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 let’s 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: Harrison Cohen
High School: Cold Springs Harbor
Grad Year: 2017
Position: RHP
State Rank: No. 23
Commitment: George Washington

PBR: Let's start with your baseball commitment to George Washington University. Tell us about the process and how you decided on the Colonials? How excited are you to play in the A10?

Cohen: It all started when my travel team, the Body Armor Titans, went to a tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, in October 2015, where I started a game later in the week. Among other colleges in attendance, George Washington University was at this game. Coach Dave Lorber reached out to me a few weeks after the tournament was over. Coach Lorber asked me to forward him my schedule for my school season, and told me to stay in contact with him. GW watched me pitch many times over the first few weeks of my summer season and he invited me for a visit to see the school. Head Coach Gregg Ritchie told me about his philosophy of how to build and reinforce teamwork and player growth both on the field and in the classroom, which were parallel to my beliefs. After my visit, I felt that GW and I were a perfect match. I received an offer a couple days after the visit. After a lot of discussion with family, we accepted the offer for me to play at GW. I am very excited to be a Colonial and to play in the A10 conference against some of the best competition in the country.

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?

Cohen: I have learned that, if you want to succeed at anything, it takes time, effort, and hard work. In addition, over the years, I have played many positions on the field and came to appreciate that we win or lose as a team. All of this applies to baseball, school, and life.  

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

Cohen: Harrison Cohen is a pitcher with enormous intensity and focus. His mechanics are very deliberate and smooth.  He has the ability to repeat his delivery with ease.  He uses his lower body very well to drive through his windup and delivery, delivering a fastball that reaches into the low 90’s. He has good command over his fastball. His off-speed and breaking pitches have good movement and can be thrown for a strike. His slider is a natural pitch for him because of his delivery and arm-action. His drive as a pitcher and a team player will be an asset to any team.

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

Cohen: My strengths are my fastball, changeup, and slider.  I have the mindset that I can play against anyone and I have the intensity and mental toughness to beat anyone that steps into the batter’s box. Of course, there is always room for improvement and I also hope to enhance the movement and consistency on my curveball.

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

Cohen: My biggest baseball influence is my dad. From when I was 3 years old, he taught me how to throw and later how to long toss when I was 5. We would practice endlessly. He has been with me the whole process, encouraging me to play on travel teams, taking me to all of my tournaments, lessons, and supporting me. He is my role model as he pushes me to be my best, drives me to succeed on the field, in the classroom, and in life.

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

Cohen: I train throughout the week. If I am not working on my mechanics or arm strength, I am training, running, and stretching. In preparation for the spring, I resumed throwing bullpen sessions, after taking some time off from throwing. My goal is to increase my velocity and have greater command and consistency of my off-speed and breaking pitches. I long-toss often, lift weights, run, stretch, and exercise to get stronger and more flexible.  

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?

Cohen: I would like to be remembered as someone that never gave up and tried his best every day. I would also like to be remembered as a great teammate. Whether it is for college or professional baseball, I hope to be a role model for younger players and lead by example.

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