Derba Announces Baseball Class of 2022
11/15/2017 3:01:00 PM | Baseball
ORONO, Maine – University of Maine baseball head coach Nick Derba announced the Black Bears' 10-player class of 2022 today.
"The 2018 recruting class shows a very high degree of potential," said Derba. "We are extremely excited to see these young men develop in the Black Bear program and continue our tradition of competing at high levels."
The student-athletes, who will begin their careers with the 2019 season, include: Alexey Linsenmeyer, Tyler Marinaccio, Christopher Slinky Mederos, Jake Roper, Michael Sabatine, Nicholas Sinacola, Jacob Small, Dillon Stimpson and Ryan Turenne.
"This year's class show promise to take over the large shoes that our current senior class will be leaving behind. We have a strong mix of good velocity and command in the pitching staff, and power and speed in the incoming position players. All of the new Black Bears bring a strong sense of hard work and attention to detail that is paramount to the culture of this program."
NAME | POS | HOMETOWN | HIGH SCHOOL | HGT | WGT
Alexey Linsenmeyer | RHP | Fairfield, Conn. | Fairfield Prep High School | 6-4 | 185
Alexey is from Fairfield, Conn., where he attended Fairfield Prep High School. At Fairfield Prep, Linsenmeyer will be a three-year varsity starter. Alexey features a mid to high 80's fastball, change-up and a slider. He received All-Tournament Honors at both the Perfect Game Super 25 National Championship in Fort Myers, Fla. and the Perfect Game WWBA National Championship in Emerson, Ga. Perfect Game ranks Linsenmeyer the No. 7 right-handed pitcher and No. 12 player in the state of Connecticut. He was also ranked in the top 500 players in the nation by Perfect Game. He played AAU for the Clubhouse, based out of Fairfield, and was their top pitcher in their 2018 class.
Coach Derba on Linsenmeyer: "We are excited in the talents that Lex brings to the program. He has the ability to run the fastball up to the high 80s, with good off speed and very good command. He is a hard worker that comes from an excellent program that has won at the highest levels."
Tyler Marinaccio | RHP | Plaiview, N.Y. | Plainview JFK High School | 5-11 | 160
Tyler hails from Plainview, N.Y. where he attended Plainview JFK High School. At Plainview JFK, Marinaccio will be a three-year varsity starter. He received All-Conference Honors in his sophomore year after recording a 1.57 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Tyler features a mid -to-high 80s fastball and a devastating 75 mph slider. He received All-Tournament Honors at both the Perfect Game WWBA Underclass in Ft Myers, Fla. and the Perfect Game WWBA National Championship in Emerson, Ga. PBR ranks Tyler the No. 19 right-handed-pitcher in the state of New York. He played AAU for the Body Armor Titans, based out of Bayport, N.Y.
Coach Derba on Marinaccio: "Tyler has shown the ability to be a go to guy wherever he has pitched. He fills up the zone with three pitches and he has a knack for winning. His talents make this class a very deep one that will help the program move in the right direction."
Christopher "Slinky" Mederos | RHP | Miami, Fla. | Christopher Columbus High School | 6-0 | 180
Slinky is from Miami, Fla., where he attended Christopher Columbus High School. At Columbus, Slinky will be a three-year varsity starter. As a junior he recorded a 3-1 record with six saves, striking out 62 in 33 2/3 of an inning. He had an ERA of 2.08 and 0.83 WHIP. Mederos received All-District Honors and was Second Team All-County. He led Miami Dade and Broward County in saves in 2017. Next fall, Slinky will rejoin his former Columbus teammates Danny Casals, Nick Silva and Hernen Sardinas here at UMaine. Slinky features a mid 80s fastball, a slider and a change-up and is able to throw all three pitches for strikes in any count. Slinky received All-Tournament Honors at the Perfect Game WWBA National Championship in Emerson, Ga. Slinky played his travel baseball for Team Florida Miami.
Coach Derba on Mederos: "Slinky is coming from a long line of Christopher Columbus High School players. Coach Joe Webber has developed many stand outs that have come to Maine and have succeeded at a high level. Slinky commands three pitches with an above average slider."
