Maine Baseball Announces 2014 Commitments
11/21/2013 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
ORONO, Maine-- University of Maine head baseball coach Steve Trimper announced today that his program has received 10 commitments for the class of 2014. This class adds some extremely talented student-athlete who will have an impact on the Black Bears both immediately and for years to come.
"The 2014 class will undoubtedly help to continue a strong tradition of quality student-athlete to succeed in the classroom and on the playing field. We are excited and pleased to add a blue chip group to carry on the tradition of high standards of all former Black Bears," said Maine head coach Trimper. "Coach Spaulding and Coach Derba tirelessly recruited this summer and found a very good group of recruits. These new additions to the UMaine baseball family will make our supporters, fans and administration proud that they are wearing the blue and white for years to come. These young men will ensure that we are well equipped to continue to compete in the America East and within the NCAA for championships in the years to come."
John Arel 6'-7", 270 pounds, RHP, Northwest Catholic High School, Burlington, Conn.
"John is a tremendous talent, and has a very high ceiling," said Trimper "As he continues to develop both mentally and physically, he has the chance to be a top pitcher in our conference."
First Team All-Conference 2013 under Coach Cory Carlson... Connecticut Junior Select All-Star team 2013... North East Baseball Classic - MVP of Tournament 2013... Northwest Catholic High School Conference Champions 2012... Northwest Catholic High School - Varsity starter 2011, 2012, 2013... Perfect game ranked Number Five prospect in state of Connecticut and top 500 nationally ranked players.
Bobby Brennan – 5'9", 175 pounds, MIF, Bishop Verot High School, Ft. Myers, Fla.
"Bobby is that gritty, tenacious player on both the defensive and offensive side," said Trimper. "With our current team graduating so many senior infielders, I look for him to make an instant contribution as a middle infielder. He plays at one of the best high schools in the country, along with a great summer program. I am impressed with his hustle and experience at such a young age."
Four year varsity player for Bishop Verot High School under Coach David Nelson.... Team captain as a Junior... Selected Under-Armour Pre-season All American... 2013 All Area Team... Perfect Game top prospect... Perfect Game national rank 242... Hit .714 in Perfect Game World Wood Bat Championship in Jupiter Florida.
Ivan Clough – 5'-11", 175 pounds, RHP, Conval Regional School, Dublin, N.H.
"Ivan is a right-handed pitcher that will not only power the ball by you, but can locate and command his off speed," said Trimper. "He reminds me a lot of a young Tommy Lawrence with not only his physical ability, but his drive to compete and succeed."
Second team all state as freshman... First team all state sophomore and junior years under Coach Mike Marschok. Coach's award for all around leadership as a junior year... Area Code call back... Perfect game Number 245 nationally ranked.
Clay Conaway – 6'2" 185 pounds, RHP, Dematha Catholic, Georgetown, Del.
"Clay is a tremendous athlete that will be a quality arm for the Black Bears. A former catcher and all-state wrestler, I love his ability to compete. With such a big frame, (6'4") I am excited to see him develop."
Four year varsity player for coach Sean O'Connor... Starter as a sophomore... Helped lead Dematha Catholic to Maryland state championship... 1.4 ERA in the Eastern Shore College Baseball League over the summer as the only high school player in the league... Perfect game number three ranked pitcher in Delaware.
Justin Courtney – 6'-4", 180 pounds, RHP, Bangor, Maine / Bangor
"Justin has continued to impress our staff over the last few years, and took a huge jump physically this summer," said Trimper. "His fastball has jumped up into the high 80's and he really knows how to pitch, not just throw. I truly believe Justin has not even come close to his full potential and think he has a chance to have a great career with us."
American Legion Second Team Zone 1 Pitcher- Bangor Comrades as a junior.... First Team All KVAC Pitcher- Bangor High School under Coach Jeff Fahey... First Team American Legion Zone 1 Pitcher- Bangor Comrades... American Legion State All Tournament Team- Bangor Comrades... Senior League World Series Participant.
Christian Garabedian – 6' 0", 190 pounds, Corner IF, Columbus High School, Miami, Fla.
"Chris is a tremendous hitter that can play both first base and third base," said Trimper. "He hails from Columbus High School in Miami, home to former Black Bears A.J. Balsinde, Danny Mendenez and Jose Mendoza. Coach Joe Weber, who is one the most successful coaches in the country, always develops not only great players, but great citizens as well. We look forward to having Chris' talents in a Black Bear uniform."
Played under Coach Joe Weber... Three year varsity player since sophomore year in 2012... Hit .405 with 12 doubles ,two home runs and 27 RBI... In junior year 2013 hit .437 with 18 doubles, four home runs and 33 RBI.... Participated in the 2012 Florida Dynasty Games sponsored by major league baseball... Invited to participate in the 2014 Under Armour All-America Pre-Season Tournament.
Andy Moser – 5'10", 185 pounds, C, Ben Salem, HS, Ben Salem, Pa.
"Andy will be able to give us depth behind the plate and add a right handed bat to our dominantly left handed line up," said Trimper.
First Team Suburban One League, junior year... Perfect game high follow for Pa... Ranked as the fifth top catcher prospect in Pa.
Chris Murphy – 6'-5", 260 pounds, RHP, Billerica Memorial, Billerica, Mass.
"Chris is a great get for our program, as one of the top arms in Massachusetts," said Trimper. "His huge frame (6'5") and ability to command the strike zone stood out to our staff when recruiting him. I look for Chris to have a great impact next year."
Finished with a 2-0 record his junior year... Struck out 40 in 25.2 innings... Winning Pitcher in the Mass Division 1 North Championship under Coach Jon Sidorovich.... 2013 Underclass Honorable Mention by Perfect Game... Perfect game ranked number three in Massachusetts.
Jonah Normandeau – 6'-1", 185 pounds, RHP, Greeley HS, Cumberland, Maine
"After a stellar career at Greeley HS, Jonah will play this coming season for Aaron Izaryk at Bridgeton Academy," said Trimper. "Although recovering from an elbow injury, we are confident he will be 100 percent when he arrives on campus and can add a power right handed arm to our staff. "
Western Maine All Conference second team pitcher, Underclassmen All-Star as a sophomore... Western Maine All Conference First Team pitcher... Western Conference Player of the Year, Rupert P Johnson Award (Umpire association), Underclass men All-Star as a junior under Coach Derek Soule... Western Maine All-Conference outfielder (due to injury), Wooden Award finalist... Gatorade Player of the Year finalist... Senior All State all star game... Maine West vs East all star... Perfect Game Wooden Bat World Series, Perfect Game all region honorable mention as a senior.... Greely High School career earned run average record holder.
Kevin Stypulkowski – 6'-2", 210 pounds, C/1B, Miami Dade Community College, Lake Worth, Fla.
"We are extremely excited to have Kevin join the Black Bears," said Trimper. "A versatile player that can catch and play first base, will add a veteran switch hitting power bat to our lineup. Having played in the SEC at University of Florida and for Coach Danny Price at one of the top JUCO's in the country at Miami Dade, his experience will undoubtedly be an immediate impact on our 2015 team."
Second Team All American as a senior at King's Academy... Career batting average of .405... Three-time Sun Sentinel all-area and Palm Beach Post all-county recipient from 2010-2012... Named the 2012 Palm Beach Post Small Schools Player of the Year and was chosen as the Class 5A-4A-3A Player of the Year from the Sun Sentinel... Played at University of Florida as a freshman, named all SEC First Year Academic Honor Roll... Transferred to Miami Dade Community College
The eligibility of all student-athlete is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse.
