2020 Preview Guide

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2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Binghamton University

Mascot: Bearcats

Location: Binghamton, New York

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Jesse Weinberg, TJ Rullo

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 12-0  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: Conference Champion, 1-2 record during Division II World Series  Notables: Demitri Sanchez (P/3B), Stephen Smith (P), TJ Rullo (P/3B), Brandon Xhunga (2B, SS)

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 5-4 (First Year moved to D1)  Notables: Brandon Xhunga (2B/SS), Tak Miki (Util)

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): 22

Players to Watch: Stephen Smith (P), TJ Rullo (P/3B), Brandon Xhunga (2B/SS), Alex Rajovic (1B/OF)

New additions: Matt Walsh (OF), Albee Fanara (1B), Drew Schwartz (P), Jake Nicklas (P), Nick Dejewski (P), Paul McGee (OF), Ryan McGrath (P), Will Florio (SS)

Biggest Rival: New to D1 conference

Best Player Nickname: Pauly Walnuts- Paul Bevilacqua

2019-2020 Season Outlook: Post-Season baseball

Manager Quote: Although this will be our first season playing within Division I, Binghamton is looking to make an impact and show that we deserve to be here. With our talented and dedicated roster, we see no reason to expect anything but success when competing at the highest level of club baseball.

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Boston College Eagles

Mascot: Eagle

Location: Chestnut Hill, MA

Captain(s)/Coach(s): President: Marc Pietropaoli, Vice President: Kevin Haley

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 18-6  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: 6th in the nation  Notables: 3-0 in Regional Tournament (first ever regional championship), 1st ever World Series appearance

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 1-4  Notables: Kevin Haley's 9-inning, 13K, 1R pitching perforamnce in a win against Sacred Heart

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): 22 (30 total on team)

Players to Watch: Stephen Loreng (UTL), Marc Pietropaoli (CF), Kevin Haley (LHP), Zach Pessia (OF), Grady Dittmaier (RHP)

New additions: Josh Abel (LHP), Brett Thompson (3B/SS), John DeAngelis (RHP), Andrew Ko (LHP)

Biggest Rival: Penn State

Best Player Nickname: "T-Mobile" - Tom Moschella

2019-2020 Season Outlook: The Eagles are looking to bounce back from a tough fall and get back to the regional tournament to defend their title. We will get back 4 important players who were abroad the first semester.

Manager Quote: "We just want to keep improving and getting better each practice and game. We lost a lot talent, but re-loaded with some great new additions as well as returning players who are finally getting an opportunity to play extensive innings. We're looking forward to a successful spring and hopefully getting back to the regional tournemnt." - Marc Pietropaoli

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE Team Name: SUNY Brockport

Mascot: Golden Eagles

Location: Brockport, NY

Captain(s)/Coach(s): President/Head Coach- Brendan DiRago Vice President/Captain- Barton Bookmiller 3rd Base Coach- Carson Werner Statistician- John Stone Assistant Coach- Derrick Busch

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 15-11  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: Top 4 in the North Atlantic  Notables: Reached the playoffs for the first time as a D1 program (North Atlantic At-Large Bid)

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 4-4  Notables: Proved to be a recognized team in the conference. In conference play, we took 2 out of 3 against a tough Cornell team. Took home the Championship at the Butler County Classic for the 2nd straight year in a clean sweep against Bloomsburg in a 15 inning game, Cal (PA), Central Connecticut, and Cornell.

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): 10- Mikey Espinal 2nd Team All-Region

Players to Watch: Our young group of studs, Jacob Lajeunesse, Tom Standera, Michael Piscitelli, and Skyler Cain. Our dual threat Bill Witzigman and Ryan Johnson will be the dominant force on the mound. Mikey Espinal, Barton Bookmiller, and Brendan DiRago leading the way for our offense.

New additions: Tom Standera- Our newly found catcher replacing the iconic Dan Fratianni, our leadoff guy had a great fall. With a cannon behind the plate and a threat with his bat, Tom is a force to be reckoned with.

Biggest Rival: Any team in our way to get back to the playoffs.

Best Player Nickname: El Mejor

Mikey Espinal- Our starting second baseman brings nothing but positive energy and excitement on and off the field. His nickname speaks for itself after watching him do almost everything on the field.

2019-2020 Season Outlook: One play, one game at a time. Play for one another and get back to the playoffs.

Manager Quote: All or Nothing

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Drexel

Mascot: Dragons

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Coach: Tyler Wicker, President: Gregory Markowitz

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 19-9  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: NAR-East Conference Champions  Notables: Finished the season with a 10-5 record in conference. Led to the third consecutive year winning the NAR-East.

