Pittsburgh Baseball Signs Seven To National Letters of Intent
12/18/2001 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Pittsburgh Baseball Signs Seven To National Letters of Intent
12/18/2001
PITTSBURGH-University of Pittsburgh head baseball coach Joe Jordano has announced the signings of seven recruits to national letters of intent for the 2003 season. The signees include three pitchers, two infielders, one outfielder and one catcher.
"I am pleased with the players we signed," said Jordano. "We had a specific focus and we received commitments from all of the individuals we wanted. This recruiting class builds on the foundation we have established and will assist us in taking our program to the next level."
Brian Bircher (Steelton, Pa./Steelton-Highspire), a left-handed pitcher, is one of three transfers from Louisburg College (NC). At Louisburg, Bircher helped the Hurricanes to a 47-10 record as a freshman as he posted a 2-0 record and a 1.65 earned run average in 32.2 innings. Bircher held opposing batters to a .159 average and struck out 34 batters. As a senior at Steelton-Highspire, Bircher recorded 104 strikeouts in 61 innings.
A right-handed pitcher from nearby Moon Area High, Derek Blyzwick (Moon Township, Pa./Moon Area) registered an 8-2 varsity record with two saves in 52 innings. Blyzwick notched 85 strikeouts with a 2.00 ERA while leading the Tigers to their first Pennsylvania State Title in baseball. Blyzwick also was named all-conference and chosen as one of the Fabulous 22 in Western Pennsylvania as a quarterback.
Following an all-star high school career, Tom Cashman (East Amherst, N.Y., Williamsville North) led Erie Community College to a No. 4 ranking in the nation last season as a freshman. Cashman, an infielder, batted .425 with two home runs and 25 runs batted in for the Kats. At Williamsville North, Cashman was a first-team ECIC all-star as he batted .520 with five homers and 31 RBIs as a senior.
Ben Copeland (Bradford, Pa./Bradford Area) led Bradford to an 18-3 mark as a junior outfielder last year, the school's best-ever record. Copeland batted .397 in high school action and an amazing .651 in legion play, while being named the most valuable player in the East-West Legion all-star game. Copeland was also named a Big 30 all-star as a defensive back.
Nick Evangelista (Hamburg, Pa./Hamburg Area) is a right-handed pitcher who also is a transfer from Louisburg College (NC). Last season, Evangelista posted a 5-3 record in 52 innings with a 3.81 ERA for the Hurricanes, while pacing the squad with six saves. Evangelista was a three-sport standout in high school, being named all-state in baseball, basketball and golf.
Alex Rybczak (Rochester, N.Y./Gates-Chili), a catcher from Monroe Community College, batted .382 with 10 doubles and 33 RBIs for the Tribunes last season. Named a first-team All-Region III NJCAA Division I, Rybczak was also voted the defensive player of the year in the Northeastern Collegiate Baseball League this past summer while playing for the Watertown Wizards.
Mike Scanzano (Marlton, N.J./Lenape Regional), is an infielder and is the third transfer from Louisburg College (NC). Scanzano batted .288 for the Hurricanes last year with two home runs and 22 RBIs. At Lenape Regional, Scanzano was a four-time all-conference selection in baseball and a two-time all-state honoree.
