Much like the team that Head Coach Dom Scala once played for, the catchers’ position has been the most stable position in the history of the Panthers. While it is unfair any college program to the likes of Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Thurman Munson and Jorge Posada, Adelphi has had Ryan Boelsen and Rich McCarren over the past decade.
Next in line is Kevin Hutzel, who was named All-Conference in his junior year and will be counted on to be a leader and a force in the middle of the lineup for the Panthers. Here is a quick Q & A with the Massapequa native about a variety of baseball topics.
How did you experience such a rapid improvement from sophomore to junior year?
1. A lot of my improvement derived from my approach at the plate. I was putting myself into bad counts and taking pitches I could drive. I became more aggressive early in AB’s and thankfully it translated into production for the team. Thanks to guys like Stahl and Sharkey I was seeing a lot of fastballs because they were always on base and a threat to steal.
Is it difficult to balance all the aspects of catching?
2. Catching is by far the most physically and mentally demanding position on the diamond. We like to take it as a challenge rather than a hindrance. I have always had a great rapport with the staff at Adelphi. I make it a point to talk to each guy before and after each bullpen/outing and see where their head is at. As a catcher one of my most important jobs is to make sure the pitcher is comfortable at all times. The easier I make it for him the less he has to worry about which usually translates into success. Hitting time is always scarce as a catcher but the most vital part is whatever swings we may get for the day, to make them all worth it and keep our mechanics sound no matter how tired we may be.
What was it about Dillon McNamara’ that made him so effective in the closer’s role?
3. Dillon’s build and work ethic are two things that separated him from the pack. He was blessed with a cannon for an arm but he didn’t rely strictly on that. Preseason we both pushed each other to the limits in the gym, but we made sure we maintained throughout the year as well. Whether it was him dragging me to the gym after games or vice versa, we made sure neither of us became complacent and stayed focused.
Last game of the season, Dillon McNamara, Robert Nixon, Mike Scudero and Jonathon Gonzalez are on the team, who gets the ball?
I honestly believe that all four of these guys would attack me if I didn’t give them the ball. Each of them had a demeanor on the mound that I have not seen often at the college level. It was an exciting mix of cockiness, skill and grit all combined into one player. There is no wrong answer here because all four are giving you everything they’ve got… and then some more.
I honestly believe that all four of these guys would attack me if I didn’t give them the ball. Each of them had a demeanor on the mound that I have not seen often at the college level. It was an exciting mix of cockiness, skill and grit all combined into one player. There is no wrong answer here because all four are giving you everything they’ve got… and then some more.
What needs to happen for the Panthers to return to prominence?
It was evident last year that offense was not an issue on our team. Unfortunately the errors were a glaring problem and it was certainly addressed this fall and during winter workouts. We acquired an extremely talented freshman shortstop in Mike Stack. He strengthens our defense up the middle and will have an immediate positive impact for us defensively.
It was evident last year that offense was not an issue on our team. Unfortunately the errors were a glaring problem and it was certainly addressed this fall and during winter workouts. We acquired an extremely talented freshman shortstop in Mike Stack. He strengthens our defense up the middle and will have an immediate positive impact for us defensively.
Any personal goals this year?
6. My personal goals have been the same every year since I was in little league baseball or pee wee football. Whatever the team needs to win a championship, I’ll do my best to accomplish. My father instilled in me at a young age to bring that football toughness onto the baseball diamond. Both my father and my mother are undoubtedly the two people I play for. They have made more sacrifices than I could imagine, not only so I could play baseball but to make my future goals of success more attainable.
How has Scala helped you develop as a player?
7. Coach Scala has helped me immensely mature as a man. Luckily the game came easily to me through high school. As I reached the next level I dealt with some adversity as a player. Coach Scala not only taught me how to deal with constructive criticism, but also how to use it as fuel and become a greater player. He has also helped with my approach at the plate, recognizing pitches in certain counts and how to handle a pitching staff.
