Scialdone Fulfills College Baseball Dream At Maine

Drew Scialdone OF / LHP / Amesbury, MA / 2024

AMESBURY, Ma. - The desire to “stay local where I live” at a school that has a business major has been accomplished by Drew Scialdone with a commitment to Maine.

“I like the idea of playing for someone like coach Derba, who’s been around,” the Amesbury High School senior said about seventh-year Maine head coach Nick Derba. “That was a big factor in me going there. I like the school, the facilities, the campus and that they have what I want to major in.”

Interest from Maine in the 19th-ranked 2024 outfielder in Massachusetts began in the summer.

“I had a good year with Amesbury and Steve Lomasney was a great help throughout the whole process getting college coaches interested in me,” Scialdone said in reference to the program director of his travel team, Show New England 17U Showcase. “Once I met coach Derba in the beginning of August it was a no-brainer. They’ve been good the last few years and I like the school.

“He invited me to see the facilities, the school and the feel of what it might be like going there. I loved it. He’s a coach I’d want to play for.”

An offer came and a few weeks later the 250th-rated senior in New England made a commitment.

“I waited to finish my summer season and see what other schools were interested,” Scialdone reasoned.

His ability at the plate is what attracted Maine.

“They say I can hit,” the 17-year-old related. “As long as I continue to work hard and get better, stronger, faster they think I can help them and I’m excited to get started.”

Recent improvement was important in making an impression on college coaches.

“I’ve become a smarter hitter,” Scialdone said. “Putting up quality at-bats to help the team win, be it a walk, home run or moving a guy over, that’s what I’ve improved at the most. Of course getting stronger has helped, but understanding the strike zone and helping your team win is important.”

The prospect of playing at the next level developed just a few years ago.

“Baseball has always been my favorite sport,” the 34th-ranked 2024 outfielder in New England noted. “I started thinking about college baseball when I entered high school. I had a good sophomore year and once that happened I knew at that point college baseball was definitely what I wanted to do.”

The recruiting process went smoothly according to Scialdone.

“I felt I did all the right things, emailing, doing camps, going to PBR things,” the 5-10 170-pounder explained. “I started emailing schools I thought were interested in me and I went to a few camps that were good. Once I started communicating with schools, that’s when my recruitment picked up. This summer it really picked up and then I made the decision to go to Maine.”

Scialdone again credited Lomasney with playing a role.

“He coached me when I was 13 and again at 17U age,” Scialdone said. “He’s been awesome helping me improve as a hitter. He’s one of the reasons I’m the player I am today. He helped with college coaches and I thank him a lot.”

The end result of a commitment was “very relieving” according to the sixth rated player in the New England 2024 class to commit to Maine.

“It was a long drawn out process,” Scialdone related. “It was a lot of work which can be stressful, so it’s super exciting to have it over. D-I baseball is what I’ve wanted for a while. I love baseball and to go to a school like this, I love being in this position.”

Scialdone believes he can make an impact at the American East Conference university located three hours and 20 minutes from home.

“I’m someone that will help the team win whether it’s being a great defender or driving in runs,” Scialdone said. “Whatever it takes to help the team win I’ll do it anyway I can.”

There is a lot to look forward to for the 4.39 student.

“Being a student-athlete in college I think is going to be fun,” Scialdone concluded. “I’m excited for the access to the facilities they have and I plan to make the most of it.”