Tolis Improves Since Focusing On Pitching

Emmett Tolis RHP / 1B / Avon Old Farms, CT / 2020

AVON, Ct. - Two years ago Emmett Tolis decided to focus strictly on pitching. It may be the best move he has made when it comes to the game he loves.

“I’ve become significantly better at it,” explained Tolis, who previously was a two-way player as a pitcher and first baseman. “I like the idea of being in control of the game. It’s all on you. That can be a blessing and a curse. But you can leave the game with a sense of accomplishment more than at other positions.”

At 6-7, the right-handed junior from Avon Old Farms High School has been receiving interest from Division I schools in the northeast.

“The Future Games definitely cracked it open for me,” the 215-pounder said about his recruitment. “Prior to that it was just emails with coaches. But it gave me a boost to start getting on campuses.

“I did very well there. It was really a fun event for me. Getting to meet all the kids from Connecticut and getting to know them was special.”

Since then a visit to Holy Cross has taken place along with a camp at the Patriot League school located three hours from home for Tolis.

“I really liked the campus,” noted the 48th-ranked 2020 in New England, who has also been looking at Fairfield, Siena and Dartmouth with plans for visits in the near future. “I’m not into the big schools, so 3,000 (students at Holy Cross) is a good spot for me. They had an incredible athletic facility and l like what’s going on there with coach (Greg) DiCenzo.”

Recent improvement has helped the stock of Tolis rise.

“I’ve gotten a lot better with my slider,” the ninth-rated unsigned junior right-handed pitcher in New England pointed out. “My breaking ball six months ago was pretty underwhelming. But I’ve worked on my arm slot and it’s my best pitch. My velo has also improved. It was 81 six months ago and now it’s 83-84. What’s helped is shortening my arm circle.”

Tolis sees more improvement in his future.