Lafayette The Perfect Fit For Tramontana

CINCINNATI - Max Tramontana made a big decision a year ago and it paid off.

“I was a two-way for most of my life, but this past year is the first time I leaned toward pitching,” the senior from Moeller High School related. “I realized last year that I can make it the farthest in this game as a pitcher. I like pitching better, so it was good to be able to focus on that. I can get more done in the weight room working toward just that.”

Interest in the 65th-rated 2022 right-handed pitcher in the state heated up early this year.

“After I went to a PBR showcase in February I talked to a lot of schools that week,” Tramontana reflected about the Cincinnati Baseball Club Scout Day event. “That’s when recruitment took off for me. It slowed down in the spring, but the connections picked back up in the summer.”

A preference toward high-academic schools developed for the recently-turned 18-year-old, with Lafayette, Dartmouth and a few other Ivy League schools on the radar along with Akron from the Mid-American Conference.

“My whole life I’ve wanted to play college baseball,” Tramontana explained. “The first couple years of high school I was thinking smaller, maybe D-II schools, but then I saw some kids make velo jumps and thought if I really focused on pitching I could make it to the D-I level. It became a reality.”

A commitment with Lafayette brought with it a lot of excitement for the 6-2 175-pounder, who was a pitcher/shortstop before becoming a PO.

“I talked with a good amount of schools over the summer so I knew something would work out and I’d come to a final decision in August,” noted Tramontana, who pointed to tournaments in Georgia and Cincinnati as key exposure events. “After the year-end tournament with the Flames I got on the phone with (assistant) coach (Ryan) Ricci and talked about how he liked what he saw and that he wanted to get me on campus.”

A visit to the Patriot League school located in Easton, Pa., helped seal the deal.

“I like what I learned about the program,” Tramontana said. “I like the school and the campus. It’s a good fit for me, not only athletically but academically. I’m big on academics and have been talking to a number of high-academic schools.”

The coaches at Lafayette were impressed by the ability Tramontana showed on the mound.

“They like the way my fastball plays,” the Moeller senior said. “I get a lot of swings-and-misses on it. They also like that I’m not on my velo ceiling and I’m able to locate my offspeed and use it in whatever count.”

Going to school nine hours from home was another consideration before making a commitment.

“I’ve always wanted to be farther away from home.” Tramontana admitted. “I like where Lafayette is and think it will be a good experience being a little farther from home.”

Tramontana, who credits Kevin Hollabaugh at Pro Force with playing a major role in training the past five seasons, believes his recent improvement as a pitcher is just the beginning.

“By the time I get to college I’ll be a different pitcher than I am now,” pointed out the 4.52 student who plans to major in engineering at Lafayette. “I’m going to do everything I can to get my name to the highest level I can. I’m going to be someone who leads by example and helps teammates be the best they can be as well.”

Admittedly, a college commitment brings a sense of comfort.

“There’s a little bit of relief to know where I’m going to end up in college,” Tramontana concluded. “Now I can worry about getting better and spending my full focus on developing.”