Testimonials
Testimonials
Alex Foltz, RHP, Chico (NAL):
My coach at school (Bridgewater VA) had known about the league and had previously sent three players to Jay where they eventually signed pro contracts. Going in not knowing anyone, I quickly got to know the coaches and the players whom further enhanced my knowledge of the game. In one outing I gave up nine earned runs—I still received plenty of help and encouragement from the people around me. My next start I threw a prefect game, the first in league history. With high hopes and help from Jay Acton, as well as the staff, I was able to pursue my dream and sign a pro contract with the St. George Roadrunnners of the Golden Baseball League. If you feel you have been overlooked after school and want to meet and play with great people, then the NYSL is a great opportunity. I would like to thanks the coaches, staff, and players for helping me to reach a higher level.
Sean Gregory, RHP, Long Island (ATL); Assistant Coach, Anna Maria:
For anyone who is not drafted or signed out of college, getting into
professional baseball is a tough road. Much of the time it is who you
know, or who has a connection. For the rest of us, it can be hundreds of
dollars at tryouts where you throw 25 pitches and have players there with
recommendations from somewhere else. The NYSL league gives players a
chance to show their talents for several weeks. The biggest difference between the NYSL
and almost every other pro placement option out there, is that Jay and his staff continue
to help players when they leave the league. Jay and Skip Nate have been a great help
for me in all my baseball decisions. In my two seasons since getting a pro chance,I have
seen many NYSL names come across managers' desks when looking to fill a roster spot.
Having the chance to play professionally has helped me land a job as a pitching instructor
and college pitching coach during the off season. I would recommend the NYSL to anyone, including my own college players.
Jon Kourie, OF, Washington (FL):
The New York State League is a great place for players who are talented, and determined to have a career in professional baseball. Playing in the NYSL was a great decision and is the reason I had the opportunity to sign a contract and continue a career in baseball. I have highly recommended this league to many close friends, and any other player looking for a way to make a door open.
Lou Bernardi, RHP, St. George (GBL):
After four years of college and not getting picked up I thought my career was over, until I heard about the New York State League. It was a great way to continue to play at a competitive level, and showcase my skills day in and day out. It is the best way to stay involved in the game and gave me the best possible opportunity to live my dream and play professional baseball. I give Jay Acton and the entire New York State League staff my highest recommendation for any player who wishes to continue their career, and achieve their goals in baseball.
Brad Jackson SS, Newark (Can-Am):
Without the help of Jay Acton and the NYSL my baseball career might have ended early. After attending a small university being undrafted my senior year, the NYSL gave me the opportunity to keep playing. I was honored by being named the league's MVP this year. I got two short stints on Can-Am and Frontier League rosters. But the NYSL has taught me one thing--I can play at the next level. Being a professional baseball player in the year 2011 is a twelve month proposition. I know I will be ready. I want to thank the NYSL staff and highly recommend that players interested in continuing their career give Jay a call.
Mike Castellano, 3B, St. George (GBL):
Wow, what a summer. I went to a small college near Scranton that most people had never never heard of. But I started hitting almost immediately in the NYSL and my defense steadily improved. By season's end I was on the All-Star team. And then contract was transferred to the Golden League where I hit over .350 the last three weeks of the season. If you went to D3 school where no scout saw you, the NYSL is where you want to be. Thanks for all your help, guys.
James Kukucka, RHP. NYSL Federals (Can-Am):
I can’t thank Jay and the coaching staff at the NYSL enough for providing me with the opportunity to keep putting on a uniform after I exhausted my collegiate eligibility. The NYSL allows undrafted, unsigned and overlooked players to keep working towards their dream of playing professional baseball. Jay and the coaching staff are committed to helping NYSL players sign a professional contract. After gaining experience and exposure playing in the NYSL against talented players from all over the country, I was able to sign a professional contract with the Quebec Capitales, join the team’s starting rotation and win a championship ring during my first season of pro ball.
Phil Cahill, C, Rockford (FL); Assistant Coach, Siena:
I had Tommy John surgery my junior year and rehabbed all preseason into my senior year. I struggled my whole senior year trying to get comfortable and not to overuse my arm. Most people would have given up at this point but I still wanted to play professional ball. When Jay saw me play he ignored my numbers, and listened to my story. Because of Jay’s careful consideration and dedication to this league, I got the chance to sign a professional contract and play in on a professional team. So far in the first couple years the NY State League has signed hundreds of players, as the League becomes more known I would expect even more players to be signed each year. Because of their experience that they have in this business I would definitely recommend the NY State League to anyone serious and committed to playing professional baseball.
Jimmer Kennedy, RHP, New Jersey (Can-Am):
Playing in the New York State League is easily one of the best decisions I have made in my life. Being out of college and unsigned, it is a very difficult road to get into professional baseball, especially without any help. I learned this quickly as I found out that many of the people whom I was counting to help me out, turned out to be little to no help at all. However, once I got into the NYSL, I could tell that it was different. It was very easy to see how committed Jay and the rest of the staff were to helping us players not only developing our skills, but also to helping us reach the next level. I knew right away that the that going to the NYSL was the right move and I trusted that everyone would help me get to where I wanted to be. My trust was rewarded shortly after the summer when I signed my first pro contract with the Gateway Grizzlies. I give the NYSL the highest recommendation because, if anyone finds themselves in a similar situation to mine, I can't think of a better way to get the help you need to keep moving forward and reach your goal of playing pro ball.
Will Hassett, RHP, Rockland (Can-Am):
Upon finishing my collegiate baseball career undrafted and unsigned, the New York State League gave me the opportunity to continue playing competitive baseball. The attitude was fun, yet serious; Jay and his staff are committed to help you become a better player. They do their absolute best to make you as marketable to professional teams as possible. The exposure attained from playing in the NYSL was no doubt a large part in helping me sign my first professional contract. The NYSL helped me realize that with hard work and a love for the game, good things can happen.
Dave Whigham, RHP, El Paso (AA):
The New York State League is an oustanding place to begin your quest to the major leagues. I cannot thank Jay, Nick, and Dave enough for their help and commitment in turning undrafted free agents like myself to promising and successful prospects. I remember going undrafted the summer following my senior year of college but thanks to the NYSL, I did not have to wait long to get back on the mound. Courtesy of the things I learned from both Nick and Dave, I was named a 2009 American Association All-Star and have thrown over 150 innings as a starting pitcher with the El Paso Diablos in the past two seasons. It was my first days in the league that I often reflect upon when I'm toeing the rubber to begin the game.
Kent Wright, C, Kalamazoo (FL):
The NYSL provided me with a competitive atmosphere where I could showcase
my talents in front of professional baseball personnel. The players were of a high caliber and the experience was an unforgettable one. New York in the summer time is a great environment for the professional baseball player.
Ryan Pembroke, INF, Trinidad (Pecos):
The NYSL is a great stepping stone for players who look to pursue playing Professional Baseball. If you are looking for a place to play I highly recommend the New York State League as a place to start off.
Jamie Quinn, C, LI Ducks (Atl); Assistant Coach, LIU:
The New York State League is the best way for the undrafted or unsigned player to begin his professional baseball career. Jay Acton, Scott Nathanson, and Nick Belmonte all helped me by giving me an opportunity to showcase my skills and play in the NYSL. The NYSL is by far the fastest developmental league to the professional ranks and gets my highest recommendation.