MCLA Baseball names 2009 Captains

MCLA Baseball names 2009 Captains

Head Coach Jeff Puleri has announced three captains for the upcoming 2009 season. The captains for the team will be Senior OF Pat Negrini (West Stockbridge, MA), Senior OF Cory Burtman (Norwood, MA), and Junior Catcher Ken Recore (Averill Park, NY).

Negrini enters his senior season looking to cap off a solid career. While his numbers do not jump off the page, it is all of the intangibles that has made Negrini a captain. According to Puleri, Negrini is “a tremendous competitor who does all of the little things to help you win games.” Negrini will patrol center field for the Trailblazers.

During his junior season, Burtman emerged as a go to player. He batted .366 while knocking in 20 runs. He also led the team with 8 doubles. Burtman will also see time as a pitcher during his senior season after limited duty the previous three years. When asked about Burtman’s impact, Puleri stated that “Cory will bat in the middle of our lineup and be counted on as a primary run producer in 2009.

Recore emerged as a rock behind the plate during his sophomore season. His desire and work ethic earned him the title of captain. Aside from leading the pitching staff, Recore batted a solid .333 last year. More impressive was the fact the he played errorless ball from behind the plate. Puleri notes, “Kenny has worked himself into one of the top catchers in the league. His leadership is evident on the field and in the classroom.

MCLA opens play in the Russ/Matt Invitational in Winter Haven, Fl. They will play UMass-Boston on March 12.