PSUD Baseball Roster shaping up for 2015-16

Baseball Roster Shaping Up for start of new Era.

Penn State DuBois Head Baseball Coach Tom Calliari has put in some extra innings of his own in recent months, working overtime to recruit the greatest talent he can find to fill up his team roster.  The team will play a full schedule beginning in the spring of 2016, but will first offer a preview of things to come with a three game "Fall Ball" season starting on September 12, as PSUD squares off against Westmorland Community College at Showers Field.

"We have a lot of Multi-positional players," Calliari said.  In the fall of 2015, we will have an open competition for all players with intersquads, and six games for the coaching staff to evaluate and create roles for each player going into the spring season."

Calliari has completed some preliminary evaluations of the skills each of his recruits bring to the table during his scouting process.  He recently shared thoughts about each of his players, and his enthusiasm for the talent that will fill his dugout in the coming season.  The coach's thoughts on each player follows:

"Zac Walsh, a catcher, is a junior college transfer from Essex Community College in Maryland. He's a high character kid, and an experienced guy who will be able to mentor high school catchers and handle our pitching staff."

"Colton Treaster, a catcher and outfield from Penns Valley High School. He loves to compete. He's a versatile catcher who can catch and play the outfield."

"Josh Sorbero is a catcher from Clearfield.  He's a tough kid who is extremely hard working. A kind of player that makes everyone around him better because of his work ethic."

"Anthony Caruso is a first baseman and left handed pitcher. He's from South Williamsport and an extremely powerful left-handed hitter from a tradition rich area, who is considered one of the most feared hitters in District Four.  Anthony is also versatile enough to give us innings on the mound."

"Clayton Butler plays first base and has spent time on the pitcher's mound. He's from Central Mountain High School, and hit over 400 as a sophomore and Junior.  He was slowed his senior season due to a hamstring injury and saw limited action."

"Shelton Grace comes to us all the way from Konawaena High School in Hawaii He can play infield, outfield, and the mound.Shelton was recently names first team SS DII player in his conference. Shelton is extremely versatile and a very good leader. He has great hands as an infielder and is fast enough to play the OF.We are excited to add the Fly'n Hawaiin to PSU DuBois baseball."

"Brandon Gettig, of Bald Eagle Area High School is strong in the infield and outfield. Brandon is just received the prestigious Inspiring Athlete of the Year Award in Centre County.  He is a three sport star that will compete for a spot both in the infield and outfield. Brandon hit over 400 his senior year and is a very active member in his community and a top notch student.  We are very lucky to have this type of student athlete on the roster."

"Bryce Green has skills in both infield and outfield. He's from Bald Eagle High School and came to us from Penn State Altoona. Bryce is a transfer that will bring tremendous speed and athleticism to our roster.Very intelligent player who has experience and will make us a very strong defensive team.  We are very excited to get his versatility on our roster."

"Caleb Bennett, an infielder and a pitcher comes from St. Marys by way of Pitt Bradford. Caleb will bring a tremendous amount of knowledge, playing experience and leadership both on and off the field.  High Character guy.  He can play any infield position and is an extremely effective right-handed pitcher.  Caleb is currently playing in the New York Collegiate League which will allow him to develop and compete for an infield spot at PSU DuBois."

"Dylan Womer played for Bald Eagle Area and Alegheny Community College. He will be relied on as the ace of our pitching staff.  He is extremely talented and a lot of D2 schools wanted him.  We are very fortunate to get this caliber of a pitcher and kid on our roster.  He also will compete for a defensive position this fall because he will be one of the best athletes we have." 

"Dustin Zetwick, from Smethport High School is a big, strong kid that was the most productive player on his high school team. We are excited about developing this athletic kid into potentially a dominant right-handed pitcher."

 "Alassandro Marotto is a right handed pitcher from Karns City High School. He's a versatile kid who can do many things on the field. He can play anywhere and provide energy and toughness to our ball club."

"Cody Deans of Palmetto, Florida is an athletic outfielder with speed and a very strong arm. He played in the large school division which is extremely competitive and hit over 300 his senior season." 

"JJ Kitchen is strong in the outfield and infield. He played at Mount Lebanon and Garrett Community College. He's a born leader. He played a corner position at Garrett CC, and will be relied upon as a team leader. Tough kid who will compete offensively to be in the middle order. Hit 286 with a home run as a sophomore. Extremely tough and talented kid who is competitive and will hold everyone accountable."

"Noah Gordan of Westmont Hilltop is 6'7" and has a high ceiling in developing into very dominant pitcher.  We are excited to see him develop."

"Nick Mcghee from Central Mountain walked on at our showcase tryout for students on campus and was a nice surprise.  He is a 6'4 side arm pitcher who will give us flexibility out of the bullpen."

"Dom Kriner, a right-handed pitcher, will transfer after pitching at Pitt Johnstown.  He is coming off an injury, but will be rehab and be ready to impact the starting rotation in the spring.  He's very experienced and a team guy who will be competing as a starter.  Dom is a strike thrower and has a very effective breaking pitch that will help us compete for a conference title."

"Dan Bowman, from Central Cambria High School is another transfer from Shippensburg University. Dan will be relied upon to be one of our top starters on the mound and competing for a spot on the field. High character kid who wants to be a leader and compete for a starting spot. He also played for the Flood City Elite Travel Baseball organization.

"Todd Police, from Montour High School is an extremely skilled outfielder that can hit for power and track down balls defensively. He also will be competing for the closing role on the pitching staff."

"Garrett Brown, from DuBois High School, will bring an edge of toughness to our team that we will need.  He has been through many tough and critical games in all sports in his career. Those experiences will be very beneficial to us. Garrett's main focus will be wrestling but his presence and competitiveness will be invaluable."

"Thomas Plummer, a right-handed pitcher from Clarion High School is a tall, athletic kid with tremendous upside. Has a very strong arm and was named by the Courier Express to the Tri-County area team."

Recruiting for the new baseball season will continue over the summer.  Calliari explained, "We also have two other District 9 players that are very athletic and top notch kids. They are working extremely hard this summer in the classroom to be a part of our program. We will also be adding pitchers late and probably between semesters.

"My assistants Paul Hetrick. Christian Muth, and Dan Dennison have put a lot of work into this.

This first season is the foundation of the program for the future. You can't build it on sand; you have to build a strong foundation of character and dedication. I hope these guys appreciate this opportunity to look back and know they built something from the ground up."