Several Sinclair Community College baseball players have committed to Division-1 schools in the past few weeks.
Austin Pressly, Christian McElroy, Marcus Heath and Steve Buglione have committed to West Virginia University, University of Cincinnati, Youngstown State University and Western Michigan University respectively, according to coach Dintaman.
“A lot of our guys are signing letters of intent to four-year schools, starting with our top guys coming off the boards first, especially our pitchers,” said Dintaman. “We’re going to miss these guys when they’re gone, but we’re glad to see them succeed.”
McElroy said he’s excited to go back to UC.
“After coming off surgery, I really started to appreciate the game a lot more,” said pitcher Christian McElroy. “I’m very excited to be heading back to Cincinnati, which was my ultimate choice coming out of high school. It’s the best fit for me overall.”
“I’ve really learned how to overcome adversity here,” said pitcher Austin Pressley. “I’m really excited to head off to West Virginia and play some D-1 ball.”
With McElroy and Pressley both going to Big East Conference schools, they may have to play against each other in the future.
“I would love to beat his brains in on the field,” said Pressley.
McElroy responded, “I wouldn’t take it that far but it would be great to play against him. It’s been an honor playing with him and hopefully it would be an epic duel.”
Each player has progressed significantly since joining Sinclair and each guy was instrumental to the team’s success this season, according to Dintaman.
“What I learned from Sinclair baseball is how to work on the mental aspect of the game. I’ve always had the physical tools to play, but thanks to coach Dintaman, I feel I now have a great mental game as well,” said outfielder Marcus Heath. “I’m really excited to get started. It’s been a long process that started at U.C. and now I’m glad to be headed toward Youngstown.”
“Marcus was All-Conference this season and was near the top of the list in almost every batting stat, a real stud,” said Dintaman. ”He did it all for us this year.”
Heath batted .447 and brought home 58 runners during the season, both of which led the team.
To compliment Heath’s performance, Buglione batted .377 with 23 RBI in 46 games, a tie for the team-high with Heath, for the Tartan Pride according to NJCAA statistics.
Buglione chose Western Michigan because he is from Michigan and his decision keeps him close to home, according to Dintaman.
“I feel confident in my decision to go to Western Michigan. Other schools were interested, but it was definitely my best option. They have a new coach, who seems to be doing the right things,” said outfielder Steve Buglione.
“I’ll be taking my work ethic with me to Western Michigan. Coach Dintaman always stressed it to us and I feel it’s the most important lesson I’ve learned in my two years with the team,” said Buglione.