April 12, 2018
By Mandy Bell, GoPSUSports.com student staff writer
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Many college students struggle with the transition from high school to college because it is often their first experience away from home. For freshman Mason Mellott, his collegiate choice happened to be right in his back yard.
Mellott was born in State College at Mount Nittany Medical Center, which is just one mile away from Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The freshman pitcher grew up just five minutes away from campus and has had Penn State football and wrestling season tickets for as long as he can remember.
During his decision-making process, Mellott looked at schools like VCU and George Washington to continue his baseball career. With Penn State as his dream school though, it seemed to be a perfect match.
"I always thought about playing college baseball and Penn State was always the big school for me, but I didn't pick this school right away," Mellott said. "It was definitely in the conversation, but I looked other places and then my love for the school brought me back to here. It was an easy decision for me then."
Penn State head coach Rob Cooper can also recall his initial impression of Mellott.
"The thing that stuck out to me the most was he has this competitive nature that's very infectious," Cooper said. "He kind of pitched on the attack the entire time. You could tell that he enjoyed that. You could tell he enjoyed playing. He kind of had this personality out there that you're like, yeah, that's what you want when you see a guy pitch."
His childhood home may only be five minutes away, but Mellott opted to live on campus to get the full college experience. Being closer to home helped the freshman through some early college struggles.
"Having family around me all the times during the struggles I went through helped me cope a little better," Mellott said. "Obviously being used to the weather and everything that comes with being in the north and playing baseball I was used to, so I definitely think that helped me."
On top of transitioning to college, Mellott had to undergo yet another transformation, going from starter to reliever. While he may not have had much experience working in relief, he turned to a few veteran relievers on the team for advice.
"Nick Distasio [helped me]," Mellott said. "Marko [Boricich] has really helped me and Jake Pilewicz has helped me on how to come out of the bullpen and how to be a reliever. Like the mental side of it and what you have to do to prepare yourself to go into a bases loaded situation with no outs or something like that, to not freak out on the mound, and stay composed. Their experience has helped me learn and helped me have this early success."
Whatever the veterans shared with him, it worked. Mellott has the most appearances (13) out of the bullpen of anyone on the team. In his 19.1 innings this year, Mellott has posted a 3.72 ERA with three saves and 17 strikeouts.
For Mellott though, it's hard to pin-point why he has had so much success.
"I think just trusting myself, trusting the coaches, sticking to a plan and how I went out and pitched in high school. Just stay with the same mentality. Obviously players are a little better at this level, but I think just sticking to the same mentality and going out there and pitching with the same heart and my head in the right place has helped me get to where I am right now."
For Cooper, it's his ability to remain calm on the mound that has been the major reason for success.
"I think the biggest thing with Mason is he loves to pitch," Cooper said. "When he comes into a situation or he looks at making that jump from high school to college, he doesn't look at it the same way some other guys do, where it's a stressful deal. He keeps it real simple and so because of that, he has been able to have some success that maybe some other guys haven't been able to have yet, but they will."
Cooper is unsure whether Mellott will stay a reliever or transition back to a starter in his three years to come with the Nittany Lions. For now though, Mellott is enjoying his time in the new position.
"I do like the role," Mellott said. "It was definitely different to get used to because you have to warm up before the game and then kind of get your body ready and your mind ready late in the game. It's fun to come in with the pressure and the game on the line and obviously save the game for the team."