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DeMeo inks with Pitt
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By Jerry Clark
Published: Wednesday, January 30, 2013, 9:00 p.m.
Updated: Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Chase Rowe is the coach for La Roche College baseball, but the coach also spends a lot of time with area athletes to get them prepared to make the jump to the college game.
Another one of Rowe's players has made that jump, as P.J. DeMeo has committed to play baseball for Pitt next season.
“P.J. is one of my elite travel players and a very good defender,” Rowe said. “He played second and third for me and has a strong arm and has potential with the bat. He is a hard worker and good student.”
DeMeo said he had some options, but Pitt really sunk in with him and he knew that was where he wanted to go.
“It's a great school and has the best coaches,” DeMeo said. “I am really excited. I will study economics and hopefully have a shot to play pro ball someday.”
DeMeo played for Rowe on the Spikes and said Rowe did a fabulous job getting him ready for the next level.
“He is the only coach who takes time after practice to help you develop your game,” DeMeo said. “The two-hour practices are focused, but we spent countless hours in the cage, and he is there to work out any issues.”
DeMeo excelled to the point of earning another honor, as he was named National Italian American High School Male Athlete of the Year.
DeMeo said he is honored and always gives his best in school (4.5 GPA at Central Catholic) and on the field.
“I think that my arm is my best asset on the field,” he said. “I also have a good mind set during a game. I focus and really understand the game. That helps.”
Rowe said a lot of coaches take notice of DeMeo's stature, but he is more than a physical specimen.
“He shows power and has a strong arm,” Rowe said. “He has a lot of tools that will work at a higher level.”
Jerry Clark is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-779-6979 or jeclark@tribweb.com.
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