One of the aspects that sets apart a Division-III college from another is their ability to snag the Division-I caliber players that–for whatever reason–have opted to switch schools. That has been a staple of Farmingdale State over the years. They have been able to gather a bevy of players that fit the profile of a Division-I athlete but wind up in the Skyline Conference.
Well, St. Joseph’s was able to grab a player that fit the bill last year in Nick Girardi, who transferred from Manhattan College. He ended up lighting up the conference to the tune of a .383 AVG and .455 OBP–numbers that earned him Player of the Conference.
Just recently, they were able to snag lefty pitcher Nick Clemente from the College of St. Rose, who previously played for the University of Rhode Island.
They will hope that he has the same type of impact on the division that Girardi had last season.
I had an opportunity to speak with him and here’s what he had to say…
You were a two-sport athlete in high school; baseball and basketball. What made you decide to play baseball in college instead of basketball? Do you often wonder if you made the right choice?
Playing baseball and basketball in high school was a surreal experience. I had the opportunity to play five years of high school basketball due to playing in 8th grade as well, and some of my best high school memories remain on that court. As time progressed and senior year came around I knew I had to make a decision. I ended up choosing baseball because I had the opportunity to play at a D-1 program and there is no better feeling then being on the mound: it’s just you and the batter and all eyes are on you. I live for that feeling and with that being said I believe I made the right choice.
You played for perennial Long Island baseball powerhouse Pat-Med. What was that experience like?
Playing for a powerhouse like Patchogue Medford under Coach Frascogna was incredible. Growing up I had athletes who I aspired to become one day. Whether it was the Phelan brothers, Marcus Stroman or a good friend of mine, Matt Vogel, I always looked up to all of them and knew that I had to work three times as hard to be an important player in the program. Patchogue Medford baseball has a winning attitude and with all of the success in recent years if you don’t make the playoffs it makes everyone turn their heads. I looked at that as motivation because it made the entire team push each other because we knew what we had to do to keep Patchogue Medford as a powerhouse.
So in the matter of a few years, you have gone from high school senior at Pat Med, to University of Rhode Island (D1) commit, to Saint Rose College (D2), to St Joseph’s College (D3). There are players who transfer from school to school, but none that I can think of that went from D-1 to D-2 to D-3. Can you please explain the how and why of your college journey so far?
The process I have taken up until now has been exciting to say the least. I committed and signed my national letter of intent to the University of Rhode Island going into my senior year and as time progressed I found out that the whole coaching staff along with players I knew were leaving the school. I found that odd so I looked into it and there were rumors that the school was losing their program. From there I committed to Saint Rose, a D-2 school in Albany that participates in the NE-10 conference. I had a good experience there and lived with a bunch of good friends, but I decided to come back closer to home due to family reasons. I will now continue my education and collegiate athletic career at Saint Joes and am eager to continue my journey there.
The St Joseph’s baseball team made some noise this past season and looks to be among the favorites for the conference this year. A lot of that has to do with the pitching staff. Notable returning pitchers are Player of the Year Nick Girardi, Josh Outsen, and Ryan Aloise. How do you feel about your chances to crack the rotation? How do you feel about coming out of the bullpen? How do you feel about playing with and competing with such a talented staff?
Last years Saint Joseph’s team was dominant in their conference and we have an abundance of great players. The pitching staff we have is phenomenal; Girardi, Outsen, and Aloise are all outstanding pitchers and I am excited to work with them and play on the same team with them. As for cracking the rotation/being in the bullpen, I don’t mind where I end up. I am a team player and will do anything to help the team win. Being a starter is great and that is everyone’s goal, but if they need me to come out of the bullpen then I will do so. I am thrilled to be competing and playing with such a talented pitching staff: the harder the competition, the better you become.
Expectations for St Joseph’s are big this year. What are your personal expectations? Team expectations?
I agree, expectations for this team are tremendous and I expect a lot out of this team. When it comes to personal expectations I’m not big about stats, I just want to better myself as a pitcher and help capture a title for the program. As for team expectations, I think they are simple–win the conference and make a run for a championship. I also believe this team is capable of becoming nationally ranked.
Are there any coaches that had a strong influence on you as a baseball player and what did they do for you?
I have had a lot of coaches in the past, but when I think of it, three coaches come to my mind. First, my travel coach, Joe Mongiello, took me in as family ever since I joined the Prospects and helped me better myself as a baseball player and a person. I wouldn’t be where I am without him and I give him full credit for helping me get recruited during high school. Second is Coach Frascogna. I went to baseball camps with Coach Frascogna years and when I got to the high school level playing under him was an honor. He has a winning attitude and is great at what he does and he runs a great program. When I was getting looked at by colleges he would remind me to clean up my act on social media to remind me to be mature. I’m lucky to have played under him and he helped me mature as a baseball player and a person. Lastly, I’d like to thank my summer coach of this year, coach David Moskowitz. I competed on his summer team in the Long Island Stan Musial League (Elwood Royals) and he helped me get back to where I was pre-injury by explaining what I needed to work on. He also helped me associate myself and get ready for the upcoming season with Saint Joseph’s.
Do you intend to be involved with baseball after you graduate?
I believe everyone’s goal is to play baseball after college. If it’s not meant to be, then I will still continue to play somewhere regardless. I also hope that in a few years from now I will be coaching a high school team/involved as a coach.
At this point in your life, what does baseball mean to you?
Baseball means a lot to me both physically and mentally. I love the game and can’t see myself not playing it. My mom passed away out of nowhere about 4 years ago and it shocked me. I almost quit the sport and gave up but I reflected on the past and remembered that when she went to my games she was always my number one fan and she loved baseball. She always teased me about making the major leagues and we would have our laughs and whenever I step on that mound I know she’s watching.
Anything else you would like to share with the Baseball on the Island audience?
Chances are if you are reading this, I have picked you off before…
