Collado Looks To Be 'Cornerstone Guy' At Marist

STRATFORD, Ct. - The ability to compete with older players gave Joel Collado confidence that college baseball would be in his future. It has become a reality for the Notre Dame Catholic High School junior after a commitment with Marist.

“I started talking to Marist a little over a month ago,” the 13th-rated 2023 catcher in New England related. “They saw me play at the Boston Open and saw videos of me at the Future Games.”

The coaches at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference school came away impressed with what the 16-year-old from Stratford showed.

“They really love that I’m a leader out there,” Collado explained. “They see me as a cornerstone guy. I’m very advanced behind the plate and with the bat as well.”

NJIT offered the same week as Marist, but Collado, who also had interest from Rhode Island, Maine and Stony Brook, found Marist the perfect fit.

“I really love their campus and I love the things they’re doing there,” Collado noted. “It’s a great program for hitting and I had good connections with the coaches. They answered all my questions, which was very important. I feel they’re the best for me when it comes to development over the next four years.”

The fifth-rated 2023 catcher from Connecticut began to believe college baseball would happen for him when he started playing 18U baseball as a 14-year-old.

“I got a taste for advanced-level baseball and it made me see I could compete at that level,” Collado pointed out. “It had its ups and downs, but I always played up. It can be very humbling, but it let me know where I stood and I started putting in the time and effort. I became a better player mentally and physically because of it.”

The recruiting process also had some difficulties along the way.

“It was pretty tough to begin with,” Collado explained. “There were a lot of Division I looks and communication with coaches, but no offers. It was pretty inconsistent. I was really anxious during the summer to find the right program for me.

“But on the other hand it was great to talk to all the coaches and learn about their programs and how they all run things differently.”

Collado also pointed to the help given by PBR throughout the process with playing a vital role.

“PBR was probably the biggest factor in getting my name out there,” Collado said. “My first showcase came freshman year and after that I just kept pushing. I went to the Procase my sophomore year and the Future Games last summer topped it off.

“I will never have another experience like the Future Games,’ continued Collado, who was also grateful for all the videos put out by PBR. “The players were great and my teammates are brothers to this day. We still meet up and work out. The coaches gave me a lot of advice I hadn’t heard before and I still carry that into my games today.”

Others also benefited Collado along the way.

“Michael Moras has been a huge part of my life as a coach and mentor,” Collado noted. “Whether it’s on or off the field he is always there for me and has helped me a ton over the years.

“Garrett Walker is my hitting/head coach for my Grind team and has been a huge factor of my game as well. Connor David is my trainer and is another great mentor to me. I could not thank him enough for helping me in the weight room and being a part of my development.”

A 3.4 student planning on a major in business, the 6-0 185-pounder feels he can make a difference at Marist.

“I know that I’ll make a huge impact my freshman year as a leader on and off the field,” Collado said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win, that’s my number one priority. I’ll be the guy they’re looking for to bring them that MAAC championship.”

For Collado, there is nothing like being behind the plate.

“I’ve been a catcher ever since I started playing baseball,” Collado said. “I saw my cousin catch in high school and college. It’s an art back there. I love being a leader. The connections you can have to build every player is truly special.”

The opportunity to play ball at the next level is also special for Collado.

“After that phone call there was a lot of stress relief,” Collado reflected. “It was a big moment for me and my family. I’d always dreamed of playing D-I baseball and to have it come true is exciting. But there is still work to be done.”