Big Man is Back

Zach Jordan, also known to his teammates as Big Man, is one of the top additions to the Blue Devils this year. The 6'3'', 220 ponder is one of the more imposing players. After missing out on last season due to injury, he had a solid fall and aims to re-join the Devils rotation.

The Akron, N.Y. native had an immediate impact on the Devils as a freshman and was nominated for FSU Male Rookie of the Year. As a sophomore, he was one of the top relievers in the SUNYAC, gaining an occasional start. Along with Kyle Grey, they formed the Devils righty-lefty punch out of the bullpen. A big fan of lefties, he is also well-known as the sidekick for current lefty (and roommate) Tommy Morris.

Last season, as a Sports Management major, he was the team's official statistician, taking care of setting up and running the live stat feed on the teams website. He also worked a number of events for the athlteic department, including soccer games, swim meets, basketball games and volleyball tournaments.

Zach missed out on last season due to injury, but is back and ready to roll this year. Baseball Operations Manager Tim Fairhead sat down with Zach so you could get to know him a little bit better,

1) Who has been the most influential Blue Devil in your career thus far?

     Angelo "Ace" Sciandra, he was an upper classmen pitcher when I came in so he was someone always there to answer questions and learn from.

2) What is your favorite season of the year? Why?

     Definitely Spring, baseball season starts and I get to play some golf.

3) What is your greatest strength on the field?

     Being mentally tough and a competitor. 

4) What is an interesting fact about yourself?

     I was born in South Carolina .    

5) If you had to cook a meal for the entire team what would it be?

      Some steak, corn on the cob, and a nice salad. The boys can't go hungry. 

6) What is your most memorable baseball moment?

     Can't pick one in particular but I'd say the spring trip the Florida every year is a blast. 

7) If you were stranded on an island with two other teammates who would you pick and why?

     RJ would be with me for sure because of his general knowledge, the second choice is tough. I'd probably have to pick Kenny. 

8) What song will you request for your walk up song?

     Roots by Flo Rida, I've had it since freshman year.  

9) Who is your celebrity crush?

     Kate Upton. Verlander is a lucky man.   

10) If you could vacation anywhere ion the world where would it be?
     Probably the Bahamas because it's gorgeous and most likely a once in a lifetime opportunity. 

Globe-trotting Blue Devil

Found this story online about our former catcher. Rob is in Texas this week catching up with NY Region Gold Glovers Jeremy Borst (OF) and Joe Kephart (SS).

G'Day, mate. Herrm down under.

Derek Fie, repping the '607'

Derek Fie come to us from Corning High School. He helped lead the Hawks to a stellar season as one of the Hawks top hitters. He played along side teammate Zach Sullivan who was drafted in the 14th round by the Florida Marlins.

Derek was supposed to be accompanied by another fellow Corning Hawk, Chris McKibben, this fall. Chris plans on enrolling in Fredonia in January and joining the Blue Devils then.

Derek Fie, left, with Matt Wilhelm working at the Habitat for Humanity house in Silver Creek

Coach's commene: "Derek worked his way on to the team this fall and earned the respect of his teammates. It'll be great to have hi lefty swing at the 'Wig the next four years."

Baseball Operations Manager Tim Fairhead sat down with Derek so you could get to know him a little better:

1) What's your favorite movie?
     Miracle, its a classic.

2) If you could choose anything to do for a day, what would you do?
     Hang out with Derek Jeter before he retires.

3) If you had to sing Karaoke in front of the team what song would sing?
     Timber by Kesha

4) If you could eat one meal for the rest of your life what would it be?
     Steak, medium with a side of egg noodles and green beans, can't go wrong with that

5) We are coming up on the Holidays, whats on your Christmas list?
     Really hoping for some new sneakers, some new golf gear, and a new bat and glove.

6) What three items would you bring on a deserted island?
    I would bring my phone, fire starter, and a yacht.

7) Who's your celebrity crush?
    Selena Gomez, she is the definition of perfect

8) What was your first job?
    I was a pizza delivery guy, it was awful

9) What do you wanna do after you graduate?
   I want to work in a sports organization.

10) What do you hope to bring to the team this season?
    I plan on bringing on intensity to every game and practice and a will to win everyday

Super sophs

Trot Kelly and RJ Spinella stopped by the office to meet with Baseball Operations Manager, Tim Fairhead. Both are sophomores. Trot (real name Liam) was familiar with the area having played on a travel team out of Dunkirk (3 miles from here) with Max Scharntz and Jake Harford. He is also the fifth Bishop Timon alum to play at Fredonia in the last few years.

