NEW ORLEANS – The Tulane baseball team, under the direction of head coach Jay Uhlman, released its 22 newcomers for the upcoming 2025 campaign on Tuesday.
"As we welcome our incoming class to campus this fall it fits right in with the regional diversity we have always attracted," Coach Uhlman explained. "Twenty-two incoming players from fifteen states and one Canadian. It features thirteen prep stars, a mix of eight four-year transfers to go along with our lone junior college transfer. I would like to publicly commend our recruiting team led by Anthony Izzio in concert with Justin Bridgman, Thomas Brittle, Curtis Akey, Frankie Niemann and Brennan Lambert for their tireless efforts in bringing this class to campus. We believe this class makes an immediate impact with the older group of transfers and provides a foundation for the future with the freshman group. In the recruiting landscape of the portal and NIL it takes a special and diligent effort to reinforce rosters. I am proud of our staff for the work they did to continue the upward trajectory of the program."
High School (13)
Giancarlo Arencibia (RHP), Fr., 6'1", 195, Metairie, LA/Archbishop Rummel
As a senior he went 7-3 with a 1.24 ERA and 106 strikeouts on the mound in 69 innings worked in aiding the program to the state semifinals…Also threw a no-hitter…Had a 17 inning no-hit inning streak and 19 inning no-run stretch…Was named to the LWSA/LBCA All-State Team…Earned NOLA Metro Most Outstanding Player recognition and earned a place on the All-State Senior All-Star game…As a junior in 2023 he was the Allstate Sugar Bowl April Player of the Month…Had a 7-1 record in his junior campaign while also throwing a no-hitter and a perfect game in helping the program finish as the runner-up in the state…Named to the LWSA Class 5A All-State Team…Played baseball for Frank Cazeaux…Also played football in high school for Nick Monica as a wide receiver where he aided the team to the state quarterfinals…Son of Olga Mari and Luis Arencibia…Has a younger sister, Gabrielle.
"Another local talent from Archbishop Rummel High School, Giancarlo will look to add value as a two-way player this year for the Wave. He has a mid to upper 80's fastball that will only get better as he gains added strength. Offensively, he has a chance to hit for average and gap-to-gap power in his future." – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Aaron Babaev (OF), Fr., 6'3", 195, Glen Head, NY/IMG Academy
Rated as the seventh best outfielder and 36th best player in the state of New York by Perfect Game…Hit .419 with four home runs and 19 RBIs and 11 stolen bases for his travel ball team in 2021..Son of Maria and David Babaev...Has an older sister, Ariella…His future plans are to be a professional player and eventually get into the real estate business.
"Aaron is a high ceiling left-handed hitter with the ability to hit for average and power in his future. He is a rangy outfielder with the ability to move to 1B to create versatility. We are excited to add a player with Aaron's potential and excited to see his growth. The northeast product will be a great fit for Tulane from an academic and athletic perspective." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Tanner Chun (OF), Fr., 6'2", 165, Honolulu, HI/St. Louis HS
As a high school senior in 2024, he had 20 stolen bases, 24 runs, 19 hits, two home runs and hit .306 with 11 RBIs in earning Scoring Live All-Hawaii First Team, All-State First Team and First Team All-Tournament…Also pitched 30.2 innings and total 32 strikeouts, five wins and a 2.78 ERA…As a junior he hit .317 with 20 hits, 15 runs and 13 RBIs…Also threw 17.2 innings with 17 strikeouts and a 1.32 ERA in earning Second Team All-Hawaii…Played three years of baseball for Georga Gusman and Benny Agbayani…Son of Terri-Ann and Michael Chun…Has two older sister in Mikayla and Kiara…Intends to major in Exercise Science…Enjoys surfing, golfing and fishing.
