Marauder Baseball Signs Six to 2011-12 Class
12/8/2010 12:30:21 PM | Baseball
Millersville, Pa. - Head coach Jon Shehan and the Millersville baseball program has announced the signing of six players for the 2011-12 recruiting class. Included in the class are a shortstop, catcher, two left-handed pitchers and two right-handed pitchers.
The six are currently high school seniors and signed their letters of intent during the early signing period. The class includes: Larry Brittingham of Archbishop Wood, A.J. Koscelansky of Pope John Paul II, Brian Leon of Marple Newtown, Jim McDade of Holy Ghost Prep, Josh Mellon of Spring Ford and David Pine of Council Rock North.
The 2011 fall recruiting class is comprised of a group of individuals that we are proud to call Marauders," said Shehan. "Millersville University is an institution that takes pride in the performance of our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field. We expect each of these individuals to meet an ever rising standard for academics, character and athletic success."
All six players fill a need for Shehan's club. Pitching, especially left-handed arms are always a premium in the PSAC. Koscelansky will have an opportunity to take over for Ryan McCormick at short and Pine is a left-handed hitting catcher that will challenge Ryan Chesler and freshman Ryan Cannistraci.
"Our coaching staff has worked hard to put together a group of individuals that we feel meet the immediate needs of our club," said Shehan. "With the graduation of Ryan Stauffer and Forrest Mengle last spring, left-handed pitching was an area that we wanted to bolster immediately. After the loss of All-PSAC catcher Miles Gallagher, we also felt that signing a catcher was in our best interest.
"Looking forward to this spring, the graduation of former draft pick Derek Kline, as well as closer, Zach Eckley forced us to take a strong look at projectable right handed arms. Finally, McCormick, an All-PSAC player, will graduate this spring, leaving a void in the middle of our infield. The six individuals becoming Marauders are all strategic signees that have the opportunity to compete for playing time early in their careers due to graduation. Each signee is blessed with certain gifts that we hope will help our ball club compete for a division, conference and regional title. One of this class' best attributes is that their personal goals lineup with the goals of our program and the athletes that are already on the roster."
Shehan also believes that the players can make an impact because they come from winning programs.
"They are team-first players who have seen a great deal of success in their young careers from a win-loss standpoint," said Shehan. "The PSAC is a great conference—one rich in tradition and talent. At this point in time, every coach in the PSAC is working hard to bring in the best class that they can. It is a lot of fun to be a part of the PSAC right now. There are no easy conference games. In order for our program to take the next step within this conference, we need winning blood and this class brings just that."
LARRY BRITTINGHAM
Newtown/Archbishop Wood
RHP • 6-3 • R/R • 180
About Brittingham: Brittingham was a two-year starter for his high school squad and posted a 9-0 record during his senior season. He led his team to a District 12 Championship with a one-hit shutout. He struck out 45 and posted a 3.37 ERA in 43.2 innings of work. He was named All-Philadelphia Catholic League and Philadelphia Carpenter Cup Catholic League Team.
Academic Interest: Biology/Athletic Training
Shehan on Brittingham
"Larry won 20 games last year between high school and summer baseball. That is a feat that not many individuals can identify with. His frame is one that should not take too much time to mature physically, which could allow him to blossom into an excellent pitcher at our level. He is already a mid-80's guy and his arm action and body type leads us to believe that there is a lot more in the tank. Larry came from a very talented Big Leagues Academy team—one that produced four PSAC signees including future teammates Jimmy McDade and Dave Pine."
Brittingham on Millersville
"When I visited Millersville this fall, I was impressed by the baseball program and coaching staff, and by Millersville's reputation as a strong academic school. I got to spend time with Coach Shehan, Coach Preli, and some of the players. They made me feel welcomed and excited to play baseball for a great program."
Brittingham on His Goals
“I am looking forward to playing ball for a competitive team. I hope to make an immediate impact as a pitcher and help the team win the PSAC and advance to the Division II College World Series."
