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Seton Hill University Announces 2014 Early Signing Class

November 22, 2013

 

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

http://athletics.setonhill.edu/images/topnav_logo.pngSeton Hill University head coach Marc Marrizzaldi has announced the 2014 early signing class for the Griffins. "We've obviously added two elite left-handed power bats that could make our lineup dangerous for the next four years. We've also added a front-line arm and depth in the infield. We didn't really recruit position specific during the early period, but rather just recruited who we thought were the best and most projectable players we saw, regardless of position. The common thread among all these guys is their make-up. They all have great character and work ethic and all compete relentlessly. They all embrace the high expectations we have to compete for a national championship."

Marizzaldi's philosophy on recruiting should be good news to those Class of 2014 prospects feeling that they were left out of the mix. He continued by saying, "We've always had a Late is Great approach with recruiting. We still have some needs to fill and will continue to do so through the winter and spring. We've established an outstanding foundation with this early period, but we know there are some late bloomers and high level players still out there."

Marizzaldi, recently named the Rotary Club of Pittsburgh's 2013 Collegiate Baseball Manager of the Year, had some advice for underclassmen beginning the recruiting process. He suggested that recruits, "Be realistic and conduct your search based on where you see yourself getting opportunities and having a great experience. Prioritize the tangible things that really matter to you and your family with a hard look at the quality of education and quality of your baseball experience. A lot of things beyond those two factors can be deceiving."

The Seton Hill staff have become well known for their hard work in the summer months and their ability to seemingly be everywhere. Marizzaldi continued his advice to recruits by saying, "The summer is huge. Prospects should identify events, leagues and showcases that will have the coaches of schools you are interested in attendance. The recruiting process works best when it is a two-way street. Reach out to coaches of the schools you are interested in and don't wait for everyone to chase you."

The hard work that the Seton Hill staff puts in on a year round basis was rewardd in their early signing class. Three of the four members of the class have attended multiple PBR events in Pennsylvania and Ohio in front of Seton Hill coaches.

Following is a look at each of the prospects in the class with a description of their abilities from Marizzaldi.


2014 early commits

Sam Vilk -               6'4"/225   Mentor HS (OH)                                   1B/3B

Vilk is one of the most prolific left-handed bats in Ohio and very athletic for his size. He has plus power and could develop into an elite D2 hitter.

Ryan Wardropper - 6'2"/200   Elizabeth Forward HS                        1B/3B

Wardropper has good speed and arm strength and exceptional athleticism for his size. He is a polished left-handed hitter with plus power that projects as an early middle-of-the-order bat for us.

Perry DellaValle -    6'0"/175   Brecksville Broadview Heights HS   RHP

DellaValle has seen a spike in velocity in recent months to the mid-to-high 80s with a swing and miss off speed arsenal. He creates tough angles on hitters and has the makeup to compete early in the PSAC.

Tom McCarthy -      5'10"/175  Baldwin HS                                         IF

Tom is the fourth McCarthy to join our program and brings good speed (6.9) with great athleticism. His bloodlines have given him advanced knowledge and work ethic that should allow him to compete right away for us.

           Sam Vilk Ryan Wardropper Perry DellaValle Tom McCarthy
                            Vilk                           Wardropper                     DellaValle                       McCarthy

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