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Pauly Mancino Is Heading to Ohio University

By Joe Mertens '15, 09/09/22, 11:30AM EDT

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The Wildcat outfielder and pitcher will be heading to Athens next fall as he will continue his academic and baseball career at Ohio University.

OHIO CITY, Oh - Saint Ignatius outfielder and pitcher Pauly Mancino will continue his academic and baseball career at Ohio University. Mancino stood out for the baseball team in his junior season, becoming an everyday right fielder and solidifying himself as the closer in 2022. The senior will become a Bobcat come next fall. 

“It was a long process, there were a few options, but I liked their program,” says Mancino. “When I visited the campus, I knew I wanted to go there for more than just baseball.”

As an outfielder, Mancino was a tremendous defender, showcasing his arm in the OHSAA District Final when he thwarted a Medina comeback with a throw from the outfield to the plate for the final out of the sixth inning. Offensively, Mancino would hit out of the nine-hole, where he would average .271, knocking in five RBIs. 

“His athleticism is some of the best we have ever seen; I think that is what attracted Ohio University,” explains Head Baseball Coach Brad Ganor. “He can get on the mound and touch 90 mph. He has a unique ability to do a lot of things. He went from a raw, athletic kid to a good baseball player.”

Mancino was a top arm out of the bullpen on the mound for coach Ganor. In 2022, he led the team with three total saves, pitching 16.1 innings in his junior year. In 13 appearances on the bump, Mancino allowed just two earned runs and struck out 22 batters. “Having a lot of arm strength is what allows me to play outfield and pitch,” Mancino says. “There is a lot of time spent in the weight room and practice throwing and hitting the ball hard.”

As a junior, Mancino wanted to find multiple ways to help the team win, as coach Ganor would use him as an outfielder and pitcher. “I wanted to help the team in as many ways as possible to win,” explains Mancino. “I wanted to be a team player that can help us get as close to a State Championship as possible.” 

“He was a raw talent that was able to dial in his abilities,” says Ganor. “He became a guy we needed in the lineup daily or the mound.”

With the college process taken care of for Mancino, his focus now turns to the spring season and putting in the work during the off-season. “Putting on weight is an essential part for me in the offseason,” Mancino says. “I want to improve my overall game and hit the ball harder. Hopefully, we can come out strong and make it farther than last year.”

The Baseball Cats came close to their goal last season but ultimately fell in the Regional Final to Sylvania Northview. Coming into the new season in 2023, the Wildcats have multiple returning letter winners. 

“We need him to hit at the top of the lineup successfully,” says Ganor. “We need him to pitch significant innings. He needs to envision himself being on the mound during the most important innings of the year.”

Mancino will be an essential part of the Baseball Cats come the spring, and the senior is excited to head back out on the diamond. “These guys are my close friends; I am excited to be around them this season,” explains Mancino. “We have an excellent team and I think we can do something special. We want the State Championship.”