Jeffrey Omohundro | SS | Dothan, Ala. | Gulf Coast State | 6-0 | 190
Jeff is originally from Dothan, Ala. and attends Gulf Coast State. Following in Senior Jon Bennett's footsteps he will be heading from Gulf Coast to University of Maine this coming fall. At Gulf Coast (33-16) Jeff was their everyday shortstop as a freshman. Prior to Gulf Coast, Jeff attended Houston Academy. While in High School, Jeff was a top infield prospect in the southeast region, throwing 89 mph across the diamond and ranking the No. 5 shortstop and No. 33 player in the state of Alabama by Perfect Game. Omohundro played his AAU Baseball with the Triton Rays alongside UMaine sophomore Cody Pasic.
Coach Derba on Omohundro: "Jeff is coming from an excellent program in Gulf Coast State. He will be able to bring a high degree of experience to an already veteran laden infield. His strong arm and athleticism will help keep our infield strong and consistent."
Jake Roper | OF | Bethel, Conn. | The Canterbury School | 6-3 | 210
Jake, a native of Bethel, Conn., attends The Canterbury School. Prior to attending The Canterbury School, Jake attended Bethel High School where he was a three-year varsity starter and received All-Conference Honors in 2015 and All-Patriot Honors in 2016. After, he went on to play two more years of varsity baseball at Canterbury. Jake logged a five-year varsity career batting average of .361 with an OBP of .442. Jake quarterbacks the football team at Canterbury and did so also at Bethel, making him a four-year varsity starter. Roper, who was the captain of the football team this fall, has recorded as low as a 6.6 second 60-yard dash and throws in the low 90s from the outfield. Perfect Game ranks Jake Roper the No. 3 outfielder and No. 32 player in the state of Connecticut. Jake played AAU baseball for Baseball U CT, out of Fairfield, Conn.
Coach Derba on Roper: "Jake is a superb athlete that fits the mold of a prototypical outfielder. He showcases a strong arm, good speed and power that should be a presence in the lineup from day one. His football mentality will fit very well into the culture of this program."
Michael Sabatine | OF | Fairport, N.Y. | Fairport High School | 5-10 | 170
Michael is from Fairport, N.Y. and attends Fairport High School. At Fairport High School, Michael plays football, runs winter track and plays baseball. This past year Michael hit .439 and had an on base percentage of .513. Michael received All-County as both a dophomore and junior. He was also named Section V Player of the Week two times and was First Team All-Greater Rochester in 2017 and received All-State honors. Sabatine received the Red Raider Award, which is given to the best player in each respective sport at Fairport High School. Sabatine has a recorded as low as a 6.3 second 60-yard dash and throws in the low 80s from the outfield. PBR ranks Michael the No. 5 OF and No. 31 player in the state of New York. Michael played his travel baseball with the Diamond Pro Baseball, which is based out of Rochester.
Coach Derba on Sabatine: "Mike brings an element of speed and hard work that is hard to find. He plays an excellent outfield and causes havoc on the base paths. I look forward to watching Mike develop into a prolific run scorer. Mike brings the 'nose to the grindstone' football mentality that we look for in a player."
Nicholas Sinacola | RHP | North Attleboro, Mass. | North Attleboro High School | 6-2 | 175
Nick is from North Attleboro, Massachusetts and attends North Attleboro High School. At North Attleboro, Nick struck out 49 in 48 innings this past year and posted an ERA of 2.01. He also was third in the league offensively in batting average, batting .415. Nick received Team MVP honors this past spring and will be captain this upcoming spring. Perfect Game ranks Nick the No. 24 RHP and No. 52 player in the state of Massachusetts. Nick features a mid-to-high 80s fastball, a slider and a change-up. He plays his travel baseball with Antonelli Baseball out of Peabody, Mass.
Coach Derba on SInacola: "Nick is a blue collar type of arm that simply gets outs and competes. He has good life on the fastball with a good slider. He brings a blue collar mindset that is essential to the culture here."
