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The 2010 Winter Training information is now available. A new format is in place focusing on the defensive workouts with college coaches and pro scouts. We have added a half hour to each of the workouts making them two hours long. The defensive workouts will again be held at Good Sports in Wall, NJ conveniently located only 1 mile off the Garden State Parkway off Exit 98, A hitting camp will replace the weekly hitting workouts. Again players will be able to train for $37 dollars an hour in the best turf facility along the shore. A credit card payment option has been added to this years camp. See all the camp information on the left side of the website. Enrollment will be limited and an early bird price will be honored prior to 11/15/09.
Clemente Plays The Waiting Game
Though Lou Clemente is yet to commit to a college his options remain open. Clemente an outfielder out of Roselle Catholic has had an amazing summer. Last year Clemente was a member of the Baseball U Terminators and this year was a member of the Baseball U Select and Prospects team.
While at the UVA Invitational Clemente hit two mammoth home runs. One of the home runs, with wood hit the top of a hill estimated at 400 feet. In the last inning his shot hit off the scoreboard in right field.
At the USA Labor Day Classic he carried a .700 batting average while gaining the attention of Baseball America during his demolition of top pitching from such teams as the Richmond Braves and ABD Bulldogs.
Clemente’s grades are on the rise and come spring time can benefit from not being an early sign. With many schools losing players to the draft Clemente can be a player that will benefit from someone else’s success as well as his own.
Till then Clemente will continue to put up big numbers and work hard on his school work. With 16 players drafted and over 60 players receiving scholarships over the past few years Clemente is right up there with the names of Dennhardt, Light, Mager and others that have went on to be amongst the top players in the northeast.
U HANGS WITH BASEBALLS BEST
Simply put it is the greatest show on dirt for amateur baseball. Baseball U playing under the banner of Mid Atlantic PG Orange proved it could play with the best teams in the country. The team had the lead or was tied in every game heading into the sixth inning that was named by one MLB scout as the “Death Bracket.”
The team lost their first game to the East Cobb Astros holding a 1-0 lead with two out in the last inning. The following day it entered the sixth inning 0-0 before giving up three unearned runs in the sixth and seventh innings. On day three in front of more than 100 MLB scouts and college coaches the team faced three pitchers who all threw over 90mph and lost 2-0. Steven Frey an unsigned left handed pitcher dominated the Royals scout team and gave up 0 unearned runs. In the teams last game the team finally broke the ice by defeating Bo Jacksons Elite. The Ontario Blue Jays on hand for the game were pulling hard for Baseball U as they needed a loss or tie by Bo Jackson Elite to win the bracket. The team held off a 3 run 7th inning comeback by Bo’s team and held on for the victory.
The event had well over 500 scouts in attendance and words cannot describe the electricity that is felt when participating in the event. We are glad to provide this opportunity to the players look forward to the event next year.
http://www.worldwoodbat.com/TournamentDetails.aspx?ID=383
U Makes Sweet 16 at WWBA Underclass World Championships
Over 150 college coaches from top conferences such as the SEC, ACC, Pac 10, Big East and many more were all on hand at the Perfect Game WWBA Underclass World Championships.
The Baseball U players took full advantage of the opportunity and did so by winning their pool by defeating the number one ranked Florida team by USSSA baseball in the West Florida Shockers.
Baseball U went 2-0-1 in bracket play. The team then started the 32 playoff field (100 teams) by facing the South Florida Bandits. Baseball U has never lost to the South Florida Bandits and the streak continued by defeating the Bandits by the score of 8-2. The U jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning and never was in any danger of losing at any time.
With the team playing back to back games in 90plus degree heat the Florida Mustangs the runner up in the 16U National Championships this past summer proved to be too much for the Baseball U team who made it to the final 16 for the 2nd time in three years. The U spotted the Mustangs 4 runs on two errors in the second inning and never regrouped.
With the team finishing tied for 9th in the tournament it became the team’s second best finish. In 2006 the team finished tied for 5th by losing to eventual tournament champions, East Cobb Braves.
For video and recap of the entire tournament you can visit the worldwoodbat website for more details.
Several schools have already inquired about many of the players and this group is about as solid as it will get in the northeast for the summer of 2010.
Matt Pirro a 2011 graduate pitcher out of Syracuse, New York has given his verbal commitment to Notre Dame. Other schools that were interested in Matt were, Seton Hall, St John’s, Siena, Virginia, Clemson, Rider, Binghamton and Wake Forest. We usually give a brief description of a player but in an email I received from Matt’s father Mike, I have decided to post a portion of his letter to me letting me know of the commitment. It makes me proud that we have an organization like Baseball U and be able to help students further their baseball and education in college.
“Its official - Matt committed to Notre Dame last night and is now part of the ND family. Notre Dame has too much to offer from academics to athletics. He will be set for life when he graduates. Baseball team has a 100 percent graduation rate. Even though these were all very good schools - it was in Matt's heart that Notre Dame is the place for him! We are ecstatic as a family to be part of this tradition and program.