"A product of Saint Louis High School in Honolulu, Tanner is an electric player on the field. His dynamic tools are easy to spot but his infectious personality will be a huge asset in the clubhouse day in and day out. Tanner has the ability to play just about anywhere on the field and it will be a treat to see him grow. As Tanner fills out his frame, he will be a player that fans love to watch play at Turchin Stadium." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Michael Devenney (RHP), Fr., 6'5", 190, Chester Springs, PA/Downingtown East
Ended his high school career with 134 total strikeouts and a career ERA of 1.35…Had a 15-strikeout game…As a senior was Perfect Game Preseason Regional First Team All-American…Was Preseason Second Team All-American…Was part of a team that made the playoffs in each of the last two years…Aided his team to the district championship…Played and earned three letters from head coach Pete Susi in baseball…Son of Holly and Mike Devenney and has a younger sister, Gwen….His father was a Division I collegiate swimmer for Marist…Intends to business management or economics at Tulane.
"Michael is a right-handed pitcher with an impressive frame and a highly projectable arm. His strong work habits and commitment to improvement set the stage for success at this level. We look forward to following his development and growth in the coming years." – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Nick Diehl (1B), Fr., 6'7", 252, Westchester, PA/Unionville HS
Rated as the 42nd best player and sixth best lefthanded pitcher in the state of Pennsylvania by Perfect Game…Was First Team All-Conference and All-Area plus Second Team All-State as a senior…Had a 16 strikeout performance as a pitcher…Led team to a conference championship…Also played basketball in high school as he averaged 17.6 points and 10 rebounds per game and was a First Team All-Conference and First Team All-Area…Aided basketball team to the district championship and 24 victories…Son of Amy and Matthew Diehl…Has an older sister, Maddie…Has built his own computer.
"At 6'7", Nick is an imposing figure in the box. He has excellent bat-to-ball skills for his size. With obvious extra base hit potential, it will be exciting to watch him tap into and develop the power. Nick is a tremendous worker and is eager to get better. He has the makings of an impactful middle of the order bat in his future." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Julius Ejike-Charles (OF/LHP), Fr., 5'11", 176, Oklahoma City, OK/Heritage Hall HS
Rated as the ninth-best player and third-best left handed pitcher in the state of Oklahoma by Perfect Game…A First Team All-City selection by the Oklahoman in both 2023 and 2024…Had a 16 strikeout performance…Named to the Perfect Game Top Prospect Team at the 2022 Midwest Showcase…Played four years of baseball for Jordan Semore and Xavier Freeman…Also played two years of football where he aided the program to a pair of semifinal appearances…Comes from an athletic family as a grandfather - Tony Didier - was a former Nebraska quarterback, his uncle – James Didier – played baseball for York University, his uncle – Austin Hagge – competed at Saint Leons and his grandmother – Kathy Hagge – played softball for Wayne State College…Intended to major in computer science at Tulane…Is the son of Kara and Hank Johnson…Is the self-proclaimed biggest Frank Ocean fan on the planet.
"We're excited to introduce Julius as part of our incoming freshman class. A versatile left-handed pitcher and outfielder from Heritage Hall High School, Julius is a standout both on the mound and at the plate. He hits for average, boasts above-average speed, and consistently brings great attitude and effort. With a fastball ranging from 89-91 mph, Julius is poised to make a significant impact on our team." – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Drew Harrison (INF/RHP), Fr., 6'1", 190, Madison, MS/Germantown HS
Was the top ranked shortstop and seventh overall ranked player in the state of Mississippi by Perfect Game…His career stats as a hitter were a .377 batting average, a .535 on-base percentage, six home runs, 50 walks, and 20 stolen bases…As a pitcher he pitched 112.1 innings with 121 strikeouts…Threw a complete game no-hitter and hit a home run to beat division rival Madison Central High 1-0…Was a First Team All-District selection and chosen for the Dandy Dozen as a senior…Earned First Team All-District selection in 2023…Son of Emily and Tyler Harrison and has an older sister, Alyssa…His father played baseball for Delta State…Intends to major in business at Tulane.
