(Herkimer, NY – April 4, 2013) Herkimer County Community College’s baseball program recently had 12 recruits sign letters of intent, committing them to Herkimer for the 2013-14 season. Nine New York State players and three players from Japan round out the early class of recruits, according to Coach Jason Rathbun.
Tyler Phillips is a standout shortstop from Hancock Central. He was a first team all-state selection as a junior and has been Hancock’s starting shortstop since freshman year.
Lucas Godlewski is a 6’4” right-handed pitcher from Little Falls who has a tremendous upside on the mound. Mike Harrington, 6’4”, is a right-handed pitcher from Glens Falls High School. Coach Rathbun said, “Both student-athletes have strong fast-balls in the mid-80s, and we only see growth and potential in their future.”
Other pitching recruits include Proctor High School’s John Napoli. The strong, right-handed pitcher is coming off surgery but should be ready for his senior season this year. Will Apps is a sidearm specialist from Cicero-North Syracuse. “We like John’s size and strength,” stated Rathbun. “Will has had experience closing out games for a strong program with a very deceptive arm slot with a lot of movement.”
Four other players also committed to the program are good athletes who swing the bat very well. Tom Carrigan in an infielder from Niskayuna; JT Ross is a standout from New York Mills who has the ability to play multiple positions on the field. Outfielder Eric Downey is a left-handed hitter from a strong Colonie program. Ryan Lasavio is an infielder from Mechanicville.
Rathbun also recruited three players from Japan, Sinnosuke Takahashi, a standout right-handed pitcher; Kohei Otsuka, a left-handed sidearm pitcher and Taishi Terashima, an outfielder and very sound defensive player.
Rathbun added, “I am very excited about the level of talent in these recruits.”
Pictured signing from top are Ross and Godlewski.