Wednesday, August 8, 2007
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Head Baseball Coach Bill Sullivan announced his first recruits to commit to the program for 2007-08. |
Mercy College Baseball Announces Incoming Class for 2007-08
DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. - Mercy College Head Baseball Coach Bill Sullivan announced the signing of nine recruits to National Letters of Intent for 2007-08. Steve Campbell (Staten Island, NY), Stephen Marsar (Seaford, NY), Graig Lauricella (North Massapequa, NY), Alex Rodriguez (Miami, FL), Karl Ackerman (Montgomery, NY), Keith Kreig (Bronx, NY), Matt Walsh (Staten Island, NY), Steven Prieto (Miami, FL), and Mike Ferrante (Long Beach, NY) will all join the Mavericks beginning this fall.
"Recruiting these student-athletes has been such a pleasure," said Sullivan. "They all share our number one criteria of possessing solid character. As the class preceding them did, they will continue to build the firm foundation in which Mercy College baseball prides itself on. It is going to be such a joy to watch these individuals gel as teammates. I am very anxious for the fall season to begin."
Campbell, a 6-foot-2 first baseman, helped Tottenville High School to a PSAL Championship this year, batting .421 overall and .386 in league play. He was named Tottenville's Outstanding Student-Athlete and earned the Coaches Award. In 2006, Campbell batted .519 as his squad went 35-5 overall, including an undefeated mark of 18-0 in division play.
"We will look for Steve to make a splash as soon as he walks through the door," said Sullivan. "His offensive potential is such a bright spot in the future of the program. Once he gets experience under his belt he will be such a pleasure to watch."
A 5-foot-10 right-handed pitcher from Monsignor Pace High School in Opa Locka, Florida, Prieto helped the Spartans to a 21-4 overall record during his senior year and a spot in the district playoffs. He earned Second Honors for his work in the classroom and participated in golf for one year. Prieto currently plays his summer ball with the South Florida Elite.
"Steven is a strong and durable student-athlete," said Sullivan. "As his innings increase he will continue to progress in his development. Steven has the ability to get outs in big situations and want to continue to learn to pitch."
A 5-foot-11 right-handed pitcher, Marsar earned three varsity letters at Holy Trinity High School. During his high school career he served as a captain and earned the team's Coach's Award as a freshman. Marsar was also a First Honors student and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.
"Stephen is a true competitor who wants the ball in any given situation," said Sullivan. "He will bring some swagger to the pitching staff and will be given an opportunity to prove himself in a variety of roles. I can't wait to see him compete for us."
Lauricella is a 5-foot-10 left-handed outfielder out of Plainedge High School where he was a four-year varsity starter. During his career he earned numerous honors and awards, including a pair of All-County First Team selections and a pair of Team Most Valuable Player awards. In 2007, he was voted Conference A-2 Most Valuable Player, was a finalist for the Nassau Coaches Diamond Award, and was selected to the HIP Grand Slam Challenge All-Star Game after batting .426 with four home runs, 22 runs batted in, 18 stolen bases, a .568 on base percentage, and a .639 slugging percentage.
Lauricella holds school records for career hits (104), batting average (.400), stolen bases (64), walks (48), hit by pitch (17), and at bats (260). He was also a three-year varsity standout with the football team as a tailback and safety.
"Graig will be a spark offensively and he does everything well," said Sullivan. "His athletic ability is exactly what we need to compete day in and day out."
Rodriguez is 5-foot-9 utility player who contributed as an infielder, outfielder, and pitcher at Dade Christian High School in Miami, Florida. He was a four-year varsity letterwinner in high school, earning both All-Dade County Honorable Mention and Baseball Coaches Choice honors in 2006 and 2007. This past year he batted .361 with 24 stolen bases and 27 runs scored, while posting a 1.64 earned run average with 22 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings pitched. As a junior he batted .382 with 21 stolen bases, 31 runs scored and a 2.32 earned run average.
"Alex is a solid all around player that will help us in the field and on the mound," said Sullivan. "He has all the tools to be successful on the Division II level and should make an impact as a freshman."
Walsh is a 5-foot-10 outfielder/pitcher who earned three varsity letters at St. Peter's Boys High School in Staten Island. During his career he was a two-time Staten Island Advance All-Star, was an All-City selection, and led the league in stolen bases all three years. As a junior he batted .500, while helping his team to a CHSAA playoff appearance. Walsh followed up by winning the batting title with a .490 batting average as a senior and earned team Most Valuable Player honors. He was also 2-0 on the mound with a pair of saves and a 1.80 earned run average. Walsh was also a three-year varsity letterwinner with the hockey team as a defenseman.
"Matt is one of the best all around athletes I have ever seen," said Sullivan. "He loves the game and will make an impact for us right away."
Ferrante, a 5-foot-10 infielder from Long Beach High School (NY) earned All-League honors as a senior and was named his team's Most Valuable Player after posting a .400 batting average. During his sophomore and junior years he earned back-to-back All-League Honorable Mention honors and his squad's Coaches Award. He set single season school records for hits (30), doubles (6) and triples (4).
"Mike is the type of player who will compete every day for you," said Sullivan. "We love his versatility as he is capable of playing multiple positions."
A 6-foot right-handed pitcher, Ackerman earned two varsity letters at Valley Central High School (NY) where he posted a 6-2 record with a 3.00 earned run average. He also earned the S. John Marone Memorial Scholarship and the Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Weber Scholarship Award in 2007.
"Karl will provide us with quality depth coming out of the bullpen," said Sullivan. "He is a durable pitcher and he is always around the plate."
Kreig is a 6-foot-3 left-handed pitcher out of Mt. St. Michael Academy in the Bronx. He earned two varsity letters, helping his squad to back-to-back Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) playoff appearances. Kreig was a New York City Honorable Mention and CHSAA All-Star selection during his time at Mt. St. Michael. Last year, he notched three wins. Kreig was a Second Honors student and also competed for one year with the cross country team.
"Keith will compete in every appearance and as he gets stronger he will continue to improve," said Sullivan. "He has the ability to be either a starter or reliever and he is very coachable and eager to learn"
About Mercy College Athletics
Mercy College is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution and a member of the East Coast Conference (ECC). The College sponsors 15 men's and women's sports. To learn more about Mercy's Department of Athletics and Recreation, call (914) 674-7220 or visit http://www.mercyathletics.com/.