"Drew makes his way to Uptown from Germantown, Mississippi, where he aims to make a significant contribution both on the mound and in the middle of the infield. His athleticism and physical attributes position him well for an opportunity to see the field in both areas on our roster. As a senior in high school, Drew was honored as part of the Clarion Ledger's 2024 Dandy Dozen Team, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential." – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Kross Howarth (RHP), Fr., 6'4", 191, Eagleville, PA/Methacton HS
Ended his career with 132.2 innings thrown and 172 strikeouts…Ranked as the 12th player overall and fourth among right handed pitchers in the state of Pennsylvania by Perfect Game…As a senior was a Perfect Game Preseason Mid-Atlantic First Team All-American and a Perfect Game Preseason High Honorable Mention All-American…In his final season he hit .364 with 1.026 OPS along and totaled a 1.85 ERA on the mound…As a junior he was a PG Preseason Regional All-American First Team selection and a PG Preseason National All-American Third Team…Ranked as a junior as the No. 1 third baseman in the state of Pennsylvania by Perfect Game…Was First Team All-PAC Liberty Division…Earned his high school's varsity MVP award…A Second Team Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery All-Area selection…A Mercury All-Area Baseball Team choice…As a sophomore was the top ranked player in the state at third base and was a Perfect Game Preseason All-American…Was named the MVP of his varsity team in his second year…A Second Team All-PAC selection…Honorable Mention All-Area selection by the Reporter/Times Herald/ Montgomery…A Mercury All-Area Second Team choice…Played on the varsity as a freshman and was the second ranked third base by Perfect Game in Pennsylvania…Played baseball for Paul Spiewak…Son of Cherita Howarth…His mother was an All-American field hockey player at Temple…Has a younger brother, Kolby.
"Kross, a 6'4" right-handed pitcher from Perkiomen School in Pennsylvania, brings significant upside to the mound. He features a three-pitch mix with a fastball that reaches the low 90s, complemented by two secondary offerings in the mid-70s. – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Nate Johnson (INF), Fr., 6'5", 209, Thousand Oaks, CA/Westlake HS
Ranked as the 24th best shortstop and 104th ranked player in the state of California by Perfect Game…During his time in high school he aided the program to a state championship, was named All-Marmonte League three times and All-County twice…Son of Angela and Kevin Johnson…His father played Single A baseball…His twin brother, Nolan, plays at the University of Miami…His older brother, Jack, plays for Baylor University…Intends to major in business.
"The California native comes to Tulane as a switch-hitting corner infielder. His size and athleticism gives him the potential to be a middle of the order bat from both sides of the plate in his future. His plus hands on the infield allows him to be versatile enough to play more than one position. We are really looking forward to seeing his development." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
John-Paul Sauer (RHP), Fr., 6'2", 206, Jackson, MO/Jackson HS
Ranked as the ninth-best pitcher and 23rd best player in the state of Missouri by Perfect Game…A four-time academic all-state selection…Was named the Jackson High School Athlete of the Year in both football and baseball…As a senior was First Team All-State…Tied the state record with three no-hitters thrown in a single season as a senior…Ranked third all-time in the state with five shutouts…Ended his high school career with 168 strikeouts…Finished his junior campaign with an 8-1 record with 93 strikeouts, 68 innings pitched and 0.61 ERA….A three-time conference pitcher of the year…Aided the program to a 34-6 season and to win 80 games over the course of his career playing for Josh Roach…Also played football and tight end for Brent Eckley…Son of Shelia (deceased) and John (deceased) Saur…Has two older sisters, Logan and Paige…His father played baseball and football at Central Methodist…Intends to major in pre-med at Tulane in order to pursue a career in medical field and specialize in Orthopedics.