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 9-2  Notables: Swept Rutgers

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners):

• 23 returning players including: o 2nd team All-American RP Greg Markowitz o 1st Team All-Region SP Alex Karanjia o 2nd Team All-Region C Michael Melady o 2nd Team All-Region 2B Dane Barrick

Players to Watch: • Alex Karanjia • Nik Chiaradia • Michael Melady • Shane Metzger Steven Brown

New additions: • Sean Flanagan

• Andrew Ragni

• Ryan Hyman

Biggest Rival: Delaware

Best Player Nickname: Steven "Agent Red" Brown

2019-2020 Season Outlook: After winning the conference for the third straight year, the Dragons still couldn’t find a way into the World Series. In 2019-2020 the Dragons’ main goal is to reach the World Series. Taking things one step at a time, the immediate goal is to win the NAR-East for a fourth year in a row and solidify a spot in the regional playoffs. Last year’s cast was full of new additions. Drexel hopes the year of experience for younger guys will be the x-factor in pushing them over the top this year. There is still plenty of work to be done this spring, but the Dragons are off on the right foot going 5-0 in conference in the fall.

Manager Quote:

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Northeastern

Mascot: Huskies

Location: Boston, Massachusetts

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Arpit Agrawal, Matthew Andrade, Christopher Cioffi, Alex Demers

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON): ● 2018-2019 Season Record: 11-4 Conference, 13-6 Overall ● Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: 2nd in North Atlantic North ● Notables: Dan Giurini - North Atlantic All-region 1st team, Chris Cioffi and Alex Demers - North Atlantic All-region 2nd team, 6 homeruns, Conference leader in runs per game

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable) ● 2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 4-5 Conference, 8-5 Overall ● Notables: Connor Mullaly - 2.21 ERA

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): 20 - Chris Cioffi and Alex Demers - North Atlantic All-region 2nd team

Players to Watch: Jake Bichler, Alex Demers, Matt Kim

New additions: Ethan Chang - SS, Harry Rose - SP, Tim Robinson - P/C

Biggest Rival: Boston College Eagles - on the field and on Twitter

Best Player Nickname: Connor “The Hammer” Mullaly

2019-2020 Season Outlook: After finishing one of their strongest seasons at 11-4, the Huskies are back and hungrier than ever. Finishing with the same record as their rival BC, the Huskies failed to advance to their regional tournament on tiebreakers. This team is returning many starters and despite an injury- plagued first half, their best baseball is in front of them.

Manager Quote: “We need more fuel” “Hey, got any grapes?”

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Penn State

Mascot: Nittany Lions

Location: State College, PA

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Head Coach: Patrick Scheri; Assistants: Kevin Allen & Brandon Schwartz

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 17-7 (11-1)  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: North Atlantic West Conference Champion, North Atlantic Regional Runner-Up  Notables: Two 1st team All-Americans and four 1st team All-Regions.

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 3-3 (1-2 in conference)  Notables: Jack Carpenter named National Player of the Week against George Mason.

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): 17

Players to Watch: 2B/SS Ryan Giordani (1st Team All-American), P Tucker Triebold (1st Team All-American), 1B Zach Ripka (1st Team All-Region), OF Joe Picozzi (1st Team All-Region), OF Ben Davenport (3rd Team All-Region), P Ryan Logan (3rd Team All-Region)

New additions: Julio Aira, Marek D'Alonzo, Brett Steinle, Michael Forstmeier, Tyler Reinert

Biggest Rival: Pitt

Best Player Nickname: Jake "Rudy" Pasquale

2019-2020 Season Outlook: After losing to Boston College in the North Atlantic Regional Championship last year the Nitts return 17 players from the 2019 team. The experience and talent of a senior heavy core will hopefully aid the Nitts in their quest to return to Holly Springs. The addition of Suny Binghamton to the NAR West results in a very difficult conference schedule that will prove a great test. A slow start to

© 2000 National Club Baseball Association 850 Ridge Avenue Suite 301 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Office: (412) 321-8440 Fax: (412) 321-4088 conference play in the fall means that the Nitts will need to come out firing and have a very succesful spring in order to make the postseason. With this season being the last go around for many players, Penn State has a very driven team that hopes to make some noise in May.