A.J. KOSCELANSKY
East Norriton/Pope John Paul II
SS • R/R • 6-0 • 160
About Koscelansky: Koscelansky is an outstanding all-around athlete that helped Kennedy Kenrick Catholic to back-to-back District II AA titles. He was named All-Philadelphia Catholic League Honorable Mention and All-Times Herald Second Team. He also gained extensive experience playing for outstanding summer teams including the All-Star Baseball Academy.
Academic Interest: Business Administration/Sports Marketing
Shehan on Koscelansky
"A.J. is a true middle infielder. Sometimes, we recruit middle guys because they are the best athletes on their high school teams. A.J. is not only a solid athlete, he is very clean middle infielder from a fundamental perspective. He has shortstop arm strength and understands how to use his feet—something that is rare in high school middle infielders. Most importantly, we see A.J. as one who will have the ability to eventually lead our infield. A.J. also developed into a very good hitter over the past year, although his offensive production is a bonus. He, too, played for All-Star Baseball Academy this summer and fall, starting at short stop on a team with three division one middle guys. A.J. will have the opportunity to compete for McCormick's job when he graduates this spring."
Koscelansky on Millersville
"I signed with Millersville because of the strength of the baseball program and the coaching staff's desire to develop the program to be a national competitor. I want to contribute to a program that is driven to be the best. I am also excited to be attending the University because of its academic reputation, its location in Lancaster County, and for the big university feel with small class sizes."
Koscelansky on His Goals
“I would like to play professional baseball, but first I would like to be a significant part of the team that wins the PSAC and plays in the Division II World Series."
BRIAN LEON
Broomall/Marple Newtown
LHP/1B • L/L • 5-11 • 180
About Leon: Leon is a rare, power lefty on the mound and a power-hitter at the plate. He was a two-time All-Central League pick and an All-Delco selection.
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Leon
"He's a true “two way” guy. He is a power left-handed arm, throwing in the mid to high 80's. Some reports have had him touch 90 mph. He has solid command and pitched for All-Star Baseball Academy this past summer. Brian also possesses potential middle of the lineup power at the plate. At the University of Delaware, he hit a home run over their scoreboard in a tournament game last summer. He could end up playing a corner position in the outfield or playing first base when he does not pitch. "
Leon on Millersville
"I signed because of its great baseball and the academic opportunities."
Leon on His Goals
“I want have a successful college career and win the PSAC Championship."
JIM McDADE
Newtown/Holy Ghost Prep
RHP • L/R • 6-5 • 190
About McDade: A two-time All-Bicentenial Athletic League selection, McDade has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. As a junior last season, he picked up seven victories and posted an ERA under 2.00.
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on McDade
"Jimmy is an excellent student, as well as pitcher. He is everything you look for physically in a pitcher—6-6 with broad shoulders and lots of room to add on his lower half. Jimmy throws in the mid 80's with two plus secondary pitches, making him a candidate as a starter early in his career. Jimmy and Larry (Brittingham) were Big Leagues Academy's one-two punch this past fall. McDade's breaking ball might be his biggest improvement—he really seemed to find it after a few recommendations from a well known scout in the area. Hopefully he continues to progress at the rate he did this past summer and fall."
McDade on Millersville
"I signed with Millersville because I felt it was a baseball program with great coaches where I could really develop as a pitcher and also win games and have a good shot at winning our league every year."
McDade on His Goals
“My baseball goals are to improve to my full potential and hopefully by the end of my career at Millersville to get drafted. My team goals are to compete to win the league every year and to have a shot at reaching the College World Series."
JOSH MELLON
Limerick/Spring Ford
LHP • L/L • 6-2 • 190
About Mellon: An honor roll student and 2009 Pennsylvania Cal Ripken Legacy Award winner, Mellon is a left-hander with good size. His father, Thomas, played baseball in college as well.