Jacob Small | RHP | Haddonfield, N.J. | Haddonfield Memorial High School | 6-1 | 180
Jacob is from Haddonfield, N.J. and attends Haddonfield Memorial High School. At Haddonfield, he will be a three-year varsity starter. He received All-Conference in 2017 and Second Team All-Conference in 2016. This past spring, he made the Tri-State All Star Team and pitched in the Carpenter's Cup at Citizen's Bank Park. Jacob features a mid 80s fastball, a curveball and a change-up. Perfect Game ranks Jacob the No. 44 RHP and No. 113 player in the state of New Jersey. He spent his summers playing travel baseball for Pro Skills Baseball Academy. This past summer Jacob had five starts recording a 5-0 record, striking out 45 in just 27 innings with only five walks while not allowing one earned run all summer.
Coach Derba on Small: "Jake brings a three pitch mix with excellent command. His ability to throw any pitch in any count with confidence is a skill that is always desired. He has been consistent throughout his high school career and we are looking forward to him continuing that trend."
Dillon Stimpson | RHP | Fairfield, Conn. | Bryant and Stratton Community College | 6-4 | 195
Dillon is originally from Fairfield, Conn. and was a highly sought after prospect in high school. Perfect Game had him ranked as the No. 5 RHP and No. 13 player in Connecticut. He initially committed to and attended UConn but transferred after his freshman season to Bryant and Stratton in Virginia, where he will be playing this spring. Dillon features an upper 80s fastball, a change-up and a hard slider.
Coach Derba on Stimpson: "Dillon brings a different element to this class. His low 3/4s delivery brings a high degree of deception that can fit into any role ranging from starter to closer. He shows a lot of depth on his fastball with very good off-speed."
Ryan Turenne | C | Lynn, Mass. | Bridgton Academy | 6-2 | 220
Ryan Turenne is from Lynn, Mass. and currently attends Bridgton Academy. Prior to his post-graduate year at Bridgton, Ryan attended St Mary's High School, where he played both baseball and hockey. At St Mary's, Ryan led the team offensively with the highest OBP and RBIs while hitting .386. Ryan made the CCL All-Star Team his senior year in addition to being awarded the Coach's Award. This fall at Bridgton, Ryan batted .519 with three homeruns and 18 RBIs.
Coach Derba on Turenne: "Ryan showcases a very good stick from the left side of the plate with an ability to put the ball out of the park. Most importantly, he has shown the ability to handle a staff and be very good behind the plate."
-UMaine-
"The 2018 recruting class shows a very high degree of potential," said Derba. "We are extremely excited to see these young men develop in the Black Bear program and continue our tradition of competing at high levels."
The student-athletes, who will begin their careers with the 2019 season, include: Alexey Linsenmeyer, Tyler Marinaccio, Christopher Slinky Mederos, Jake Roper, Michael Sabatine, Nicholas Sinacola, Jacob Small, Dillon Stimpson and Ryan Turenne.
"This year's class show promise to take over the large shoes that our current senior class will be leaving behind. We have a strong mix of good velocity and command in the pitching staff, and power and speed in the incoming position players. All of the new Black Bears bring a strong sense of hard work and attention to detail that is paramount to the culture of this program."
NAME | POS | HOMETOWN | HIGH SCHOOL | HGT | WGT
Alexey Linsenmeyer | RHP | Fairfield, Conn. | Fairfield Prep High School | 6-4 | 185
Alexey is from Fairfield, Conn., where he attended Fairfield Prep High School. At Fairfield Prep, Linsenmeyer will be a three-year varsity starter. Alexey features a mid to high 80's fastball, change-up and a slider. He received All-Tournament Honors at both the Perfect Game Super 25 National Championship in Fort Myers, Fla. and the Perfect Game WWBA National Championship in Emerson, Ga. Perfect Game ranks Linsenmeyer the No. 7 right-handed pitcher and No. 12 player in the state of Connecticut. He was also ranked in the top 500 players in the nation by Perfect Game. He played AAU for the Clubhouse, based out of Fairfield, and was their top pitcher in their 2018 class.
Coach Derba on Linsenmeyer: "We are excited in the talents that Lex brings to the program. He has the ability to run the fastball up to the high 80s, with good off speed and very good command. He is a hard worker that comes from an excellent program that has won at the highest levels."
