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Baseball players can be taught to hit, field, catch and run the bases, but being a leader must be earned.
Prep Charter senior Angelo DelVecchio has been called upon to guide his Huskies on the diamond demonstratively and vocally. The catcher’s extra effort in 2008 catapulted him to team captain and a Second Team All-Public League selection.
More recently, in an April 7 17-2 non-league victory over Penn Wood, the athlete accomplished a rarity in sports by hitting for the cycle.
"I didn’t think I was going to be able to do it," the resident of 16th and Shunk streets said at a recent practice. "Two hits I had hit the fence, so I didn’t think I would get it. The triple was the hardest. I really don’t get triples."
The highlight was a 350-foot home run to left center field.
Coach Robert Hale noted the standout performance is the result of making some adjustments at the plate.
"[Last year], he was pulling a lot and not seeing the ball," Hale said. "His hips were opening up making him do this. I worked on him stepping more to the pitcher rather than pulling out."
The 18-year-old provides his Huskies versatility, not just as a leader, but in the ability to play every position. The athlete, whose desired role is catcher, also has the ability to throw strikes.
"As a player, he has exceptional talent," Hale said. "He can play any position besides being a catcher. He will do whatever it takes to win. This is what makes him a good leader as a senior on the team."
This includes not missing a practice and being the first to arrive and last to leave. In the classroom, DelVecchio has a 3.1 GPA and has academic scholarship offers to both La Salle University and Neumann College. On the field, through five games including four wins, he has eight hits in 12 at-bats with five RBIs.
But DelVecchio’s biggest goal is to help his Huskies contend for a Public League crown, as well as compete for a state title,
"When we get to states everyone needs to be confident so we can reach the next level. I really want to make it past the first round this year," he said.
No matter what happens the rest of the way, his coach foresees promising times ahead.
"I believe Angelo will have a successful future in baseball as long as he keeps focus and concentrates on what needs to be done on the field and in practice," Hale said.
