Big recruits land at Herkimer with fall ball in full swing

Herkimer baseball returned to the field this fall with the hopes of a spring season ahead.

"It feels great to be back on the field," said head coach Jason Rathbun, who is entering his 17th year leading the program. "It's been since October last year that we've been on a field, so it's a little extra special this year. We're really just focused on the now and trying not to look too far down the road of what might be next. Just trying to enjoy the time we have and get better."

Herkimer will not host or travel against any other teams this fall but are holding a scout day on October 15. The workout will be streamed live for NCAA Division I coaches who are not allowed to travel until January 1. The Generals, who hold a 40-man roster this fall, are scrimmaging every week with tough intersquad competition.

"There is talent here to develop, and we're getting them as many innings as possible," Rathbun said.

Outfield

Freshman Dakota Britt (Rockwall, TX) is one of the best high school recruits in the history of the program. Britt, who was committed to University of New Mexico until COVID-19 cost the program a backup in players, has local ties with family in Whitesboro.

"He is a special talent," Rathbun said. "He ran a 6.6 60 yard dash, threw over 85 mph from outfield and the pop in his lefty swing. So glad to have him here with us."

Returning outfielder sophomore Dom Fasolo (Whitesboro, NY) has already shown the growth and potential the staff believed in. Returning freshman Griffin Yastremski (Bath, NY) will jump on the mound this year, along with his outfield duties, with the big 6'5 righty sitting 89-91.

Returning freshman Trey Miller (Rocky Point, NY) has improved, and freshmen Rob Conley (Utica, NY) and Ryan Kerley (Vestel, NY) provide legit bats. Newcomers freshmen Caden Clow (Unatego, NY) and Josh Treadway (Spencer, MA) both are promising prospects and have shown the ability to hit.

Infield

Eckard College transfer freshman Sal Carricato (Farmingville, NY) will challenge the homerun record this year as he puts on a show during BP. He has worked the corners early this fall. Sophomore Frank Wayman (Horseheads, NY) is hungry to make a huge impact this year and worked at 1B and the outfield.

Returning freshman Jake Hernandez (Guilderland, NY) and newcomer Brendan Jackson (New Rochelle, NY) have shown ability early this fall. Transfer freshmen Kyle Caccamise (Hopewell Jct, NY) and David Breakell (Loudonville, NY) have impressed this fall in the middle infield. Returning freshmen Devin Disonell (Clifton Park, NY) and Elian Pimentel (Huntington Station, NY) have both improved their game and playing well.

Sophomore Matt Tobin (Newport, NY) is one of the most talented players on the roster who is looking to put it all together. Newcomers David Flora (Windsor, NY) and Jalen McCarty (Waverly, NY) are talented additions to the program. Returning freshmen Trey Princiotto (Horseheads, NY) and Eddie Rogers (Little Falls, NY) along with Cooperstown athlete of the year Ryan Lansing (Cooperstown, NY) and infielders who will also contribute on the mound this year.

Catchers

There is a strong group of catchers in this fall with six incoming freshmen catchers. Thomas Millett (Schenectady, NY) has flashed some strong tools early. Ty Gallager (Saugerties, NY) has flashed pop in his lefty swing. Connor Lynch (Newport, NY), Carter Vidnansky (Lake George, NY), Santos Cantu (New York, NY), and Brayden Zahniser (Frankfort, NY) are improving each day behind the dish and show promise at the plate.

Pitchers

Pitching will be the big question mark, with four pitchers departing for Division I schools. True freshman lefthander Greg Farone (Schenectady, NY) is a 6'5"/210 pound arm with big upside and someone that scouts will have on their radar. John Cortese (Fort Plain, NY) and Ryan Peters (Watertown, NY) are very exciting young arms that have shown well early.

Former Charleston Southern recruit Ethan Duda (Latham, NY) is working his way back on the mound from surgery, but is very talented with the bat as well. Ethan Hitchcock (Montrose, PA) is nice looking young arm.

Returning freshmen from last year have all improved and are looking to win their roles on the staff. Ethan Patch (Whitehall, NY), David Montalvo (Selkirk, NY), Rylie O'Connell (Peru, NY), Luke Pusz (Schenectady, NY), Jack Wyatt (Charlton, NY), and Austin Barnao (Clemons, NY) are graduating arms looking to make a name for themselves this year.