Tyler Marinaccio | RHP | Plaiview, N.Y. | Plainview JFK High School | 5-11 | 160
Tyler hails from Plainview, N.Y. where he attended Plainview JFK High School. At Plainview JFK, Marinaccio will be a three-year varsity starter. He received All-Conference Honors in his sophomore year after recording a 1.57 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Tyler features a mid -to-high 80s fastball and a devastating 75 mph slider. He received All-Tournament Honors at both the Perfect Game WWBA Underclass in Ft Myers, Fla. and the Perfect Game WWBA National Championship in Emerson, Ga. PBR ranks Tyler the No. 19 right-handed-pitcher in the state of New York. He played AAU for the Body Armor Titans, based out of Bayport, N.Y.
Coach Derba on Marinaccio: "Tyler has shown the ability to be a go to guy wherever he has pitched. He fills up the zone with three pitches and he has a knack for winning. His talents make this class a very deep one that will help the program move in the right direction."
Christopher "Slinky" Mederos | RHP | Miami, Fla. | Christopher Columbus High School | 6-0 | 180
Slinky is from Miami, Fla., where he attended Christopher Columbus High School. At Columbus, Slinky will be a three-year varsity starter. As a junior he recorded a 3-1 record with six saves, striking out 62 in 33 2/3 of an inning. He had an ERA of 2.08 and 0.83 WHIP. Mederos received All-District Honors and was Second Team All-County. He led Miami Dade and Broward County in saves in 2017. Next fall, Slinky will rejoin his former Columbus teammates Danny Casals, Nick Silva and Hernen Sardinas here at UMaine. Slinky features a mid 80s fastball, a slider and a change-up and is able to throw all three pitches for strikes in any count. Slinky received All-Tournament Honors at the Perfect Game WWBA National Championship in Emerson, Ga. Slinky played his travel baseball for Team Florida Miami.
Coach Derba on Mederos: "Slinky is coming from a long line of Christopher Columbus High School players. Coach Joe Webber has developed many stand outs that have come to Maine and have succeeded at a high level. Slinky commands three pitches with an above average slider."
Jeffrey Omohundro | SS | Dothan, Ala. | Gulf Coast State | 6-0 | 190
Jeff is originally from Dothan, Ala. and attends Gulf Coast State. Following in Senior Jon Bennett's footsteps he will be heading from Gulf Coast to University of Maine this coming fall. At Gulf Coast (33-16) Jeff was their everyday shortstop as a freshman. Prior to Gulf Coast, Jeff attended Houston Academy. While in High School, Jeff was a top infield prospect in the southeast region, throwing 89 mph across the diamond and ranking the No. 5 shortstop and No. 33 player in the state of Alabama by Perfect Game. Omohundro played his AAU Baseball with the Triton Rays alongside UMaine sophomore Cody Pasic.
Coach Derba on Omohundro: "Jeff is coming from an excellent program in Gulf Coast State. He will be able to bring a high degree of experience to an already veteran laden infield. His strong arm and athleticism will help keep our infield strong and consistent."
Jake Roper | OF | Bethel, Conn. | The Canterbury School | 6-3 | 210
Jake, a native of Bethel, Conn., attends The Canterbury School. Prior to attending The Canterbury School, Jake attended Bethel High School where he was a three-year varsity starter and received All-Conference Honors in 2015 and All-Patriot Honors in 2016. After, he went on to play two more years of varsity baseball at Canterbury. Jake logged a five-year varsity career batting average of .361 with an OBP of .442. Jake quarterbacks the football team at Canterbury and did so also at Bethel, making him a four-year varsity starter. Roper, who was the captain of the football team this fall, has recorded as low as a 6.6 second 60-yard dash and throws in the low 90s from the outfield. Perfect Game ranks Jake Roper the No. 3 outfielder and No. 32 player in the state of Connecticut. Jake played AAU baseball for Baseball U CT, out of Fairfield, Conn.
Coach Derba on Roper: "Jake is a superb athlete that fits the mold of a prototypical outfielder. He showcases a strong arm, good speed and power that should be a presence in the lineup from day one. His football mentality will fit very well into the culture of this program."