Academic Interest: Accouting/Finance
Shehan on Mellon
"Josh also pitched for All-Star Baseball Academy. He has a projectable pitching body—big, left handed and athletic. His fastball is already above average for Division II and his breaking ball has the potential to be an out pitch in our conference. With work on a third pitch, Josh will compete for a starting job early in his career. Josh's character was also a perfect match for the type of student athlete we are striving to recruit here at Millersville. He has a tremendous work ethic and is a great team guy.
Mellon on Millersville
"Millersville University was by far the best academic and athletic fit for me. The school has an exceptional business program, in addition to being one of the best academic learning environments in the state of Pennsylvania. As for sports, Coach Shehan and his staff at Millersville are making a mark as a team on the rise in Division II baseball. I am excited and proud to be getting an opportunity to be a part of the Marauder baseball program."
Mellon on His Goals
“I want to work hard and improve every year so I can be counted on to contribute to a successful team in any way that helps us win. The team goal starts with bringing a PSAC Baseball Championship back to Millersville while becoming stronger as a team."
DAVID PINE
Newtown/Council Rock North • Catcher
L/R • 5-9 • 175
About Pine: Pine brings a polished game from an outstanding baseball program. He hit .446 with a .551 on base percentage and 23 RBIs in 2010. He was named All-Suburban One Third Team and one of the Philadelphia Inquirer's Top-25 Catchers to Watch. With him behind the plate, Council Rock North won the District 1 title and Suburban One League in 2010.
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Pine
"David brings depth to our catching position, as well as a much needed left-handed bat. We had fits with the right-handed breaking ball at times last year, and left-handed hitting is a concern. Dave has some surprising pop for his size, and he can run too. He is a student of the game and has all of the intangibles that we look for in catchers. Being a compact catcher myself, I like smaller catchers. Like Cannistraci, he has advanced blocking and receiving skills. Every pitcher and pitching coach that we spoke to regarding Dave said that they are confident in him behind the plate, and I am confident that our pitching staff will feel the same way in years to come. One of the days that we evaluated Dave, he was five for five throwing out would-be base stealers. His throwing is just an added bonus. Pine will apply immediate pressure to our situation behind the dish."
Pine on Millersville
"The coaching staff is great, and I feel like I will really fit in with the team."
Pine on His Goals
“I want to be a four-year starter and go to the College World Series."
The six are currently high school seniors and signed their letters of intent during the early signing period. The class includes: Larry Brittingham of Archbishop Wood, A.J. Koscelansky of Pope John Paul II, Brian Leon of Marple Newtown, Jim McDade of Holy Ghost Prep, Josh Mellon of Spring Ford and David Pine of Council Rock North.
The 2011 fall recruiting class is comprised of a group of individuals that we are proud to call Marauders," said Shehan. "Millersville University is an institution that takes pride in the performance of our student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field. We expect each of these individuals to meet an ever rising standard for academics, character and athletic success."
All six players fill a need for Shehan's club. Pitching, especially left-handed arms are always a premium in the PSAC. Koscelansky will have an opportunity to take over for Ryan McCormick at short and Pine is a left-handed hitting catcher that will challenge Ryan Chesler and freshman Ryan Cannistraci.
"Our coaching staff has worked hard to put together a group of individuals that we feel meet the immediate needs of our club," said Shehan. "With the graduation of Ryan Stauffer and Forrest Mengle last spring, left-handed pitching was an area that we wanted to bolster immediately. After the loss of All-PSAC catcher Miles Gallagher, we also felt that signing a catcher was in our best interest.
"Looking forward to this spring, the graduation of former draft pick Derek Kline, as well as closer, Zach Eckley forced us to take a strong look at projectable right handed arms. Finally, McCormick, an All-PSAC player, will graduate this spring, leaving a void in the middle of our infield. The six individuals becoming Marauders are all strategic signees that have the opportunity to compete for playing time early in their careers due to graduation. Each signee is blessed with certain gifts that we hope will help our ball club compete for a division, conference and regional title. One of this class' best attributes is that their personal goals lineup with the goals of our program and the athletes that are already on the roster."
