Hofstra looks to build on success after Conference title in 2009

2/11/10

     HEMPSTEAD, NY - After winning the conference title in 2009, the Hofstra University Baseball Club advanced to their first ever NCBA World Series in Butler, PA. While the Pride were eliminated in game 3 after a tough loss to Virginia Commonwealth University, the 2009 season was absolutely looked at as an overall success. In 2010, the goal remains the same: win the conference title and advance to the World Series, this time taking the title home. A retooled roster and a much improved level of dedication will help make this goal a reality.

     The 2009 season was the third season in the history of the program and resulted in a World Series appearance; something many teams that have been around for a while have not achieved. This feat was even further gratified after their heartbreaking loss in 2008; a 10-4 defeat in the final game of the season that eliminated them from the playoffs. The Pride set out to make sure that didn't happen again the following year. Hofstra won six of their final seven conference games, including a three game sweep of first place UConn in the final week of the season to win their first ever conference title. Because of their success in 2009, Hofstra is currently ranked #4 in the NCBA Division II Preseason Top 15 Poll.

     In 2010, District II has a new look as it has been split into two divisions. District II North will feature four new teams (Fordham, Monroe, UPenn, and Boston University) while District II South will have a similar look as 2009 featuring Hofstra, Rider, NYU, Sacred Heart, Cabrini College and newcomer Northeastern. With the split, the winners of each division must now face off in a best of 3 playoff before advancing to the World Series. Head Coach Rich Fiore believes that the split of the conference and the addition of 5 new teams will in no doubt make the Pride's road to back to back World Series appearances much more difficult. "While winning the conference will be tougher, the expansion of the conference and addition of district playoffs is vital to the success of the conference and the league." said Fiore, "It adds another tier of postseason play and opportunities to face off against new opponents in very meaningful games. Even though we have a lot of newer, less experienced teams to Division II this year, there is a lot of talent out there and we are going to have to fight for every win to get back to where we want to be."

Pitching

     Despite their great success in conference play in 2009, the Pride's pitching staff was not one of its bright spots as it sported a very high 5.95 ERA for the season. Hofstra returns Sophomore Brian Adler (Westchester, NY) who had a very successful rookie season. Adler posted a 1.05 ERA with 3 of the biggest wins of the season against NYU, UConn, and Penn State. Also returning from 2009 is Sophomore Joey Comunale (Stamford, CT) who looks to rebound from a rocky 2009 where he went 0-3 with 7.37 ERA. Newcomers to the staff are rookies Tyler Weber (West Hills, CA), Adam Kearney (Shoreham, NY), and Ben Posner (Seaford, NY). Weber, a right hander, showed strong performances in the fall including a 7-4 win over NYU. Kearney, also a righty, joined the team late in the fall and did not post any appearances but will assume a large role in the rotation in 2010. Posner, a hard throwing lefthander who made 5 appearances in the fall, will likely see work out of the bullpen. Joining him in the bullpen will be hard thrower Mark Froehlich, who pitched four scoreless innings of relief in the fall.

Catching

     Senior Captain Sam Giese (Burlington, VT) returns behind the plate for his fourth straight year as starting catcher for the Pride. In 2008, Giese caught every inning of every conference game, handling a pitching staff that combined for a 2.99 ERA that season. He is Hofstra's all time leader in games played, games started, at bats, and put outs. Giese will also see time in the bullpen as he finished 2009 with a 0.53 ERA in six relief appearances. Joining him behind the plate in 2010 is freshman Greg Palazzo (Belmont, MA) and Chris Gheraldi. During the fall season, Palazzo hit .235 with 2 doubles and 4 RBI. Giese believes this adding depth behind the plate is key. "In the past it has been a strain physically to do the majority of the catching and I feel that it has without question taken a toll on my performance." said Giese, "Our entire team will benefit from our addition of Greg as not only will we always have fresh legs behind the plate, but we will always have a solid catcher out there. No matter who is calling the game, we'll always have a top notch receiver behind the dish." Defensively is where Palazzo really shines as he threw out 5 of 7 potential baserunners in 7 fall games.

