney, Jonathan Rodriguez, and Payton Jay. In college, Sarro will join a team that won 25 games last season and had several players go on to be drafted in the MLB.
Jake Rizzo, the cousin of MLB star Anthony Rizzo, announced his commitment to Dayton University. He will also be joining former teammate Rylan Lujo.
Anthony and Jake Rizzo. {Courtesy}
Committing to Dayton is a dream come true,” Jake said. “Ever since I can remember, I dreamed of pursuing baseball and playing at the highest level possible. To finally commit is a feeling I will never forget. It’s a sense of relief and accomplishment.”
Jake started playing baseball when he was four and fell in love with it. He began competing in New Jersey and played on the Brick Surge and the Bulldogs from 10 to 14. After moving to Parkland, Jake started on the junior varsity team and then moved up to the varsity team and has been a part of two state championships. He also has played with the Parkland Pokers, Philadelphia Scout Team, and the Original Florida Pokers, where he won a BCS Championship with Sarro.
Jake said that when he went on his focal visit, he instantly felt wanted and that his choice was clear.
“I was brought in and taken care of like I was family,” Jake added. “Committing to Dayton was almost a no-brainer for me. The coaching staff couldn’t have been a better fit, along with the program and facilities. It felt like home.”
Still with two years left before graduating, Jake hopes to improve on the mental phase of the game.’
“Baseball is 90 percent mental, and your brain always needs training,” Jake said. “Negative thoughts can make or break you, so it is my job to make sure I never have any.”
When he graduates, Jake will play for a college team that went 33-22 and had a win over the number eight-ranked team in the country.
Jake Rizzo. {Vale Sandoval}
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