PBCC baseball has been around for decades. The alumni and past coaches list can go on for miles. The baseball tradition at PBCC is what sets us apart from other programs. Not many people realize this little community college can keep up on the field with about anyone around.

     In 2006 the 18-27 season didn’t keep Head Coach Alex Morales down in the dumps for very long. The plan and system went into place immediately after the final game of the season. The main focus was gathering a good group of kids that understood the Palm Beach CC way. The way former coaches Dusty Rhodes and Frank Cacciatore ran their winning clubs. Set a comfortable coaching staff in place. Pitching Coach Kyle Forbes has been around for along time. He was the Head Baseball Coach at Palm Beach Atlantic College for almost a decade. His unlimited knowledge has help build the pitching staff into one of the best in the conference. Mychal Teman was retained as an outfield instructor and administers the strength and conditioning. The overall physical gains are credited to coach Teman. Cliff Terracuso formerly Recruiting Coordinator at Lipscomb University an NCAA Division 1 program in Nashville, Tennessee is acting as the Recruiting Coordinator and Camp Director at PBCC. Mike Hammock is in his first season coaching and has been a huge addition to the staff.

     Last season the PBCC baseball team made big strides as Coach Morales plan and systems went into place. 40 plus win season while ranked number one in the state of Florida for 8 continuous weeks and a 3rd ranking in the National Junior College Association was just the beginning. The pitching staff was solid all year long. The decisions of moving Brad Peacock from the closer roll to a starter and moving the veteran Steve Vento from starter to closer was risky. Jon Hoelzer a University of Mercer signee came out of the bull pen and emerged as a number one starter. The back bone of the PBCC baseball team was the offense led by Tony Cruz and Jose Kianes. Both sluggers were in the top ten in every major offensive category. Eight players went on to professional baseball from last year’s team. And six players signed to a college.

     Palm Beach Community College Head Baseball Coach Alex Morales and Recruiting Coordinator Cliff Terracuso are pleased to announce the 2009 baseball commitments. “Taking care of Palm Beach County kids is the number one priority here at PBCC. Coach Morales sat me down and told me that my recruiting the nation days of working at Lipscomb were over!” added Terracuso. Coach Morales led Terracuso on the right path and with Coach Morales’ connections in Palm Beach County the job was not to hard. Here are our 15 2009 signing class.

     Sean Adelman right handed pitcher from West Boca High School. Sean is one of the top RHP in the county. Heavily recruited by many NCAA D1’s. Eric Rice right handed pitcher and ace of his highly regarded Park Vista High School will be an impact right away pitcher for us at PBCC. Mike Tullio right handed pitcher from Dwyer High School is a big prospect. His fast ball is in the upper 80’s with his good frame. The Lefties include Seminole Ridge ace Mike Amador, Kevin Wojtanek from Spanish River HS, highly recruited Evan Stermer from Wellington High School and Anthony Coletti the ace of South Broward HS. The pitching staff will not miss a beat. Re-loading opposed to re-building is our goal here.

     The position players for the 2009 class are really good too. Logan Thompson the starting Shortstop at Jupiter High School will lead the way. Peter Mooney the brother of Michael Mooney who was Defensive Player of the Year and University of Florida early sign could be the best Mooney of all. Peter is from Seminole Ridge High School. Austin Knight is a good looking infielder from the Boys Latin School of Maryland. Head Coach Mike Bordick former long time big leaguer thinks very highly of him. Ben Carhart the Palm Beach Gardens High School slugger will hold down third base. Gus Maclao the left handed hitting power first baseman/outfielder from Pace High School in Miami will add the juice in the middle of the order. Taylor Davis the shore handed catcher from Jupiter High School will be fighting for a starting role behind the dish. Brandon King the outfielder from Wellington High School will be doing the roaming in the outfield.

     The early commitments from PBCC onto a 4 year school are Mike Mooney the Nations top defensive player has committed to the University of Florida. Austin Armstrong the PBCC closer is going to Lynn. Matt “BAM BAM” Greener has signed at Cumberland University. Ryan Hendrickson a RHP is going to Carson Newman College in Tennessee. Junior Rodriguez 1B/C has committed to St. Thomas University in Miami.

     This year’s club with top returnees are Dan Wright RHP,Austin Armstrong, Ryan Hendrickson, Chad Mills, DJ Ferguson RHP, and Ryan Bernal RHP transfer from FIU will lead the way on the mound. The freshman arms include Sean Koecheler RHP from PB Gardens HS, Mike Rayl LHP from Park Vista, Tim Webb LHP from Pope John Paul HS, Kevin Seigrist LHP and Ronnie Oelerich both from Wellington HS has Pitching Coach Kyle Forbes excited.

     The offensive returners are Matt Greener, Jr Rodriguez, Sean Conner, Haven Fitsimmonds along with Mooney. The freshman offensive players are Larry Walicki Park Vista ( transfer from FAU) Dan Sheffler Seminole Ridge HS, Tony Crews Pace HS, Ray Church Santaluces, Robbie Jones Santaluces, Tom Bates Miami Westminister, Pat Roedel Forest Hill HS, Pete Testa from Connecticut and Andrew Anagnostu from PB Central HS.

     The PBCC Baseball players will project a sense of pride, confidence and work ethic in all aspects of his life. He will portray the true spirit of NJCAA athlete – playing each game as if it were his last. Through triumph or defeat, we will stand tall with no regrets, leaving our blood, sweat and tears on the field. When we step off the PBCC field for the last time, we will have earned the respect of our opponents, peers and community. We will always remember where we came from, who we represent, and the Lord whose footsteps we strive to emulate.

2008 PALM BEACH COOMUNITY COLLEGE SOPHOMORE CLASS