SPFHS Senior Receives Scholarship to Play Baseball at Manhattan College

On Nov. 16 at 11:45 a.m. Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School student James D'Angelo signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Manhattan College, a Division I school in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. 

The senior pitcher is receiving a scholarship to play at the school, following his graduation from SPFHS.

According to D'Angelo he originally wanted to attend college further away, but is happy it worked out and he will be relatively close to home, playing in the Bronx, NY.

D'Angelo said he is very excited about the offer and is looking forward to attending Manhattan College.

He plans on majoring in Civil Engineering and said he thinks that balancing school and baseball will be tough.

"I think only certain people can handle academics and being an athlete," D'Angelo said.

He added that the school places a large emphasis on student-althletes and felt that factored into the college's decision.

Although D'Angelo said he is definitely ready to get out of SPFHS, he noted he will miss his teammates greatly. 

D'Angelo received a phone call in late August from the Head Coach of Manhattan College's Baseball team offering him a scholarship to play baseball at the school.

According to D'Angelo, either the next day, or two days after the phone call, he went to visit the school for a second time to discuss the offer.

After discussing the offer with the coach, D'Angelo committed the next day.

SPFHS Varsity Baseball coach Tom Baylock said Manhattan College is a great choice for D'Angelo. Adding that the coaching staff at the school is great and they are sincere in what they say to D'Angelo.

"He'll get a chance to play and that's what you want, to go somewhere where you'll play," Baylock said.

Baylock and D'Angelo both commented on the season they have ahead of them.

D'Angelo said he is looking forward to his final high school season on the mound.

"We're looking forward to a promising senior year from him," Baylock said. "His leadership on the field and on the mound will lead us."

According to D'Angelo's mother Laura D'Angelo, James has worked extremely hard over the years and this is something he has always wanted.

Laura said, "we couldn't be prouder, it's a great school and we look forward to another 4 years."



D'Angelo said he also received an offer to play baseball at Long Island University in Brooklyn, but Manhattan College was his top choice.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School principal David Heisey and Superintendent Dr. Margaret Hayes congratulated D'Angelo on his accomplishment as he signed his letter on Friday.

Current Manhattan College player Anthony Vega, was recently drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. 

On Wednesday, Nov. 21, four more Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School athletes will be signing letters to join college soccer, golf and sailing teams.

Check back with scotchplains.patch.com for more on those students.