As we continue to shape-the-state here in New York, several different unique features will be available on our website. Player Spotlights, Progress Reports, Commitment Blogs, Scouting Blogs, Rankings and Top-Performer Lists, and so much more. Without the players we have nothing, so lets take this a bit more personal - Get To Know: Our new article feature that hones in on what our Empire State players are up to, what makes them tick, and some real-candid inside access...

Name: Demitri Murray
High School: Lansingburgh
Grad Year: 2017
Position: LHP
State Rank: No. 27
Commitment: Iona

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to Iona. Tell us about the process and how you decided on the Gaels? How excited are you to play in the Metro-Atlantic-Athletic-Conference?

Murray: Well I first did a little showcase at a facility up near I live & that's where I met Coach Schaefer from Iona College. After my bullpen he asked for my number and ever since then we had a strong relationship. He came up to about 5-6 bullpens before the season & then he came to 2 games. Then we set up a visit & that day I got the opportunity to play for a Division l program & couldn't be any more honored & humbled. All the hard work payed off. I'm excited about playing in the MAAC because I can always come back home to where I'm from when we play Siena.

PBR: Baseball has an unbelievable way of positively shaping young man on and off the field. Tell us one life-lesson you have picked up over the years playing the game, and how that life-lesson may impact you later in life?

Murray: I can say one life lesson I learned in playing baseball that can stick with me is to never give up on something that you want to succeed in so bad. That's something that you can take to anything not just on the baseball field.

PBR: If you were a baseball scout and just watched yourself play, what would that scouting report look like?

Murray: If I were a baseball scout & I was assessing myself I would definitely notice that my attitude is always positive & my passion for the game is unbelievable. Another thing I would notice is that I show no emotion on the mound, I want to make the hitters play my game & work around my pitches.

PBR: This one is for our strictly baseball-minded readers. Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses on the field.

Murray: One of my strengths on the field is definitely having excelled velocity at the high school. We don't really see too many pitchers who are in the mid to high 80s so it's a different look for teams. And one of my weaknesses is definitely being nervous when it comes to close games later in the innings, whether I'm pitching or not. Close games are very exciting & nerve wrecking so that's something I can work on.

PBR: You can only pick one, but who is your biggest baseball influence and why?

Murray: My biggest influence without a doubt would be my mother. She brought me to every practice, game, or lesson & is always supportive of me. When you have someone like that in your life who is that supportive of you play the sport for the 2 of you. So when I received my scholarship to Iona College I did it for both my mother & I. 

PBR: We are knee-deep into the off-season schedule. Tell us about your training, and spring preparation.

Murray: Well to start my off-season is full of the weight room, lessons, & band work. The weight room is just going to get me stronger & help me have that extra edge when I'm on the mound. I'm trying to get to 190-190 lbs & I'm 184 right now and already gained 9 lbs in the last 2 months so come spring time I think I can get it done. 

PBR: Anyone that plays the game with true passion hopes to leave their own legacy. Tell us how you want to be remembered for playing the game?

Murray: By the end of my baseball career I want everyone to remember me as a leader on & off the field. Someone who influenced people's life or someone who just made someone's day whether it's from saying good morning to someone or getting someone a coffee. Something little like that can make someone's day & change a whole mood.