(SPRING HILL)- The transition from playing baseball at Springstead High School to Pasco-Hernando State College has been a smooth one for former Eagle Joey Delgatto.
After a strong 2017 season playing for Springstead, in which Delgatto went 6-0 with a 0.44 earned run average as a pitcher for the Eagles, the multi-faceted player now is a few games into his college career at PHSC and is settling in just nicely.
“Pretty much just like the whole level of competition is a lot better,” Delgatto said. “I’d say it’s a lot more work in terms of conditioning at Pasco-Hernando. It’s been good. I’ve had three starts so far and it’s been a fun time so far. It’s obviously not so much different for me since I didn’t have to go far away for college.”
The short commute from Spring Hill to New Port Richey has greatly benefitted Delgatto in terms of living expenses and the convenience for his family, friends to be able to watch games nearby. Most of the adjustments that the former Springstead pitcher has had to make have come more through physically and mentally preparing for games knowing that the talent is much better compared to high school.
“At first it really wasn’t my first decision but when (PHSC) called me to come play for them, I took that into consideration that they are a lot closer. I’m able to save a lot more money,” Delgatto said. “The hitters are definitely a lot better. The entire team can hit, instead of just worrying about a few guys. I’ve had to be more logical with my pitch choice because the hitters are a lot more experienced. Adjustments are I have been working out a lot more and I’ve started working on my off speed pitches when I face better hitters.”
Coaching on the college level has also been a different turn for Delgatto coming from Springstead, as the freshman pitcher says that Pasco-Hernando manager Steven Winterling has been harder on him than anyone who has coached him to this point. Delgatto has appeared in three games so far for PHSC.
“(Coach Steven Winterling) is definitely harder me than any coach was in high school,” Delgatto said. “He’s been a good coach so far. He definitely pushes us to do better. Couple of the guys (his former Springstead teammates) have actually come out. I knew they were coming before the game (Seminole State game). I tell the guys that it’s a lot tougher and you’ve got to work harder now to get there.”
Though the season is still early for Delgatto and Pasco-Hernando State College, no set goals have been made up as of yet but he’s already achieved something he wanted to do heading in and that’s become a starting pitcher. In Delgatto’s latest start against Hillsborough Community College, the 6-foot-1 freshman went seven and a third innings, which he says is the longest outing he’s had out on the mound in years.
“I haven’t made up any specific goals for the season, but one was to become a game starter and that’s something I’ve done,” Delgatto added. “I just want to remain a starter and do well. I think I’ve made pretty good adjustments since the Seminole State game. I went nearly eight innings against Hillsborough. I definitely tried to start working in my slider more early into the game and location of my fastball. Definitely helps a lot, coming into college I never even pitched a complete game in high school. I can kind of get that from coach that he’d like me to pitch deep into games.”