Former MCCC pitcher Andrew DiPiazza Signs Professional League Contract
8/22/19
Kansas City, Kan. – Former Mercer County Community College (MCCC) pitcher Andrew DiPiazza signed to play for the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball League on Aug. 16.
DiPiazza left his mark at Mercer by leading the Vikings to back-to-back winning seasons. In 2016, he helped the Vikings to a 51-10 record, while in 2017 his efforts lead to a 48-14 finish.
“All he did for two years here was win, and he got better as the stage got bigger,” said Coach Carella. “DiPiazza would not have gotten to where he is today if it wasn’t for him showcasing his talents whenever he got the chance, and working extremely hard.”
DiPiazza’s freshman season consisted of a 12-1 record, 84 innings pitched, a 1.50 ERA and 109 strikeouts. He was later named The National Junior College Athletic Association’s (NJCAA) Division II Baseball Pitcher of the Year.
“His sophomore year was similarly successful,” said Carella. He, along with Dennis Brady and Nick Snyder, formed a trio of starting pitchers that are now all playing professionally. DiPiazza and Brady both earned spots on the 2017 All-Region 19 team during their sophomore year. That same year the team finished as the National Runner-up.
After leaving Mercer, DiPiazza transferred to Rowan University where he posted a 13-2 record, 2.26 ERA, and 163 strikeouts over 119 innings pitched for the 2018 and 2019 seasons. DiPiazza was on the 2019 Rowan pitching staff when he was drafted to play for the T-Bones.
Recently, on Aug. 20, DiPiazza played his debut game as a T-Bone against the Sioux City Explorers. Although the T-Bones fell 5-0, DiPiazza made an appearance during the fifth inning and pitched three straight outs.
“The best thing I can say about Andrew is that he is a winner and wants the ball in his hands," Carella added. "When he took the mound for the Vikings, he was a competitor and refused to lose."
DiPiazza pitches during an April 2017 game for the Vikings.