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Mercyhurst University Announces 2014 Early Signing Class

November 26, 2013

By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

Joe Spano will begin his 15th season guiding the Mercyhurst University baseball program in 2014.  He has led Mercyhurst nine consecutive winning seasons-the longest string in school history. Spano has 426 wins as the Lakers head coach and coached seven players that have gone on to get drafted in his tenure.

Spano has announced the addition of five players that have signed an NLI during the early signing period. The class includes four prospects from the Class of 2014 and one junior college transfer. According to Spano, "We want to be able to pitch and play defense at a high level, and this class will help us to continue to do that. This class is strong academically which should also help us to compete in the classroom.

Speaking about the recruiting process, Spano stated, "Potential recruits need to work hard on the field and in the classroom. Try to get as much exposure as you can, and attend tournaments and showcases that will aid you in that effort."


2014 early commits

IF Austin Alonge (Wesfield HS, NY/ Mercyhurst Northeast CC)

Alonge had a solid freshman season at Mercyhurst NE CC. As the everyday 3B he hit .348 with 28 RBI, 30 runs scored and stole 14 bases.

RHP Andrew Ciolli (St. Ignatius HS, OH)

Ciolli is a 6-foot-5, 175-pound righty from one of the top high school programs in northeast Ohio. He sits in the low 80s with some run, but is likely to see significant gains in velocity as his frame matures. Ciolli is ranked No. 155 in the Ohio Class of 2014.

OF/IF/RHP Collin Fantaskey (Warren Area HS)

Fantaskey is a long strider that covers a lot of ground in the outfield. The 6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed hitter runs a 6.75 60-yard dash and has showcased a 90 mph arm from the outfield. Fantaskey is still developing his swing, but has displayed the potential for some gap power with a bat exit velocity of 91 mph. He has the athleticism and physical size to be a productive offensive performer at the next level. Fantaskey is ranked No. 95 in the PA Class of 2014.

LHP Matt Minnick (St. Francis HS, NY)

Minnick is a 6-foot-1, 205-pound lefty that has been a key member of the pitching staff for the Raiders. He plays travel baseball with the Academy Stars.

RHP Connor Ryan (Canisius HS, NY)

Ryan is a 6-foot, 185-pound righty that sits in the low to mid-80s. He plays travel baseball with Minnick as a member of the Academy Stars.

     
        Alonge                  Ciolli                Fantaskey             Minnick                   Ryan


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