We owe you special thanks for giving Matt the opportunity to play for the prestigious Baseball U program and for putting him in the settings to succeed!!! John-thank you for everything! Good luck in Jupiter and look forward to another Baseball U tourney!!” The Baseball U Family congratulates Matt and the Pirro Family on their commitment to Notre Dame.
Marc Linger a 2010 graduate from Cranford high school is the latest Baseball U player to verbal. His verbal commitment is to Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Appleton is also the host site for the Division III World Series.
While Baseball U takes pride in the players that attend the top baseball programs the organization places many high academic players in some of the best educational institutions in the country. Lawrence is one of the top educational schools that a student can attend.
Marc is a solid defensive catcher that has played on all level teams with Baseball U. While we try and expose our players to as many schools as possible, Marc did some leg work himself and the hard work in researching schools paid off.
In 2009 Marc did not play varsity at Cranford but exposed himself to various showcases and showcase tournaments with Baseball U. College coaches speak to me all the time and they stress how important travel summer baseball has become and this is never more evident than Marc's case.
The Baseball U family would like to congratulate Marc and the Linger family.
Rob Ferrara, of Fairfield, CT, recently gave his verbal commitment to attend Marist College. Ferrara, a catcher, came to Baseball U through Baseball U New England. He played in several showcase tournaments and chose to attend Marist on a scholarship over many schools. He is extremely excited about playing for the Red Foxes and hopes to help the baseball program maintain it’s dominance of the MAAC and make a run in the NCAA’s once again.
Kurt Marut has verbally committed to the UCONN Huskies of the Big East. Marut, a 6’4” pitcher from Wilton, CT chose UCONN over many other schools. Kurt also came to Baseball U via Baseball U New England. This is a great sign of the program’s success through expansion. Marut dominated many showcase tournaments from the mound and he is confident he can help the Huskies continue their climb in the Big East conference.
Phillip Gianakos a right handed pitcher from St Joes Metuchen has verbally committed to Temple University. Gianakos had many offers but felt confident in newly hired pitching coach, Chuck Ristano. Gianakos a member of Baseball U for the past two years has worked hard on improving his pitching and this year is showed. Last year was Pat Light and the year prior was Mike Dennhardt that got the big games for Baseball U. This year Phil pitched the bigger games for Baseball U and he performed at a very high level drawing attention and thus a nice scholarship to Temple.
The Baseball U would like to congratulate Phillip on his accomplishment.
Matthew Lengel a six foot four pitcher out of The Haverford School in Pennsylvania has verbally committed to Villanova University. Lengel a solid pro prospect was noticed pitching late in the season and invited to join the Prospects team. Though only a few miles away from Villanova, Lengel had not been seen by Villanova. The Baseball U Showcase provided Lengel the opportunity to throw for Villanova and was offered a scholarship on the spot. The six foot four lengal is also a start quarterback for his high school. We feel Lengal will be a name you will hear soon in the MLB draft.
The Baseball U Family would like to congratulate Matthew on his commitment to Villanova.
Colin Briant a six foot five pitcher who attends Allied Health and Science and plays his high school baseball for Manasquan High School has verbally committed to attend West Point. Colin had several top educational school interested including our nations other top military school Navy. West Point was recently ranked as the number one educational institution in the country edging out other top schools Harvard and Princeton. Education is a top priority with Colin and his hopes are to become a doctor.
On the field Colin has played with Baseball U for two seasons and pitched one of the better games for Baseball U down in East Cobb this past summer against ABD Bulldogs from California.
The entire Baseball U family wishes Colin all the best in his choice of schools and we thank him for wanting to serve our country and keep it safe.
Jake Gronsky has announced his verbal commitment to Monmouth University. Gronsky who came to Baseball U through a mutual friend in New Jersey Jackals hitting instructor, Kevin Wilson two years ago spent many hours on the road attending workouts and practices. His 3 hour drive each way from Danville, PA paid off with an outstanding scholarship to Monmouth. Jake had many offers from various top schools but really fell in love with the campus. Jake has worked hard on his defensive skills and committed only 6 errors the entire year. The entire Baseball U family would like to congratulate Jake on his accomplishment.
Brian Gilbert a 6' 1 pitcher from Toms River North High School has given his verbal commitment to Seton Hall University. Brian played last year with the Baseball U Terminators and then participated in the WWBA Underclass World Championships in Ft. Myers, Florida. While at the WWBA Championships he drew attention from the college coaches by dominating the eventual tournament champions, the Florida Prospects.
Brian feels confident in his decision and looks forward to playing under Coach Sheppard and working with Pitching Coach, Phil Cundari.
The Baseball U Family would like to congratulate Brian on his verbal commitment and we wish him the best of luck while at Seton Hall.
2008 Prospect Player Maron Starts Pro Career
Last year Camden Maron was concentrating on choosing a college and participating on the Baseball U Prospects team in the fall. Today Maron, a 34th round pick of the NY Mets, one of 8 Baseball U players taken in the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft is concentrating on working his way up the organizational ladder.
Camden is currently playing in the Gulf Coast Rookie League with the Mets. Pictured left is Camden catching left handed pitcher, Billy Wagner during a rehab assignment vs the Florida Marlins in Jupiter, Florida.
