August 17, 2012
Uliano to St. John's |
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St. Peter's Prep C/OF Jason Uliano has committed to St. John's University. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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After a disastrous junior season in the spring, Jason Uliano was just hoping for a fresh start and a chance at redemption this summer. Not only did he achieve it, he also locked up a college scholarship.
Uliano, a catcher/outfielder at St. Peter's Prep, made a verbal commitment to St. John's University earlier this week, fresh off the heels of an impressive power display in summer ball.
"It was definitely a fresh start for me," said Uliano, who had just one homer and eight RBI in the spring. "My mind was really down from how bad the spring was. To be on another team and have a fresh start. It sort of freed up my mind and I just played how I knew I could play the entire time. It really helped me."
Playing with a better mindset for the Farrah Builders Scout travel team, the 6-foot-1, 201-pound Uliano had a huge summer at the plate, smashing seven homers and 12 doubles, while displaying the talent and potential which made him one of the state's better prospects.
"I was all the way out on my front foot. I knew it the whole time, but it was hard to fix," said Uliano of the cause of his slump during the high school season. "In the summer I finally got it and it completely changed the way I was hitting. The results were amazing for me."
Uliano's power bat and versatility in the field made him a target for St. John's and other Division 1 schools. He selected the Queens, NY university over Duke, Quinnipiac, Lehigh and Holy Cross.
"It comes down to performance and you have small window some times in terms of schools that are look at you," said St. Peter's Prep coach Pat Leguerre, adding he didn't feel Uliano's spring numbers were indicative of his talent ." You got to go out and perform and that's what he did this summer. He showed that the potential is there and that he can be a big-time hitter on the next level."
Uliano is the second Hudson County baseball player to commit to make a college decision in August. Earlier this month North Bergen pitcher A.J. Gale also made a commitment to St. John's.