NEW ORLEANS, La. - Ron Maestri has hit the ground running as he looks to repeat the success of his first tenure at the New Orleans Privateers baseball program. He got a big boost with five new signees for the 2015 season who bring versatility and accolades.
"I'm excited. We have some specific needs obviously, pitching and catching. We wanted to get a little power as well, and in early signing I feel we filled some needs," said Coach Maestri about his early signees for next season.
Jared Taylor is a two-year starter and three-year letter winner at Vidor High School in Vidor, Texas. Taylor has played both shortstop and has featured on the mound with his infield attributes garnering high praise. Taylor also played for the Louisiana Marucci 17u team in 2013.
Jordan Priddle is a southpaw pitcher who started his career close to home at Florida State. The Tallahassee native transferred to Delgado before coming to UNO. Priddle was a First team All Big Bend selection in his junior and senior year of high school. He went a combined 13-5 over his last two years of high school. Maestri added, "Obviously when you're recruited by Florida State you have some ability. Coach Scheuermann was high on him. He's a quality student and a great. We feel we've got a good left-handed pitcher."
Matt Rykaczewski hails from Marlton, New Jersey where he is currently a three-year letter winner at Cherokee High School. Rykaczewski hit .350 with three homers and 23 RBI in his junior season. He was also ranked as the top catcher in New Jersey by Perfect Game. "Matt was a guy that A.J. (Battisto) recruited from New Jersey. He knew the kid and his family since he was young. A.J. was really sold on his skills. He's got great size, a good arm and catching which is what we need," said Maestri.
The Privateers also garnered local signee Blake Baker from Jesuit. Baker is a middle infielder for the Blue Jays who were state champions in 2011. Baker hit .319 during his junior campaign last season. "Blake can swing the bat. We're really impressed with his offensive capabilities and his future development."
Coach Maestri also signed Colorado native, Zach Bracken. Last season, Bracken was named to the All Tournament team at Perfect Game 2013 in Atlanta. At Berthoud High School, Braken earned All-Conference recognition in the Tri Valley League in Colorado.
The Privateers open their 2014 season in Baton Rouge on Feb. 14 against LSU at 6:30 p.m.
Name: Zach Bracken
Position: 1B/3B
High School: Berthoud High School
Hometown: Berthoud Colorado
Zach Bracken File
- Entering 4th year at varsity level
- All Conference recognition as a junior in the Tri Valley League in Colorado in 2013
- Colorado Academic All State-2013
- All Tournament Team at Perfect Game 2013 in Atlanta
Name: Jarred Taylor
Position: SS/RHP
High School: Vidor High School
Hometown: Vidor, Texas
Jarred Taylor File
- Entering 4th year at varsity level
- Played for highly regarded Marucci Elite Louisiana 17u team in 2013
- Ranked Top 3 infield velocity for 2014 class at Perfect Game Sunshine Showcase
Name: Blake Baker
Position: INF
High School: Jesuit High School
Hometown: New Orleans, LA
Blake Baker File
- 5A All District
- Runner-up at Perfect Game Fort Myers
- .319 batting average, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 12 stolen bases as a junior
Name: Jordan Priddle
Position: LHP
High School: Leon High School
Hometown: Tallahasse, FL
Jordan Priddle File
- Transferred from Delgado Community College; started collegiate career at Florida State University
- 4-year varsity letterman
- First team All Big Bend selection in his junior and senior year
- 8-2, 2.11 ERA as a junior; 1.80 ERA as a senior
Name: Matt Rykaczewski
Position: C
High School: Cherokee High School
Hometown: Marlton, NJ
Matt Rykaczewski File
- Entering third year on varsity level
- Hit .350 with 3 homers, 23 RBI as a junior
- Ranked top catcher in New Jersey by Perfect Game
- All Olympic Conference as a junior