"We're thrilled to welcome John-Paul Sauer to our recruiting class. A talented right-handed pitcher from Jackson High School in Missouri, John-Paul brings an impressive arsenal to the mound. His fastball clocks in at 89-91 mph, complemented by a sharp slider at 79-81 mph and a deceptive changeup in the mid-70s. We're excited to see the impact he'll make on our team." – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Mikey Valdivia (INF), Fr., 5'11", 178, Elkhorn, NE/Elkhorn South HS
Ranked as the third-best shortstop and ninth-best player in the state of Nebraska by Perfect Game…Played for Steve Frey in high school where he led the team to a 33-5 record and a state championship…Son of Jen and Dion Valdivia…Has an older brother, James, and an older sister, Ryanna…His father played college baseball for ACU…His mother played softball at Central Arizona when they won a national championship…His brother played baseball for Richmond…His sister played softball at Southern Miss.
"We are thrilled to bring Mikey to New Orleans. He is a talented switch-hitting infielder who projects to provide a top of the order style offensive approach in his future. Mikey has a quality glove with range to stay in the middle of the infield as he develops. He is a tough, hardworking player with a head down approach." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Jason Wachs (OF), Fr., 6'2", 176, Pembroke Pines, FL/West Broward HS
Ranked as the 46th best outfielder in the state of Florida by Perfect Game…Had a career batting average of .349, an on-base percentage of .484, a .500 slugging percentage along with six home runs, two triples and 21 doubles…Was a four-time All-District selection and named the 2024 Player of the Year…A three-time Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald First Team selection…Aided his team to three district championships, a two regional semifinals and a regional final…Played four years of baseball for Howard Stein…Served as captain of the team in both his junior and senior seasons…Son of Zulema and Matthew Wachs…Has an older brother, Justin, who plays baseball at Nova Southeastern…Intends to major in business.
"The Florida product is a natural centerfielder with a plus arm and athleticism. His bat speed and gap to gap power from the left side make for exciting player to watch. Jason has the ability provide a variety of roles in the lineup over the course of his career. We are thrilled to get a player of his caliber is our program and excited to see him develop in the weight room, classroom and on the field." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Grant Wilson (OF), Fr., 6'1", 218, Westlake, Ohio/IMG Academy
Ranked as the top third baseman and eighth-best player in the state of Ohio by Perfect Game…Chosen to represent Team USA at the DRD International Tournament in Puerto Rico in 2024…Ended his high school career with a .416 batting average, a .539 on-base percentage, a 1.331 OPS, 20 home runs, 61 stolen bases and 50 walks…Also threw 111 career innings with 117 strikeouts, a 1.96 ERA in high school…A Second Team All-Region selection by Perfect Game in 2024…A Starting 9 Ohio selection in 2022 and 2023…All-State in Ohio in 2022 and 2023 by PBR…Played in high school at St. Edwards for Matt Rosinski and at IMG Academy for Dave Turgeon…Earned Perfect Game WWBA Top 10 hitter ranking in 2023…Son of Christi and Matt Wilson…Has two older sisters, Cami and Corinne…His great grandmother qualified for the Olympics in track & field…Named the Theology Student of the Year (2020-21)…Held two club swimming records (IM Relay and Butterfly) plus a springboard diving championship…Intends to major in Exercise Science and Kinesiology.