Manager Quote: "Our team has 14 seniors and very high aspirations for this season. We need to treat every game like it's our last and take this season one game at a time. We have a very difficult conference and every series we play will be competitive. As a team we need to be uncommon. If we can be successful with the little things then there could be something special brewing in Happy Valley this year." - Pat "Skip" Scheri

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Pittsburgh Club Baseball

Mascot: Panthers

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Manager: Brett Wildfeuer Assistant Coaches: Rob Perkey Tyler Clark President: Zayne Zalich

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 16-11 Overall; 9-6 Conference  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: 3rd in Conference  Notables: 2018 Battle Creek Blast Runner-Up

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 6-3 Overall; 4-2 Conference  Notables: Leading NAR West entering spring

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): 16 1st Team All-Region Catcher, Nathaniel Luketich 2nd Team All-Region Outfielder, Michael Ricci

Players to Watch: All of them

New additions: Brian Chaballa, Caleb Harrison, Chris Casipit, Peyton Olinski, Roberto Alonso Tan IV, Ryan Kasye, Trevor Freyvogel, Zach Beckman

Biggest Rival: Penn State

Best Player Nickname: Goose, Teddy, Ricci Bobby

2019-2020 Season Outlook: After a recent absence from the regional tournament, this years team is excited to put the program back on track. With a revamped pitching staff and added offensive weapons, Pittsburgh Club Baseball looks to build on its 6-3 (4-2 conference) record in the fall. They have four series in the spring against Maryland (non-conference), SUNY Brockport, Slippery Rock, and Penn State. Their ultimate goal is to make noise in the consistently tough NAR West and get PCB back to the regional tournament.

Manager Quote: I am really excited for this season. This year's team showed a lot of promise in the fall with two conference series wins, along with other successful weekends. We have a ton of new contributors and a solid group of returners that bolster our lineup. This is a group of tightly-knit guys who are really hungry for success. With Florida and spring conference games in sight, I can't wait to get back onto the field and work toward a regional title.

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Sacred Heart University

Mascot: Pioneers

Location: Fairfield, CT

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Alex Faccenda (Head Coach), Christopher Donato (Captain), and David Esposito (Captain)

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 13-7  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: N/A  Notables: Six players named to North Atlantic regional team

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): Overall: 4-8 Confrence: 3-3  Notables:

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners):

Players to Watch: Seniors: Christopher Donato (1st Team All Region), David Esposito (3rd Team All Region), and Logan Larochelle Juniors: Bradley Zsampar (3rd Team All Region), Devon O'Brien, Max Morrill, Stefan Ayanian Sophomores: Patrick Kannaley (2nd Team All Region), Christopher Seebode, Heriberto Rodriguez

New additions: Nevin Gonzalez, Michael Molina, and Cj Wonsowicz

Biggest Rival: Boston College

Best Player Nickname: Papi

2019-2020 Season Outlook: The team is currently 4-8 overall with a 3-3 conference record. The Pioneers played two non-conference opponents in Delaware and Drexel. The Pioneers took 2 out of 3 from defending conference champions Boston College.

Manager Quote: Our focus for the spring is to play fundemnetally sounded baseball in hopes of making a late push at a conference title. I am very proud of the way the team battled in the fall. We will continue to work hard everyday with our mind set on making a postseason run.

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Saint Joseph's University

Mascot: Hawks

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Pat Kinneally and Zach Wyrick

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 9-11  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: N/A  Notables: 6-9 in conference, first year as D1 program

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 3-3 (2-2 in conference)  Notables:

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): Returning 20 total players, including 6 of 8 positional starters.

Players to Watch: Zach Wyrick, senior RF. Jimmy Haines, junior P. Anthony Franconeri, sophomore 1B. Pat Morelli, junior P.

New additions: Added 9 freshman and 2 sophomores

Biggest Rival: Temple (D2) and Delaware

Best Player Nickname: Gerardo Rivera, aka "Poopy Fingers"

2019-2020 Season Outlook: Looking for our first above .500 in season 2 at the D1 level. First series in the spring @ Delaware will be huge in determining our season. We feel we have the depth to compete with the best teams in our conference.

Manager Quote: "Our team is young but full of talent. These guys are ready to take the next step towards winning a Conference Championship"

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: Towson University

Mascot: Tigers

Location: John B. Schuerholz Baseball Complex

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Jake Torres, Mason All

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 6-11  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results:  Notables:

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 2-7  Notables:

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): 15

Players to Watch: Robert Herron, Nick Mallus, Jake Guy

New additions: Chris Hauser, Alex Cordon, JP Melby, Noah Rafsky, Bradley O'Neal, Dylan Juengert

Biggest Rival:

Best Player Nickname:

2019-2020 Season Outlook: Bounce back and finish with a winning record.