Baseball U wishes Camden the best of luck and hopes to have him speak to Baseball U players at this years winter workouts.
Eight U Players Selected In 2009 MLB Draft
The 2009 MLB Draft is in the books and Baseball U had a big part in it. A total of 8 Baseball U players were selected this year. Over the past 3 MLB Drafts that brings the total to an amazing 16 players selected.
In the 2nd round Steven Matz a 95mph left handed pitcher selected by the NY Mets. The 6'2 left handed pitcher has an electric fastball that has hit 95mph. Steven has signed a letter of intent to play at Coastal Carolina.
In the 19th round Mitch Clarke also nicknamed "Big Canada" by his U teamates was selected by the Cincinnati Reds. Clarke a left handed pitcher is a smooth pitcher with an explosive fastball and a late breaking curve. Clarke joined Baseball U in the fall and pitched in two games at the WWBA NE Qualifier and gave up no hits in 8 innings pitched.
In the 21st round, Joe Talerico a former Baseball U player was taken by the NY Yankees. Talerico an outfielder has great speed and plus arm from the outfield. He was selected this year out of Brookdale Community College. Talerico started his collegiate career at Seton Hall but wanted the opportunity to be drafted as a sophomore in college rather than waiting till his junior year.
In my opinion the best pitcher that has ever pitched for Baseball U, Pat Light was selected by the Minnestota Twins in the 28th Round. The 6'5 right handed pitcher has plenty of upside and has natural movement on his fastball that makes him effective even when he does not have his best velocity. Pat has chosen to attend Monmouth University on a full scholarship.
In the 34th Round Camden Maron a left handed hitting catcher was selected by the NY Mets. Camden was a member of the Prospect team and was found at the NABF World Series while playing in the summer championships.
Fabian Roman a right handed pitcher from Marist High School in New Jersey was selected in the 36th round by the Kansas City Royals. Roman's velocity increased as the year went on and hit as high as 93mph last fall with a plus breaking ball.
In the 42nd round, Chris Zagyi was selected by the Chicago White Sox. Zagy a 6'5 right handed pitcher was a member of the first Baseball U team back in the summer of 2006.
The Kansas City Royals again selected another member in Anthony Howard in the 47th round. Howard is a left handed hitting outfielder with power and good speed. Howard was another member of the Prospect team.
The Baseball U family would like to congratulate all of the players and families of the selected players.
U Players Ranked By Perfect Game State / National Rankings
| Grad Year |
Player |
Position |
PG State Ranking |
PG National Ranking |
| 2009 |
Steven Matz |
LHP |
NY 1 |
50 |
| 2009 |
Fabian Roman |
RHP |
NJ 11 |
279 |
| 2009 |
Jim Stokes |
RHP |
PA 10 |
306 |
| 2009 |
Anthony Howard |
OF |
MD 2 |
313 |
| 2009 |
Dan Avella |
3B |
NJ 10 |
272 |
| 2009 |
Pat Light |
RHP |
NJ 18 |
399 |
| 2009 |
Kevin Needham |
RHP |
NJ 24 |
634 |
| 2009 |
Ryan Harvey |
RHP |
NJ 25 |
635 |
| 2009 |
Brian Schroeder |
C |
NJ 26 |
653 |
| 2009 |
Joseph Akel |
RHP |
NY 16 |
764 |
| 2009 |
Gavin Black |
LHP |
NY 24 |
1054 |
| 2009 |
Chris O'Hare |
LHP |
MA 16 |
930 |
| 2009 |
Bradley Runowicz |
1B |
CT 8 |
936 |
| 2009 |
Robert Smorol |
LHP |
NJ 37 |
1241 |
| 2009 |
Chris Oujo |
RHP |
NJ 51 |
1694 |
| 2010 |
Robert Aviles |
RHP |
NY 1 |
11 |
| 2010 |
Michael Bradshaw |
RHP |
NY 2 |
103 |
| 2010 |
Brian Gilbert |
RHP |
NJ 5 |
255 |
| 2010 |
Ryan Jacobs |
SS/2B |
CT 2 |
378 |
CLASS OF 2009 SIGNINGS
Baseball U has built a reputation of having quality players perform at a high level. This year is no different with 20 players giving written commitments and many more to come. In no way does Baseball U take sole credit for any of the players that have given their written commitment. It is a combination of hard work from the player as well as a commitment from both the player and parents. Baseball U is proud to announce the players that have worn The U and congratulate them on their accomplishment. To visit a schools website just click on the name of the college and you will be brought to the baseball webpage.
Baseball U Players Drafted
Baseball U has thus far been involved in two Major League Baseball drafts. In those two years eight players have been drafted. Listed below are the teams they have been drafted by along with the year.
| 2007 |
|
| Sean Giblin |
Pittsburgh Pirates |
| JC Menna |
Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Kyle Slate |
Philadelphia Phillies |
| 2008 |
|
| Mike Dennhardt |
Seattle Mariners |
| Keith Landers |
Baltimore Orioles |
| Richard O'Donald |
Seattle Mariners |
| Scott McGough |
Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Sean Nolin |
Milwaulke Brewers |
| 
