Baseball Outlook for 1998

2/20/1998

New coach, high expectations for Panthers.

Prelude

Entering a new era of Pittsburgh Panther baseball in 1998, the Panthers will man the diamond under the leadership of first-year Head Coach Joe Jordano.

Named to his position Nov. 11, 1997, Jordano has accumulated a wealth of experience and carved a legacy as one of the most successful college coaches in the past 10 years. He comes to Pittsburgh from Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pa., where he boasted the school's all-time winningest record of 285-114-1 the past 10 years. His .713 winning percentage ranks seventh nationally among active NCAA coaches.

At Mercyhurst, Jordano led the Lakers to six post-season tournaments (NCAA's in 1991 and 1994-97, and ECAC's in 1989), captured the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Conference title in 1996-97 and was named its Coach of the Year in both of those seasons. Several of his players have signed professional contracts, and he coached four All-Americans, 30 All-Region and 15 All-Conference players.

The 1998 Panthers look forward to enjoying similar successes. Sixteen lettermen return this year and 15 newcomers join the squad, which finished 19-26 overall and 8-17 in the Big East Conference last season.

Pittsburgh is slated to play a 52-game schedule this year, which began with nine spring training contests in Homestead, Fla., (Feb. 28-March 8). After a three-game series at Ohio State March 13, Pittsburgh will host crosstown-rival Duquesne March 18 for its home-opener at Trees Field at 2 p.m.

Jordano On...

An all-encompassing preview of the 1998 season with narrative by Head Coach Joe Jordano.

The Season

Head Coach Joe Jordano has high expectations for his 1998 Panther squad, which will be led by the first-year staff of Jordano, assistant coach Joel Dombkowski and pitching coach Lou Schaper. Jordano has set a number of goals and objectives, which the team is committed to accomplishing.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work every day to reach the Big East Championship, but these guys know what me and my staff expect and are working toward that," Jordano said. Perhaps the biggest plan for the Panthers will be to reach a balance between the experience and youth. Overall, Pittsburgh is a young team, returning only 16 of 31 players this season. There are 13 players on the pitching staff, but only four are returning starters. Therefore, it is imperative that the newcomers step up quickly and make an immediate impact.

"Our veteran players will have to play at a higher level to compensate for the inexperience of this team. The new players do not have a lot of time to be inexperienced," Jordano said. "However, our focus will be on things we can control. We will work on accomplishing team objectives and play for respect everyday. If we can do these things, we can have a competitive season."

Jordano's overhaul has been dramatic. His system emphasizes detail in every facet of baseball on and off of the field. "We want an individual who is completely committed to being a part of this program, and he must understand that being a student-athlete at the University of Pittsburgh takes a total commitment," Jordano said.

Already, progress has been made by the pitching staff. The staff is healthy, strong and making significant improvements with Schaper's coaching expertise. Preseason expectations from conference opponents are not high, but according to Jordano, the Panthers just might pull some surprises this season. Jordano expresses a tremendous amount of respect for the league's coaches and teams. "There seems to be a high level of sportsmanship in our conference. There is also a strong desire to win." He believes the key is to stay focused and be committed the entire season, regardless of game results.

The Coaching Staff

The 1998 coaching staff of Jordano, Dombkowski and Schaper is hard-working and experienced, which could cultivate results as perhaps one of the most noteworthy coaching staffs to stand at the helm of Pittsburgh Panther baseball. "I believe that we have one of the best coaching staffs in the Big East," said Jordano.

Dombkowski is a 1992 graduate of Mercyhurst College where he was a standout player for Jordano. Dombkowski joined Jordano as an assistant at his alma mater while earning his master's degree in administration of justice (1994). He worked with the catchers and outfielders, which he will continue at Pittsburgh.

"Joel is one of the most focused, knowledgeable, committed and loyal people I know," Jordano said. "He has a great rapport with the players. Joel has been instrumental in my past successes and is equally committed to making Pittsburgh baseball the best it can be." Pittsburgh is also fortunate to welcome Lou Schaper, a seasoned veteran who has experienced success at every level in baseball. He is one of the best pitching coaches in the region, according to Jordano.

"Lou has the unique ability to identify mechanical flaws and correct them within the abilities of the pitcher," Jordano said. "Lou has a great reputation in the college and pro ranks.

