The trend continues of Hofstra University becoming a hot-spot for elite prospects on Long Island.
Catcher Matt Pelcher (Calhoun 2020) announced his verbal commitment to the Pride, joining fellow LI top players such as Jimmy Joyce, Anthony D’Onofrio, Mark Faello, Brad Camarda, James Cardinale and William Kennedy.
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He becomes the fourth 2020 graduate on the island to announce his verbal commitments (Joe Wozny; UCONN, Travis Honeyman; Boston College, Johnny Castagnozzi; North Carolina).
Pelcher has been in the limelight since eighth grade, when he was called up to varsity to be the starting catcher for Calhoun. He did a commendable job, batting .286 and handling a very talented pitching staff led by Dylan Hughes and Jake Garguilo.
We wrote a feature story on him directly following the season, ending what was a very short stint as a “well-kept secret”.
“I’ve known Coach Russo since I was nine,” said Pelcher. “And I’ve formed a great relationship with him over the years and when I got older I knew that I wanted to play for him at Hofstra. As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew this was the school for me. I’m also excited to be able to play for a great baseball program and playing Division-I baseball. I also love that I’m able to play close to home where my family can come watch me play. I’m really excited to attend a great school like Hofstra University!”
Before he attends college, he will first have three more seasons of high school.
I’ve watched him play a number of times and it’s clear he is a competitive player that thrives in big spots, but also is only scratching the surface. He still has plenty of physical maturation to go through, but his natural instincts and feel for the game bodes well for his future.
Ben Manetta
Congratulations Matt. Your hard work is paying off. Robbie is always mentioning how he admires your skills and your work ethic. I’m fortunate that my son looks up to the right people. I cannot wait until Spring.
All the best
Ben Manetta
Gregg Sarra
No one will outwork this young player. He played up in age with the HDMH Titans 2019 and did a fantastic job handling a pitching staff that when it’s all said and done will have at least seven Division I commits on the mound. Matt was a defensive standout and contributed in a way that defensive minded folks would understand. The pitching staff had a combined 2.11 ERA and 25 shutouts against teams from all over the country. He only had two errors in 203 chances and threw out 11 of 16 base runners for a team that finished 48-7. He struck out only three times in 101 plate appearances and hit .235 against some of the top pitchers in Texas, Georgia, Ohio and New Mexico this summer. He will play on age in the summer of 2018 and dominate in every facet of the game. The HDMH family will always consider Matt Pelcher a huge part of our success and wish him all the best as he takes the field in the summer of 2018 with the outstanding Next Level 2020 club. Hofstra is getting an excellent player and teammate.