Shehan also believes that the players can make an impact because they come from winning programs.
"They are team-first players who have seen a great deal of success in their young careers from a win-loss standpoint," said Shehan. "The PSAC is a great conference—one rich in tradition and talent. At this point in time, every coach in the PSAC is working hard to bring in the best class that they can. It is a lot of fun to be a part of the PSAC right now. There are no easy conference games. In order for our program to take the next step within this conference, we need winning blood and this class brings just that."
Newtown/Archbishop Wood
RHP • 6-3 • R/R • 180
About Brittingham: Brittingham was a two-year starter for his high school squad and posted a 9-0 record during his senior season. He led his team to a District 12 Championship with a one-hit shutout. He struck out 45 and posted a 3.37 ERA in 43.2 innings of work. He was named All-Philadelphia Catholic League and Philadelphia Carpenter Cup Catholic League Team.
Academic Interest: Biology/Athletic Training
Shehan on Brittingham
"Larry won 20 games last year between high school and summer baseball. That is a feat that not many individuals can identify with. His frame is one that should not take too much time to mature physically, which could allow him to blossom into an excellent pitcher at our level. He is already a mid-80's guy and his arm action and body type leads us to believe that there is a lot more in the tank. Larry came from a very talented Big Leagues Academy team—one that produced four PSAC signees including future teammates Jimmy McDade and Dave Pine."
Brittingham on Millersville
"When I visited Millersville this fall, I was impressed by the baseball program and coaching staff, and by Millersville's reputation as a strong academic school. I got to spend time with Coach Shehan, Coach Preli, and some of the players. They made me feel welcomed and excited to play baseball for a great program."
Brittingham on His Goals
“I am looking forward to playing ball for a competitive team. I hope to make an immediate impact as a pitcher and help the team win the PSAC and advance to the Division II College World Series."
East Norriton/Pope John Paul II
SS • R/R • 6-0 • 160
About Koscelansky: Koscelansky is an outstanding all-around athlete that helped Kennedy Kenrick Catholic to back-to-back District II AA titles. He was named All-Philadelphia Catholic League Honorable Mention and All-Times Herald Second Team. He also gained extensive experience playing for outstanding summer teams including the All-Star Baseball Academy.
Academic Interest: Business Administration/Sports Marketing
Shehan on Koscelansky
"A.J. is a true middle infielder. Sometimes, we recruit middle guys because they are the best athletes on their high school teams. A.J. is not only a solid athlete, he is very clean middle infielder from a fundamental perspective. He has shortstop arm strength and understands how to use his feet—something that is rare in high school middle infielders. Most importantly, we see A.J. as one who will have the ability to eventually lead our infield. A.J. also developed into a very good hitter over the past year, although his offensive production is a bonus. He, too, played for All-Star Baseball Academy this summer and fall, starting at short stop on a team with three division one middle guys. A.J. will have the opportunity to compete for McCormick's job when he graduates this spring."
Koscelansky on Millersville
"I signed with Millersville because of the strength of the baseball program and the coaching staff's desire to develop the program to be a national competitor. I want to contribute to a program that is driven to be the best. I am also excited to be attending the University because of its academic reputation, its location in Lancaster County, and for the big university feel with small class sizes."
Koscelansky on His Goals
“I would like to play professional baseball, but first I would like to be a significant part of the team that wins the PSAC and plays in the Division II World Series."
Broomall/Marple Newtown
LHP/1B • L/L • 5-11 • 180
About Leon: Leon is a rare, power lefty on the mound and a power-hitter at the plate. He was a two-time All-Central League pick and an All-Delco selection.
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Leon
"He's a true “two way” guy. He is a power left-handed arm, throwing in the mid to high 80's. Some reports have had him touch 90 mph. He has solid command and pitched for All-Star Baseball Academy this past summer. Brian also possesses potential middle of the lineup power at the plate. At the University of Delaware, he hit a home run over their scoreboard in a tournament game last summer. He could end up playing a corner position in the outfield or playing first base when he does not pitch. "
Leon on Millersville
"I signed because of its great baseball and the academic opportunities."