"I have been fortunate enough in my years to be associated with some of the best baseball people around, and these individuals [Dombkowski and Schaper] are among them," he explained. "These experiences will only benefit our players."

The Infield

Junior Steve Dickinson, who was named to the Big East second team as a designated hitter last season, will start at first base. Possessing a strong arm, Dickinson may also throw some short relief as a pitcher.

"Steve is a big, strong power-hitter who is solid defensively," Jordano said. "He will add stability in the middle of the lineup and must put up power numbers for us this season. Steve will be one of our leaders, and I expect him to raise his game to a new level."

Last season, Dickinson's 13 home runs were the most ever in a season for a Panther, and his 41 RBIs placed him fifth on Pittsburgh's all-time season record list.

Emerging as the front runner at second base is Harry Ciavarella, a redshirt sophomore, who has good hands, is quick and possesses a strong arm. Also challenging is junior Charles Stafford, a fundamentally sound, hard-working player.

At shortstop is Lou Melucci, who Jordano expects to lead the infield.

"Lou has good hands and speed, a quick release, and is improving offensively," Jordano said of the junior whose 150 at-bats and eight home runs (second on the team) broke all-time season records in 1997.

Greg Stokes will backup Melucci at shortstop this year, also. The redshirt freshman has made the switch from second to short in the preseason and possesses a strong arm and solid offensive game, according to Jordano.

Pittsburgh's 1997 top hitter, junior Scott Lobaugh, returns as the front man at third base. Lobaugh led the 1997 squad with a .353 batting average and 32 stolen bases, which ranks third on the Panthers' all-time single-season stolen base list. "Scott has worked hard on his defense and we've seen solid improvement," Jordano said. "We're looking for a solid year from him and he needs to be a leader as well."

The Panthers have two other prospects hot at the corner. Redshirt sophomore Steve Varshine and freshman Darrin Lenhart could see action behind Lobaugh.

"Steve is a versatile infielder who we also might utilize at second," Jordano said. "He has a good glove and a simple swing."

"Darrin is a strong athlete. We are working on his consistency defensively because we need him to make all the routine plays."

The Outfield

The outfield, according to Jordano, is a question mark entering the season.

The Panthers are stocked with seven guys with similar talent who will challenge for the three starting positions.

In left field is Chris Delsignore, a veteran who set all-time season records last year. His team-high 14 doubles and 51 hits rank second and seventh, respectively.

"Chris has worked on improving his defensive skills there and continues to practice for consistency," Jordano said.

Kevin Foley, a junior transfer from Musca-tine College in Muscatine, Iowa, is expected to anchor the outfield in centerfield, according to Jordano. Foley is quick, possesses a strong arm and is a complete player.

In right field, junior Jason Oliver and redshirt junior Jeff Sofran will challenge for the starting spot. Both are good players with the necessary defensive skills. Oliver's versatility may allow Jordano to utilize him in left field or at first base, also.

The Catchers

There are three players that could see time behind the plate in 1998. The front runner is sophomore David Hoopes.

"David is a cool, controlled catcher," Jordano said. "He handles pitchers well. He also has a good arm and can really swing the bat. We expect a big season from him."

Returning sophomore Bill Brown has been working very hard with Coach Dombkowski on his defense, and he has the potential to be a major impact offensivley, according to Jordano.

Finally, Aaron Mascaro who Jordano says "has been working hard at becoming the complete receiver," could be a factor with improvement and experience.

The Pitchers

The Panthers are stocked with 13 pitchers that could take the mound this season.

"Pitching needs to be one of our strengths in 1998," Jordano said. " We need our pitchers to be consistent and in control all of the time. Eric Rosing, Chris Gallick, Bob Balazantis, Kevin Lazeski, Jory Coughenour and John Schultz are emerging as starters. We hope they will give us quality starts this year."

In 1997, Gallick registered 63 strikeouts, a school single-season record, in his first year in action. Meanwhile, Schultz compiled a school single season-best, 6-3 record last year, including 52 strike outs.

In addition, junior Steve Kubicek, and freshmen Matt Irvin and Greg Paul each have had quality preseasons, according to Jordano. Rounding out the pitching staff are freshmen Chris Guth, Ben Johnston, Scott Schultz and Ron Janicki.