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Canfield’s Pilolli signs with Ashland
By TIM CLEVELAND
CANFIELD
Heading into his senior baseball season at Canfield, Edmond Pilolli got his business for the next level taken care of, as he signed his letter of intent on Thursday to play at Ashland University starting in the 2015 season.
Pilolli chose the Eagles over Mount Union, Heidelberg, Ohio Northern, John Carroll and Washington & Jefferson.
“I felt most comfortable there, both academically and baseball-wise,” said Pilolli, who will major in exercise science. “Coach [John] Schaly is a great coach and a great guy. He’s been there 17 years and has never been under .500.”
In Schaly’s 17 seasons at Ashland, the Eagles have been one of the most consistent Division II programs. They have averaged nearly 40 wins in that span, with 11 World Series appearances, four regional championships, three Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season titles and a conference postseason championship.
“They were ranked first in their region last year,” Pilolli said. “They’re looking to have a solid year this year. They’re in a tough conference. There’s going to be good competition.”
Canfield coach Matt Koenig said Pilolli has excelled in every position he’s been put in.
“He’s very versatile,” Koenig said. “When he was a sophomore he played several different positions in the infield, the outfield a little and a pitcher.
“Last year he was primarily a shortstop and a relief pitcher and he’ll be in the same capacity this year. He’s very athletic. He’s got good range and a pretty strong arm. He was our No. 2 hitter last year and probably 2 or 3 this year.”
Pilolli was Canfield’s punter for three seasons but said he had more of a passion for baseball. He batted .355 to help lead the Cardinals to a 13-11 record last season and an appearance in the Division I sectional final. He also hit .455 in the Class B League and was named a Class B all-star, helping his team win the NABF Regional title and advance to the World Series.
“The regional championship game my sophomore year” was his biggest game at Canfield, Pilolli said. “We were playing Mentor Lake Catholic. They hit a walk-off home run with two outs in the eighth inning. They beat us to go to state. I want to get back to that game and go on to state. Last year we were shut out 1-0 by Niles in the sectional finals. We hope to ultimately reach state.”
Koenig said Pilolli has made great strides during his varsity career.
“As a relief pitcher he was a guy that we could count on to save a couple ballgames,” Koenig said. “You’ve got to have a different mentality in that situation, to come into a game with the game on the line and men on base. He’s done really well in that capacity. Not everybody can go into a tight game and succeed like he has.
“As a senior he’s already shown leadership in the weight room a little bit. He’s already very active in the offseason program. We’re looking for big things from him. He’s continuing to grow as a student and a player.”
When asked about his goals at Ashland, Pilolli said, “I’m looking forward to competing for a starting spot. I’m expected to compete and I expect myself to compete.”
As far as beyond college, he said, “Go into physical therapy and graduate school, and go into occupational therapy or a physician’s assistant.”