McCarroll 'Potential' Leads To Commitment With Central Connecticut State

Mason McCarroll LHP / OF / East Haven , CT / 2024

EAST HAVEN, Ct. - Less than two months after not pitching for more than a year, Mason McCarroll is a college commit.

“It was a weird process for me,” explained the 10th-rated 2024 left-handed pitcher in Connecticut. “I got Tommy John Surgery last year and was not able to pitch in front of anyone for a year.”

Finally able to pitch in October, 13 months after surgery, McCarroll took matters into his own hands.

“I put a video together and sent it out,” noted the East Haven High School senior, who initially chose five schools to receive the video, which was made after getting back on the mound. “A coach got back to me and said to give him a call. We talked a bit and set up an unofficial visit.”

An offer was presented and soon after the 158th-ranked 2024 in New England was a Central Connecticut State commit.

“I liked the fact that they were willing to take a chance on me and not see me play in a game and see only a little video,” McCarroll said of what stood out about Central, a university in New Britain located just 45 minutes from home. “He said he saw my potential.”

McCarroll, who did not hear back from the other four places he sent out video, also had an offer from Salem State in October before deciding on Central.

“It was a difficult process,” McCarroll admitted. “I didn’t have a lot of direction going in and had to figure it out on my own. It was tough under my circumstances not knowing where to go to college camps or showcases. A friend recommended emailing coaches and sending out video.”

The 17th-rated senior southpaw in New England, who also dealt with injuries his freshman year, had college interest prior to Tommy John.

“I went to PBR showcases which were good for me to get my numbers out and find areas I’m weaker in,” McCarroll noted. “They had trackman so I could see how that was working.”

When surgery was needed it was, admittedly, a difficult time.

“That was a challenge mentally,” McCarroll said of sitting out and not playing. “It was tough trying to stay in the right mindset and telling myself I have to keep working so when I come back I’ll be able to get recruited.”

Central Connecticut State saw promise in the 6-2 200-pounder.

“Coach said he’s a big fan of lefty pitchers,” McCarroll related. “He said he’s had success with them. He also liked my frame and my build. Knowing I’m coming off Tommy John Surgery, by the time I’m there he knows I’ll be up in velo and back in the swing of pitching.”

The idea of playing at the next level has been around for some time according to the 59th-ranked 2024 in Connecticut.

“I’ve always wanted to keep playing baseball for as long as I could,” McCarroll said. “I have no plans of stopping any time soon.”

But for a short period of time there was some doubt following surgery.

“I was getting down on myself, but I wasn’t thinking of quitting,” McCarroll reflected. “Maybe I thought about taking a step back and not taking it as seriously, but my coaches inspired me to stay at it and it will be fine.”

A strong work ethic is something McCarroll believes he can bring to the Northeast Conference program.

“I lead by example,” the 17-year-old said. “Go be a good representation with it.”

A 3.2 student with aspirations to go to PT school after earning a degree in exercise science, McCarroll was relieved to make a commitment before winter of senior year began.

“It’s a big weight off my shoulders, especially as tight as the window felt,” McCarroll said. “I finally have a place to play next year. It took a lot of stress off me.”

Just eight months from now, McCarroll will be starting freshman year of college.

“I’m looking forward to the independence, finally living on my own and taking accountability of myself,” McCarroll concluded. “It will also be great having high-level coaches helping train me.”