"We are excited to welcome Grant to the Green Wave family. Grant impacts the baseball every time he swings. His physical raw power will be his calling card throughout his career. As he develops, he has a chance to hit for average and power. Grant could play the corner outfield as well as the versatility to potentially transition to a corner infield spot." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Transfers (9)
Theo Bryant IV (OF), Gr., 6'3", 200, Decatur, GA/Tennessee Tech
Played summer ball in 2024 in the Northwoods League for the Bismark Larks where he hit .370 with four home runs…Spent the last five years at Tennessee Tech (2019 – 24) for Justin Holmes, Steven Smith and Matt Bragga where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science…Played in 144 games, scored 77 runs with 108 hits, 16 home runs, 78 RBIs, 61 walks, a .245 batting average and 17 stolen bases in his career…In 2024 he hit .265 with 31 runs, 44 hits, 10 doubles, 10 home runs and 41 RBIs…In 2023 he totaled 38 hits, three home runs and 24 RBIs…He redshirted the 2022 season…Picked up 20 hits, two runs and nine RBIs in 2021…He began his college career in 2020 with a home run, four RBIs and six hits before COVID canceled the rest of the season…Played at Southwest DeKalb High School for Tyrus Taylor…Aided the program to a 18-6 record in 2019 while hitting .524 with a 1.56 ERA and 15 stolen bases…Also played in the Perfect Game WWBA in Jupiter, Florida…Rated as the No. 5 outfielder and No. 42 player overall in the state of Georgia in the 2019 Perfect Game rankings…Son of Demetris Whitehead and Theodore Bryant III…His older brother, Tyler, also played at Tennessee Tech as a pitcher…His cousin, Warren Moon, is former NFL Hall of Fame quarterback…His cousin, Willie Gault, is a former NFL wide receiver, Super Bowl Champion and Olympic sprinter…Intends to work towards his master's degree in MPS emergency management and attend law school to become and MLB agent…He is also a master chef.
"We are thrilled to welcome Theo to the Green Wave family. Theo is a dynamic athlete with a combination of speed and power and we are excited to see the heights he can reach in his final year of college. His wealth of experience across 522 college plate appearances will be a benefit to our players and program throughout the year." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Kaikea Harrison (INF), Jr., 6'0", 185, Kailua, HI/USC
Played his first two years at USC for Andy Stankiewicz…Had a career batting average of .280 in 45 games and 21 starts...Scored 12 runs with 21 hits, five doubles, a home run, six RBIs and 10 walks…In 2024 had a .323 batting average with 10 runs, 20 hits, five double and a .417 on-base percentage…Played two years on the varsity at Punahou School under Keenan Sue…Hit .380 as a senior…First Team All-State as a senior and All-ILH as a junior…Was the No. 5 ranked player in the state of Hawaii in 2022 by Perfect Game…Named a Preseason All-American in 2022 in the PG Preseason Awards and a Preseason Underclass All-American in 2021…Led the state in hits and double his final season…In 2022 was an All-State infielder…Played travel ball for the Trosky National in 2022…Named to All-Tournament teams at the 2022 PF Fall National Championship (Underclassman) and the 2020 16U West Elite Championship…Played travel ball for PNW in 2019, earning a spot on the All-Tournament team at the 2019 PG West MLK Championship (Freshman)…Son of Kenny and Kaleka Harrison…Has four siblings, KJ, Kaleo, Kalae and Kahaku…His father was drafted by the Minnesota Twins, played professional baseball in Japan and also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates…His mother played soccer for the University of Colorado…His oldest brother, KJ, played baseball for Oregon State, drafted in the third round by the Milwaukee Brewers and played five seasons in the minors leagues for the Brewers and the Washington Nationals…His brother, Kaleo, played baseball for Texas A&M for two years before transferring to NC State before being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 18th round and is currently playing in minor leagues.
"After spending two years in Southern California, Kaikea comes to Tulane to bolster the infield. He is athletic on the dirt with the ability to make all the plays required to play in the middle. The Hawaiian native is coming off a productive sophomore year at the plate hitting over .320. His excellent work ethic will allow Kaikea to build on his success while transitioning to the Olive and Blue." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Boots Landry (1B), R-Fr., 6'3", 210, Friendswood, TX/Texas A&M
Attended Texas A&M and redshirted his only season with the Aggies for Jim Schlossnagle on their run to the 2024 College World Series Championship games…Made the SEC All-Academic Team…Played summer ball for the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League…Attended Friendswood High School and played two years on the varsity for Cory Benavides…Nationally ranked as the No. 20 third baseman and No. 429 player by Perfect Game ... Rated by PG as the No. 35 player in Texas and No. 2 third baseman ..Hit .350 with six homers as a junior and .460 with 12 homers as a senior ...Was the District MVP, All-State and State MVP as a senior…Belted a two-run home run vs Montgomery Lake Creek to push FHS to the state tournament as a junior…Son of Christi and Andy Landry ...Has an older sister, Kirby, who was a University of Texas Cheer Captain…His uncle, Jacques, was drafted twice in the MLB Draft and played nine years of pro ball ...He was initially picked by the Baltimore Orioles in the 36th round of the 1993 draft out of San Jacinto College and then again by the Detroit Tigers in the 12th round of the 1996 draft out of Rice ...Intends to major in finance at Tulane.
