Broncs add three to 2017-18 incoming class
Friday, December 23, 2016
Courtesy: Brian David Solomon (Rider University)
LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University Baseball Head Coach Barry Davis has announced three additional commitments to the 2017-18 incoming class. Joining prior commitments Jake Barbiere (Randolph, NJ/Randolph), Elias Gross (Bethlehem, PA/Liberty), Ray Pacella (Stony Point, NY/North Rockland), Lou Priolo (Voorhees, NJ/Eastern) and Vincent Vitacco (Staten Island, NY/Monsignor Farrell) will be Dominic Caraballo (Colts Neck, NJ/Red Bank Catholic), Zac Gakeler (Jobstown, NJ/Northern Burlington [Mercer County C.C.]) and Timmy Stephan (Culpeper VA/Highland School).
“In a critical recruiting year, acquiring as much talent continues to be imperative and with the addition of these three, we have met this on-going objective,” said Davis.
Caraballo is a left-handed hitting outfielder out of Red Bank Catholic High School. He was a First Team All-Division performer last season after hitting .327 with 19 runs scored, seven doubles, nine RBI’s and 10 stolen bases for a 22-8 RBC team. Caraballo possesses plus speed and has leadoff type qualities. He’s expected to add depth and compete for a spot.
“Dominic will give us a solid left-handed bat, plus speed and his skills will allow him to play any of the three outfield position,” said Davis.
Gakeler pitched to a 14-3 record and was named to the NJCAA 2016 Division II All Region XIX First Team and 2016 Division II All-GSAC First Team at Mercer County C.C. He was also a First Team All-Conference, All-County and All-South Jersey performer as a senior for Northern Burlington in 2014. Gakeler finished his high school career with more than 200 strikeouts and was ranked as one of the Top 1000 recruits by Perfect Game.
“Zach will add experience and bring high expectations from his career at Northern Burlington and Mercer County Community College,” said Davis. “He will compete for a weekend spot.”
Stephan posted a 6-2 record with a 1.40 ERA to earn All-State First Team last year at Highland School. He also earned All-Conference First Team as a junior after taking the 2015 Iron Man Award and All-Conference First Team as a sophomore.
“Stephan is athletic and shows great promise as pitcher,” said Davis. “He is expected to push to get time somewhere on our staff.”