Leon on His Goals
“I want have a successful college career and win the PSAC Championship."
JIM McDADE
Newtown/Holy Ghost Prep
RHP • L/R • 6-5 • 190
About McDade: A two-time All-Bicentenial Athletic League selection, McDade has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league. As a junior last season, he picked up seven victories and posted an ERA under 2.00.
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on McDade
"Jimmy is an excellent student, as well as pitcher. He is everything you look for physically in a pitcher—6-6 with broad shoulders and lots of room to add on his lower half. Jimmy throws in the mid 80's with two plus secondary pitches, making him a candidate as a starter early in his career. Jimmy and Larry (Brittingham) were Big Leagues Academy's one-two punch this past fall. McDade's breaking ball might be his biggest improvement—he really seemed to find it after a few recommendations from a well known scout in the area. Hopefully he continues to progress at the rate he did this past summer and fall."
McDade on Millersville
"I signed with Millersville because I felt it was a baseball program with great coaches where I could really develop as a pitcher and also win games and have a good shot at winning our league every year."
McDade on His Goals
“My baseball goals are to improve to my full potential and hopefully by the end of my career at Millersville to get drafted. My team goals are to compete to win the league every year and to have a shot at reaching the College World Series."
Limerick/Spring Ford
LHP • L/L • 6-2 • 190
About Mellon: An honor roll student and 2009 Pennsylvania Cal Ripken Legacy Award winner, Mellon is a left-hander with good size. His father, Thomas, played baseball in college as well.
Academic Interest: Accouting/Finance
Shehan on Mellon
"Josh also pitched for All-Star Baseball Academy. He has a projectable pitching body—big, left handed and athletic. His fastball is already above average for Division II and his breaking ball has the potential to be an out pitch in our conference. With work on a third pitch, Josh will compete for a starting job early in his career. Josh's character was also a perfect match for the type of student athlete we are striving to recruit here at Millersville. He has a tremendous work ethic and is a great team guy.
Mellon on Millersville
"Millersville University was by far the best academic and athletic fit for me. The school has an exceptional business program, in addition to being one of the best academic learning environments in the state of Pennsylvania. As for sports, Coach Shehan and his staff at Millersville are making a mark as a team on the rise in Division II baseball. I am excited and proud to be getting an opportunity to be a part of the Marauder baseball program."
Mellon on His Goals
“I want to work hard and improve every year so I can be counted on to contribute to a successful team in any way that helps us win. The team goal starts with bringing a PSAC Baseball Championship back to Millersville while becoming stronger as a team."
Newtown/Council Rock North • Catcher
L/R • 5-9 • 175
About Pine: Pine brings a polished game from an outstanding baseball program. He hit .446 with a .551 on base percentage and 23 RBIs in 2010. He was named All-Suburban One Third Team and one of the Philadelphia Inquirer's Top-25 Catchers to Watch. With him behind the plate, Council Rock North won the District 1 title and Suburban One League in 2010.
Academic Interest: Business
Shehan on Pine
"David brings depth to our catching position, as well as a much needed left-handed bat. We had fits with the right-handed breaking ball at times last year, and left-handed hitting is a concern. Dave has some surprising pop for his size, and he can run too. He is a student of the game and has all of the intangibles that we look for in catchers. Being a compact catcher myself, I like smaller catchers. Like Cannistraci, he has advanced blocking and receiving skills. Every pitcher and pitching coach that we spoke to regarding Dave said that they are confident in him behind the plate, and I am confident that our pitching staff will feel the same way in years to come. One of the days that we evaluated Dave, he was five for five throwing out would-be base stealers. His throwing is just an added bonus. Pine will apply immediate pressure to our situation behind the dish."
Pine on Millersville
"The coaching staff is great, and I feel like I will really fit in with the team."
Pine on His Goals
“I want to be a four-year starter and go to the College World Series."
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