West Windsor, N.J. -- Collegiate Baseball Magazine recently identified three baseball players from Mercer County Community College as Among the top National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) players in the country.
According to MCCC Head Coach Kevin Kerins, all three players distinguished themselves during their freshman seasons and will return with a vengeance this year. The Vikings ended the 2012 season ranked 18th nationally with a 29-15 record. They advanced to the Region 19 championship.
Ace pitcher Paul Piromalli, a graduate of Hamilton West High School, serves as a team captains. A starter last year, Piromalli had a 6-3 record and 55 strikeouts in 64 innings.
According to Kerins, Piromalli has led by example as he has continued to practice throughout the fall in preparation for the 2013 season that commences in February. “He is a true leader on the field and in the classroom,” Kerins said. Piromalli is pursuing his associate degree in Criminal Justice.
Daniel Denton, a graduate of Council Rock High School, where he was an All-American, was named to the All-GSAC First Team during his freshman season with the Vikings. Last year, Denton had a .344 batting average, with over 50 hits, 14 doubles, 24 RBI and 28 runs scored.
“Dan was a true force in the middle of our lineup. We expect him to have another impressive year and to continue to draw attention from major league teams with his imposing power,” Kerins said. He is studying for his associate degree in Liberal Arts.
Matt Berbon-Owle, a graduate of Nottingham High School, made major contributions on the mound in his freshman year. He allowed only 17 walks in 59 innings and led the team with a 2.28 ERA. He led the Vikings in wins in 2012 with a 6-1 record.
“We will count on him to be a key starter this year. He is a true inning eater and horse on the mound,” Kerins said. Berbon-Owle is majoring in Business at Mercer.
All three players plan to transfer to four-year schools to continue their academic and collegiate baseball careers.
The Vikings' season opener takes place Feb. 16 at Cecil County College (MD).
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