Manager Quote:

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: UAlbany Great Danes

Mascot: Great Dane

Location: Albany NY

Captain(s)/Coach(s): Daniel Mullane and Brian Wojnas

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON):  2018-2019 Season Record: 1-13  Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: Fifth Place; North Atlantic North  Notables: Justin Rabrich = All Conference, Danny Mullane = All American

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable)  2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 7-2 Conference, 10-3 overall  Notables: National and Conference Players EVERY WEEK

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): Justin Rabrich Rielly Fisher, Justin Betancourt, Chris Davignon

Players to Watch: Jasiah Greene, Chris Davignon, Justin Rabrich

New additions: Jasiah Greene, Ryan Lambert Vinnie Polini

Biggest Rival: Boston College

Best Player Nickname: Squints = Peter McGovern

2019-2020 Season Outlook: Bringing Home the National Championship

Manager Quote: After one win a season ago, the Great Danes are back with many returning player and a number of offseason additions could that have improved the team. Seeking the first Conference title in school history, the team has embraced the "worst to first story" and has that blue collar underdog mentality.

2020 PREVIEW GUIDE

Team Name: UConn Huskies

Mascot: Jonathan the Husky and Ranger the Border Collie Mix

Location: Storrs, Connecticut

Captain(s)/Coach(s): President Ryan Fisenne and Vice President/Coach Sean Del Gallo

2018-2019 Performance (LAST SEASON): ● 2018-2019 Season Record: 5-7 ● Final Conference Ranking/World Series Results: 5th Place North Atlantic Conference ● Notables: Coach Matt Milne played another phenomenal season for UConn Club Baseball securing an on-base percentage of .500 as our leadoff hitter, as well as providing exceptional defense behind the plate. Additionally, Mike Broccoli led the team on the bump securing team highs in wins, strikeouts, and games started. Mike was an exceptional athlete who consistently brought energy to compete with both on the field and in the dugout.

Fall 2019 Performance (Should it be applicable) ● 2019 Fall Record (NCBA Sanctioned Games Only): 4-4 ● Notables: New UConn Club Ball member Tom Myjak is currently leading the team with a .435 batting average and .581 on-base percentage! Mike Ciccarelli has also lead the team by example posting the same numbers along with the team lead in RBIs and stellar command calling games behind the plate. Lastly, new member Jack Molloy has been electric on the mound posting a 1.84 ERA through 14 1/3 innings, showing poise and innate confidence directly from the start. All members have been recipients of our honorary, team-voted Player of the Weekend Championship Belt.

Number of Returning Players (Include conference/league award winners): UConn Club Ball has 15 returning players including Anthony Capasso, NCBA National Player of the Week Ryan Fisenne, Gibson Harnett, Dom Shumilla, Fletch Suedmeier, James Pellerito, Jason Wilkerson, Luke Terrance, Matt Spang, Mike Ciccarelli, Sean Del Gallo, Tommy Benincaso, North Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Week Ty Reeves, Weston Jacey, and North Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Week Kuba Zakrzewicz.

Players to Watch: Players include Tom Myjak who is off to one of the most impressive offensive seasons in UConn Club Ball history, Wes Jacey with a breakout year at the plate posting a .438 average and .500 OBP, and Matt Spang who is a natural born leader entering his final semester with the team at full health and heart to drive this team into the playoffs.

New additions: This current UConn team has 10 new additions: Alex Kalentek, Ben Lodewick, Greg Kaufmann, Jack Molloy, Mike Rocchetti, Nick Cody, Teddy Criscuolo, Tom Myjak, Mike Connor, and Russell Krauss. The team lost 10 seniors last year from graduation, and these men have all filled enormous roles with excellent transition.

Biggest Rival: The biggest rival for UConn Club Baseball is Boston College. UConn has secured hard-fought wins in the first two games of the series against BC, showing perfect execution of the fundamentals of the game to move base runners on offense and prevent runs given up in the field on defense.

Best Player Nickname: UConn Club Baseball is not short on nicknames by any means. Nicknames include Russell “Big Head” Krauss, Teddy “Eyebrows” Criscuolo, Mike “Mikey Meatball” Ciccarelli, and Matt “Spang Me” Spang.

2019-2020 Season Outlook: The second half of the season is much anticipated for UConn Club Baseball. We plan to break our .500 record and send the seniors off with a winning record. The 10 new additions to the team have seamlessly bonded with the team, and they will only get better on and off the field. Additionally, we will begin the Spring Semester by volunteering our first four weekends to running baseball clinics at Stafford Little League. This season dubbed “Year of the Headband” will only pick up in the second half.

Manager Quote: “Hungry dogs run the fastest”