"Boots transfers in just weeks after being a part of an incredible run to the national championship game. It is evident through the College World Series experience and his substantial work ethic that Boots is wise beyond his years. He is a physical left-handed hitter that can hit for average and power who has the chance to be an immediate impact player in a Tulane uniform. The Texas native is a natural leader, and we are excited to see him grow into that in the coming years." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Andrew McKenna (C), Gr., 5'11", 200, Hillsdale, IL/Florida Atlantic University
While at Florida Atlantic for the 2024 season he played in 51 games with 40 starts between catcher and designated hitter…Hit .234 overall with four home runs, 29 RBIs and a .392 on-base percentage…Played at Washington State in 2023 as he appeared in three games with a walk and a run scored…Played at Santa Barbara Community College in 2021 and 2022 and was named All-Western State Conference First Team…Appeared in 34 games while hitting .248 with 28 hits, four doubles, three home runs, 23 RBIs and 14 runs scored…Started his college career with a season at Holy Cross in 2020 where he appeared in 11 games with six starts while hitting .310 with a double, five RBIs and six runs scored…Named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll…Played in high school at Nazareth Academy under Lee Milano…Owned a career batting average of .376 including a .420 batting average in 2018…Named the team's Offensive Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019…Selected to the 2019 Preseason Perfect Game All-American and All-Region team…Selected as a 2019 All-Conference selection…Named a 2018 PG Preseason Underclassman All-American and PBR Preseason All-State…Named to the 2017 National Underclass Showcase…Son of Stephen and Dawn McKenna…Has two brothers, William and Jack, and one sister, Fiona…His sister, Fiona, played hockey and soccer at Princeton…His brother, William, boxed at Michigan…His uncle, Michael McKenna, pitched at Auburn in the mid-1990s…Another uncle, Ardel McKenna, played football at Yale in the 1980s…Plans to work towards a master's degree in Homeland Security…Went to art school daily from 1st – 8th grade after school before baseball practice.
"Andrew is an in-conference transfer that provided stability and success within the FAU program. He is an outstanding leader with experience at all levels of college baseball. This steady defender behind the plate also has untapped power potential in his left-handed bat. His work ethic will be second-to-none within our program and regardless of production he will be a valuable asset day in and day out" – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
Garrett Payne (RHP), Gr., 6'8", 210, Charlottesville, VA/NC State
At North Carolina State from 2020-24 for Elliot Avent…Totaled three wins, appeared in 33 games with six starts in 60 innings pitched with 62 strikeouts…In 2024, as a redshirt junior, appeared in six games and 3.2 innings and recorded four strikeouts…Missed the 2023 season due to injury…Appeared in 20 games with five starts, totaled three wins in 42.2 innings pitched and recorded 43 strikeouts in 2022 as a sophomore…As a freshman appeared in seven games and threw 13.2 innings with 15 strikeouts in 2021…His start came against Vanderbilt in the College World Series where he threw five innings while surrendering just one earned run and two hits…Played at Miller School of Albemarle for Billy Wagner…He aided the program to the 2019 State Championship…Was First Team All-State as a junior…An East Coast Pro Showcase Invitee in 2019…Was the founder of his high school's men's volleyball club…Also played basketball in high school for Darren Maynard and Danny Manuel...Aided the team to the state semifinals as a freshman and the state finals as a sophomore and a junior…Son of Jamie and Keith Payne…His father played club volleyball at Virginia (1997-98)…His mother played volleyball, basketball and softball at St. Martin's (1992-95)…Intends to pursue his master's degree in paralegal studies at Tulane.