Michael Sabatine | OF | Fairport, N.Y. | Fairport High School | 5-10 | 170
Michael is from Fairport, N.Y. and attends Fairport High School. At Fairport High School, Michael plays football, runs winter track and plays baseball. This past year Michael hit .439 and had an on base percentage of .513. Michael received All-County as both a dophomore and junior. He was also named Section V Player of the Week two times and was First Team All-Greater Rochester in 2017 and received All-State honors. Sabatine received the Red Raider Award, which is given to the best player in each respective sport at Fairport High School. Sabatine has a recorded as low as a 6.3 second 60-yard dash and throws in the low 80s from the outfield. PBR ranks Michael the No. 5 OF and No. 31 player in the state of New York. Michael played his travel baseball with the Diamond Pro Baseball, which is based out of Rochester.
Coach Derba on Sabatine: "Mike brings an element of speed and hard work that is hard to find. He plays an excellent outfield and causes havoc on the base paths. I look forward to watching Mike develop into a prolific run scorer. Mike brings the 'nose to the grindstone' football mentality that we look for in a player."
Nicholas Sinacola | RHP | North Attleboro, Mass. | North Attleboro High School | 6-2 | 175
Nick is from North Attleboro, Massachusetts and attends North Attleboro High School. At North Attleboro, Nick struck out 49 in 48 innings this past year and posted an ERA of 2.01. He also was third in the league offensively in batting average, batting .415. Nick received Team MVP honors this past spring and will be captain this upcoming spring. Perfect Game ranks Nick the No. 24 RHP and No. 52 player in the state of Massachusetts. Nick features a mid-to-high 80s fastball, a slider and a change-up. He plays his travel baseball with Antonelli Baseball out of Peabody, Mass.
Coach Derba on SInacola: "Nick is a blue collar type of arm that simply gets outs and competes. He has good life on the fastball with a good slider. He brings a blue collar mindset that is essential to the culture here."
Jacob Small | RHP | Haddonfield, N.J. | Haddonfield Memorial High School | 6-1 | 180
Jacob is from Haddonfield, N.J. and attends Haddonfield Memorial High School. At Haddonfield, he will be a three-year varsity starter. He received All-Conference in 2017 and Second Team All-Conference in 2016. This past spring, he made the Tri-State All Star Team and pitched in the Carpenter's Cup at Citizen's Bank Park. Jacob features a mid 80s fastball, a curveball and a change-up. Perfect Game ranks Jacob the No. 44 RHP and No. 113 player in the state of New Jersey. He spent his summers playing travel baseball for Pro Skills Baseball Academy. This past summer Jacob had five starts recording a 5-0 record, striking out 45 in just 27 innings with only five walks while not allowing one earned run all summer.
Coach Derba on Small: "Jake brings a three pitch mix with excellent command. His ability to throw any pitch in any count with confidence is a skill that is always desired. He has been consistent throughout his high school career and we are looking forward to him continuing that trend."
Dillon Stimpson | RHP | Fairfield, Conn. | Bryant and Stratton Community College | 6-4 | 195
Dillon is originally from Fairfield, Conn. and was a highly sought after prospect in high school. Perfect Game had him ranked as the No. 5 RHP and No. 13 player in Connecticut. He initially committed to and attended UConn but transferred after his freshman season to Bryant and Stratton in Virginia, where he will be playing this spring. Dillon features an upper 80s fastball, a change-up and a hard slider.
Coach Derba on Stimpson: "Dillon brings a different element to this class. His low 3/4s delivery brings a high degree of deception that can fit into any role ranging from starter to closer. He shows a lot of depth on his fastball with very good off-speed."
Ryan Turenne | C | Lynn, Mass. | Bridgton Academy | 6-2 | 220
Ryan Turenne is from Lynn, Mass. and currently attends Bridgton Academy. Prior to his post-graduate year at Bridgton, Ryan attended St Mary's High School, where he played both baseball and hockey. At St Mary's, Ryan led the team offensively with the highest OBP and RBIs while hitting .386. Ryan made the CCL All-Star Team his senior year in addition to being awarded the Coach's Award. This fall at Bridgton, Ryan batted .519 with three homeruns and 18 RBIs.
Coach Derba on Turenne: "Ryan showcases a very good stick from the left side of the plate with an ability to put the ball out of the park. Most importantly, he has shown the ability to handle a staff and be very good behind the plate."
-UMaine-
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