Infield

     In 2010, Hofstra will likely sport its best infield yet, as it returns six players in Lenny Rutledge (Branchburg, NY), Matt Farra (Doylestown, PA), Mark Froehlich (Landenburg, PA), Jake Seelig (Ossining, NY), Jon Raimondo (Shorham, NY), and Chris Kalesavich (Derby, CT). Rutledge, a junior, will platoon between first and third base and provide power to the middle of the lineup. Rutledge hit a game tying home run in the bottom of the 7th in Game 1 of the 2009 Williamsport Warmup against Buffalo. Farra, a sophomore, will takes over for Greg Roll in the leadoff spot and provides an outstanding glove at shortstop. Froehlich, a junior, will see time at all infield positions in 2010. Seelig, a sophomore, will also add power to the middle of the order after hitting .342 with a team leading 16 RBI in 2009. Raimondo and Kalesavich will once again fight for the second base job in 2010. Both had phenomenal seasons in 2009 hitting a combined .370. They each homered in a fall doubleheader against NYU.

      The infield depth doesnt stop there as rookies Ian Conover (Glendale, CA), Ben Posner (Seaford, NY) and Brad Jones will also compete for time in the infield. With a total of 10 players capable of starting in the infield and only four starting spots, Team President Rich Meoli believes this is a good problem to have. "Having too much depth is always a good thing. We literally have five players who have a shot at starting at second base alone. While its going to be tough to get everyone playing time, having a lot of guys who can get the job done keeps pressure on everybody else to work hard, stay focused and perform."

Outfield

     Hofstra returns 3 outfielders from 2009 in sophomore Joe Elio (Seaford, NY), Aaron Richards (Hope Valley, RI), and Senior Captain Rich Meoli (East Meadow, NY). Elio will move from right to center and look to replace the stellar outfield defense of Greg Roll, who graduated in 2009. Richards comes off a great fall season where he hit .429 with 11 RBI and a game winning 2-run home run against Boston College. Meoli, a strong force in the middle of the lineup since 2007, will move back to the outfield after filling in at first base in 2009. Newcomer Mike Sorbara will see time at all outfield positions and add power to the lineup. Returning players Mike McArdle (Williston Park, NY), Farhan Husain (Manhattan, NY), Mark Froehlich, and Jon Raimondo will also battle it out for the outfield spots.

     Joining Fiore on the coaching staff is former Pride pitching phenom Tom Scopelitis who will serve as pitching coach. Scopelitis, the ace of the staff from 2007 to 2009, is Hofstra's all time leader in wins (9), innings pitched (81), strikeouts (92) and complete games (7). Scopelitis will be working with the young arms to teach them the ability to throw strikes consistently and efficiently. "Control is the name of the game." said Scopelitis, "Not only is it important to throw strikes consistently, but pitchers at this level also need to learn how to keep the ball out of the middle of the plate." In the fall of 2008, Scopelitis pitched a 2 hitter in Game 1 of the 2008 Williamsport Warmup to lead Hofstra to a 3-0 win over Pitt.

     Despite losing senior starters Greg Roll, Nick Carr and Tom Scopelitis, Fiore believes the Hofstra is still the team to beat in District II. "With the additions we've gotten, I think this team has an opportunity to be better than it was in 2009. Nobody should take anything for granted, however. If we work hard, stay focused, and fight for every single win, we'll be back in the World Series in 2010."

The Hofstra University Baseball Club will play its home games at University Field on Hofstra's North Campus (located next to the David S. Mack Sports Complex) and at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. Hofstra opens 2010 conference play on March 13 with a doubleheader against NYU. Home opener is tentatively scheduled for March 27, 2010 with a doubleheader against Northeastern University.

For more information on the 2010 season, please check out the following links

 2010 Schedule

2010 Roster

2010 District II Conference Page/Standings

NCBA Division II Preseason Top 15