"A 6'8" right-handed pitcher from North Carolina State, Garrett joins us as a grad transfer. Despite limited action in 2023 due to injury, Garrett made a strong comeback this summer with the Chatham Anglers in the Cape Cod League, logging 14.1 innings with 13 strikeouts and just 5 walks. His fastball consistently reaches between 90-95 mph, and we're excited to bring his past experiences into our clubhouse and onto the mound" – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Dominic Pieto (RHP), Gr., 6'0", 195, Cransberry Township, PA/Long Island
He was at Long Island University from 2020-24 where he graduated cum laude with a communications degree and played baseball for Don Pirillo…Aided the program to two Northeast Championships (NEC), four playoff appearances and a 109-97 overall record during his time…Had a career 8-9 record, 7.56 ERA in 36 games, 28 starts, 147.2 innings pitched and 168 strikeouts as a member of the Sharks…As a redshirt junior in 2024 threw 72 innings with 79 strikeouts…Set the program record for strikeouts with 17 against Norfolk State on March 22…Named the NEC Pitcher of the Week on March 26…A two-time NEC Prime Performer (March 12 and March 26) in his final season…As a redshirt sophomore in 2023 went 3-6 with a 7.34 ERA with 78 strikeouts in 65 innings pitched spanning 15 appearances (13 starts)…An NEC Prime Performer on April 11, 2023…Named to NEC's Spring Academic Roll from 2022-24…Missed the 2022 season due to injury…As a freshman in 2021 appeared in five games and made a start with 11 strikeouts in 8.2 innings pitched…Played baseball for Pat Walsh at Pittsburgh Central Catholic…Also played football for Terry Trotten where he aided the team to a state playoff appearance, a WPIAL Championship and a 17-4 record…He was an Honorable Mention selection in football in 2019 and 2020…Son of Tricia and Scott Pieto…Has three siblings, Nicki, Marc, and Gabby…His brother, Marc, plays baseball at John Carroll University
"We're excited to welcome Dominic. He is 6'0" right-handed pitcher transferring from Long Island University. Over the past two seasons, Dominic has made 27 starts and pitched 139 innings, amassing 157 strikeouts against 69 walks. His pitching arsenal includes a low-90s fastball complemented by a slider and curveball. We look forward to seeing his experience and talent enhance our pitching staff."– Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Hugh Pinkney (C), Jr., 6'2", 210, Toronto, Ontario/Rutgers University
Drafted in 17th round with the 510th pick by the San Diego Padres in 2022…A member of the Canadian National Team in 2022 U-18 Baseball World Cup…Started his career and played the last two years at Rutgers University…Had a career .257 batting average in 75 games and 237 at bats along with 36 runs, 61 hits, 15 doubles, 28 RBIs, 32 walks, 12 HBPs and a .371 on-base percentage…As a sophomore hit .230 in 24 games with 10 runs scored, 14 hits, seven RBIs, four doubles, seven HBPs and a .360 on-base percentage…As a freshman totaled a .267 batting average with 26 runs, 47 hits, 11 doubles, a triple, 21 RBIs, a .341 slugging percentage and a .375 on-base percentage…Was the B1G Preseason Freshman of the Year by DI Baseball and Academic All B1G…Played for the Cape Code League's Championship Team (Bourne Braves) in 2022 where he was awarded the league's Daniel J. Silva Award (league's sportsmanship award) after hitting .451 with 32 hits and 22 RBIs…Ranked as the No. 5 overall prospect and No.1 catcher in Ontario by the Prep Baseball Report in 2022…Ranked No. 20 overall prospect and No. 1 catcher by Perfect Game in 2022…Played quarterback on the football team and forward on the basketball team at Silverthorn Collegiate Institute…Played travel ball for the Diamond Jacks Baseball and Terriers Baseball…Son of Charlene O'Connor and Colin Pinkney…Has a younger sister, Aoife…His father played rugby and mother competed in swimming and water polo at university…His late great uncle, Bob Pinkney, played professional football…His uncle, Brendan O'Connor, was drafted in the Ontario Hockey League…Selected to participate in the Blue Jays Academy Showcase in 2019…Intends to major in environmental studies with a minor in urban studies at Tulane.
