Change Of Plans Has Hartley Headed To Marist

CROMWELL, Ct. - A post graduate year was in the plans for Tyler Hartley. That is … until Marist changed his mind.

“I was originally set on a prep year but when I visited on Jan. 15 they brought up the idea of going this year instead of next year,” Hartley reflected about a visit to the university in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. “A couple of days later they sent me an offer. I was pretty surprised. I didn’t think they would have any space left, especially this late.”

So instead of being a 2023, Hartley is now a 2022 commit to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference university located 90 minutes from his home in Connecticut.

“They said based on my progression they thought I’d be able to play my freshman year spring,” the 52nd-rated senior right-handed pitcher in New England said. “If not, they said they’ll redshirt me, depending on how I did in the fall.”

One trait stood out to Marist about his pitching.

“I locate,” Hartley pointed out. “The feedback I got from them is that they like that I throw a lot of strikes. I also hit 91 with my velo, so I’m improving there a lot. I hit 90 for the first time two weeks before I visited.”

It has helped bring up a change of plans for the immediate future, with college now starting in the fall.

“I really wasn’t seriously talking to anyone, I was just getting into the recruiting process as a 2023, but then they brought up the idea of making room for me as a 2022,” Hartley explained. “I was looking to post grad. At the time I thought it was the right thing to do, especially with Covid and rosters backed up. Plus, last spring I was injured with a sprained UCL and missed about a month during high school season.”

Still, the 189th-ranked New England senior was not discouraged by the injury or lack of interest.

“I’m a late bloomer as far as velocity,” Hartley rationalized. “I’ve always been a locate guy. But then I was topping at 88 at the end of fall and that started things going. Then I got to 90.”

And the aspiration of playing at the next level was becoming realistic.

“Ever since Little League I’ve really wanted to play college baseball,” Hartley said. “It’s always been a dream of mine and I’m fortunate to be able to achieve it.”

Even so, it did not come easily.

“I didn’t really know much about it, I guess I expected it to be a little easier than it was,” the Xavier High School senior admitted. “It pushed me to keep working hard and eventually I got where I am.”

Three PBR events showed the progress made by the 6-2 175-pounder.

“In the summer of 2020 I was up to 78, in November 2020 I was up to 79-80 and I jumped from that to 86 in March of 2021,” Hartley related. “That’s when everything started to pick up.”

The plan now is more improvement.

“I’ve just got to get a lot bigger and stronger,” the 17-year-old said. “I’ve been working out consistently. Once I get my meal plan and workout plan from Marisits that will just improve my game more.”

Business or marketing will be the major for Hartley, who carries a 3.8 GPA while looking ahead with anticipation to his days ahead at Marist.

“I’m looking forward to being part of a new team and a new environment at a college where you’re traveling and doing all that fun stuff,” Hartley said. “It’s relieving to get the decision over but obviously exciting. I found a place that fits me well. But it’s not over, I still have to keep putting in the work.”