NEW YORK – Columbia's incoming class of 2013 includes a number of skilled position players and pitchers, and several two-way players who have the ability to make an impact both on the mound and at the plate.

Head coach Brett Boretti recently announced the nine-man group, which consists of four student-athletes who call Florida home and one each from California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Texas.

Alex Black – SS/RHP – R/R – 6-3 – 180 – Fr. – The Woodlands, Texas – The Woodlands
Head coach Brett Boretti on Black: "A big shortstop who swings it very well and also has a very projectable arm on the hill. He'll be competing for a spot on the left side of the infield as well as on the mound."

Nick Crucet – 2B/SS – R/R – 5-10 – 175 – Fr. – Weston, Fla. – Cypress Bay
Boretti: "A sure-handed middle infielder who will be the fastest player on our roster and brings a lot of versatility to the lineup.  His speed will be an immediate impact on our program."  

Nick Ferraresi – OF – R/R – 6-0 – 175 – Fr. – Wellington, Fla. – Wellington
Boretti: "An excellent outfield prospect who swings a very consistent bat and throws very well.  He is a polished player who will compete for an outfield spot immediately."

Tim Giel – RHP – R/R – 6-2 – 215 – Fr. – Gibsonia, Pa. – Shady Side Academy
Boretti: "A 6-2, 215-pound right-handed pitcher coming off an impressive senior year where he was named Western PA AA Pitcher of the Year.  Giel was a three-sport athlete (football/wrestling/baseball) who we are excited about having him year-round just for baseball.  He has a lot of potential to develop and is a fierce competitor."

Alex Godshall – SS/2B – R/R – 5-8 – 165 – Jr. – Vero Beach, Fla. – Palm Beach Gardens
Boretti: "A very quick middle infielder.  We recruited him two years ago and he decided to go to Samford, and we're very happy he is coming back to Columbia to finish his career.  He played in the JuCo World Series this past year, starting at shortstop for the national runner up, Santa Fe CC.  He will compete for the shortstop position."
 
Ricky Kleban – OF/RHP – R/R – 6-1 – 190 – Fr. – Marietta, Ga. – Blessed Trinity
Boretti: "A fast-twitch athlete who runs well, hits with some pop and throws hard off the mound.  He will be working in the outfield and as a pitcher."

Stefan Olson – RHP – R/R – 6-4 – 180 – Fr. – Ladera Ranch, Calif. – Santa Margarita Catholic
Boretti: "A 6-4 right-handed pitcher who possesses a good fastball and a plus change.  He has a lot of ability and potential to go with it.  He should be competing for a lot of innings in his first year."

Dario Pizzano – OF – L/R – 5-11 – 193 – Fr. – Saugus, Mass. – Malden Catholic
Boretti: "An excellent lefty bat who has the potential to hit his way into the lineup very early on.  He was the Catholic Conference Player of the Year and a first team Massachusetts All-Star."

Eric Williams – 3B/RHP – L/R – 6-0 – 180 – Fr. – Sarasota, Fla. – Sarasota
Boretti: "A very solid third baseman who has continued to excel this past spring on the hill.  He's a two-way player who has a very good bat from the left side.  He will compete at the corners and on the hill for the Lions."