"The Ontario catching product comes to Tulane after two years at Rutgers. The Padres selected Hugh in the 2022 MLB Draft, but he opted for college. Hugh provides impact offense from the left side with his gap-to-gap approach. He has a strong arm behind the plate and a physical build that can withstand the rigors of a college season. Hugh won the 2023 Cape Cod Baseball League Sportsmanship award after his time with Bourne Braves." – Justin Bridgman, Hitting Coach
J.D. Rodriguez (RHP), Jr., 6'5", 235, Corona, CA/Golden West College
Played the last two seasons at Golden West College…In 2024 he made 20 appearances on the mound with seven starts while totaling four wins, four saves, 74 innings pitched, a 4.99 ERA and 72 strikeouts…In 2023, after transferring from the University Hawai'i Manoa, he started and appeared in 15 games while totaling five wins, 69 innings pitched, a 4.96 ERA and 72 strikeouts…Made the Dean's Academic List…Ranked as No. 77 right-handed pitcher in the state of California in 2022 by Perfect Game…Attended Orange Lutheran for high school, played baseball for Eric Borba and made the High Honor Roll…Son of Joetta and Daniel Rodriguez…Has four siblings, Daniel, Anthony, Amanda and Alyssa…Intends to major in economics and then attend law school upon graduation.
"Bringing a strong presence to the mound, JD is a 6'4" right-handed pitcher from Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California. In 2024, he pitched 71 innings, striking out 72 batters while issuing 41 walks. His arsenal features a fastball ranging from 90-93 mph, complemented by a slider and changeup. His addition strengthens our pitching staff with his robust performance and promising potential." – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
Grayson Smith (RHP), So., 6'2", 205, Rocky Face, GA/University of Florida
Played the 2024 season at the University of Florida…He appeared in 15 games as a true freshman with 25 strikeouts in 17.2 innings thrown…Went 0-1 with an 8.66 ERA and a .264 batting average against….Struck out in 2.2 innings against Texas A&M…Had a pair of scoreless innings thrown in relief with two strikeouts against Oklahoma State in the Stillwater Regional….Named to the SEC's First Year Academic Honor Roll…A three-year letterwinner at McCallie School under Tim Costo…A two-time Perfect Game Preseason First Team All-Region selection (2022-23)…A 2021 Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-Region choice…Named to 16 various all-tournament teams at PG events from 2016-22…Ranked by PG as the No. 163 overall recruit and No. 47 right-handed pitcher nationally plus the No. 17 play and No. right-hander in the state of Georgia…Went 13-5 with a 1.73 ERA and .172 batting average against in 24 career appearances including a pair of starts…Struck out 167 batters in 109.1 innings thrown for a 13.7 K/9…As a senior he recorded 78 strikeouts against 19 walks for 4.1 K-BB ratio…As a junior went 6-2 with a 1.67 ERA, a .186 batting average against plus 78 strikeouts in 58.2 innings thrown in 11 relief appearances in aiding the team to the state championship…Son of Karen and Matthew Smith…Has an older brother, Quinn, and an older sister, Reagan…Intends to major in finance at Tulane.
"Joining us as a transfer from the University of Florida, Grayson Smith brings experience and a dynamic pitching arsenal to our team. The right-handed pitcher made a strong impact out of the bullpen as a freshman in the SEC, appearing in 15 games and recording 25 strikeouts over 17.2 innings. With a powerful fastball, sharp slider, and an above-average splitter, Grayson is set to bolster our pitching staff. – Anthony Izzio, Pitching Coach
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