Trot's dad, T.K. (Tim) runs the school for the deaf in Buffalo, so Trot is fluent in sign language-- even some sign slang. He was born in Boston and is a Red Sox fan, so he picked up the moniker "Trot" from his favorite player, Trot Nixon.

Trot teamed up with another sophomore, Mike Prentice, to win the NYS American Legion Championship played in Utica two years ago

RJ Spinella, a Utica-area native, was in the stands that day. RJ was a walk-on to the program, and immediately earned his teammate's respect. According to former Blue Devil and last year's team captain Connor Lorenzo - RJ is "always asking questions and trying to soak up knowledge". He is now the team's SAAC rep.

He played infield at Cassville high school, but has moved to the outfield here to utilize his speed. Cassville is a small school, Class C or D, and RJ always speaks with pride of his time there.

RJ received an academic scholarship to Fredonia and has outstanding grades. Let's take a closer look:


1) If you were stranded on an Island and had to pick 2 other teammates to go with you who would you choose?
     Trot: I would bring RJ because I'm pretty sure he lives outdoors anyway. Secondly I would take Mike Prentice because he has an Xbox One
     RJ: I would bring Dan Cecilia because he has savage instincts, and Trot Kelly because he's an all around good guy.

2)If you were trapped in a TV show for one week what show would you choose?
     Trot: Definitely Full House. I would have words with John Stamos.
     RJ: I would have to go with Friends. I can hang out with Jennifer Aniston

3)Willy C or Cranston for food on campus?
     Trot:  Neither, I'm a homemade meals kind of guy.
     RJ: Definitely the FSA Cafe in the Science Center.

4)Whats the greatest strength you will bring to the team?
     Trot: My greatest strength is the positive attitude I bring to the field everyday.
     RJ: I would say its my GPA.

5)What will your walk up song be this season?/
     Trot: Lemonade by Gucci Mane
     RJ: Pump Up the Jams by Technotronics

6)Who is your favorite professional athlete?
     Trot: It's a tie between Kyle Orton and Trot Nixon.
     RJ: Matt Carpenter.

7)What is the number one played song on your iPod?
     Trot: All I want for Christmas is You, by Mariah Carey, with a number of other "fire" playlists.
     RJ: Free Bird by Leonard Skynnard.

8)What's your summer job, do you plan on keeping it after college?
     Trot: I am a town worker and I would love to keep that job!
     RJ: I work at a motorcycle shop and I would stick with it.

Steve Zaprowski

Freshman Steve Zaprowski made a quick impact this fall. Recruited to fill some needs on the mound, Steve had a great senior season at the plat at Will South and was named 2nd Team All Western New York. He was also the MVP of his legion team. In addition to some solid pitching, Steve showed a sweet swing from the left side of the plate this fall. He will be used as a pitcher and an outfielder.

Steve played volleyball in high school to help develop some athleticism and is an avid Bills fan.

Steve with fellow freshman Mike Carmody.

Coach's comment: "Steve was recruited to pitch for us, but he had other ideas. He showed great poise at the plate during the fall, and has shown he can hit at this level. It will be exciting to see how he develops over the next year. He will throw for us this year, and is capable of wrestling away a starting position in the field, too, given the opportunity."

Baseball Operations Manager Tim Fairhead sat down with Steve so you could get to know him a little better:

1) What is the greatest strength you will bring to the team this season?

     I plan on bringing intensity and the will to win to the team this year.

2) If you could be a member of any Sitcom TV family, what family would it be, why?

     I wouldn't want to be apart of any Sitcom family to be honest. 

3) What is the best part of Fredonia so far?

     I love the atmosphere here. The team is filled with a bunch of great guys that have made going to Fredonia a fun time so far. 

4) You are new to our campus, where is your favorite place to hang out on campus, why?

     Dods Hall. I enjoy playing basketball with the guys on the team, its a good time. 

5) What is your typical gameday ritual like?

     I like to stay relaxed and focused on game day up until warmups where I start to get amped up and listen to music. 

6) Which teammate will have the best facial hair at the end of no shave November?

    Other than myself I would have to go with my fellow Freshman Bailey Gauthier, kid can grow a beard.

7) If you would vacation anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

    I would go to Australia. Ive heard its pretty nice there and that there is a lot of things to do there. 

8) What do you believe is the teams greatest strength this year?

     I believe that we are a strong team all around. I feel like we will have an advantage at the plate. We got some guys on the team that can mash. 

9) If you could sit down with any professional athlete who would it be and why?

     Jim Kelly. He's the greatest player in Bills history and I think it would be pretty cool to sit down and get to know him more. 

10) List 3 of your goals this season.

     Win a starting job. Push myself and my team mates to the best of their abilities. Make SUNYAC's