Irish Baseball Adds 13 Players

June 29, 2011

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Notre Dame head baseball coach Mik Aoki announced Wednesday the signing of 13 student-athletes to national letters of intent. The class will be eligible beginning in the fall of 2011. The Irish signed INF/OF Conor Biggio, C/OF Ryan Bull, C Alex Carter, RHP Patrick Connaughton, INF Kevin DeFilippis, OF Mac Hudgins, RHP Scott Kerrigan, INF/OF Blaise Lezynski, INF Jason McMurray, INF Phil Mosey, RHP Kyle Rubbinaccio, RHP Matt Ternowchek and RHP Cristian Torres.

“Our coaching staff is ecstatic about the talent that these prospects will be bringing to the University of Notre Dame,” said Aoki. “Even with a late start in the recruiting process because of the transition in the coaching staff, we feel we’ve accomplished our recruiting goals. We not only added the skills needed to be competitive in the BIG EAST, but we also added quality people to our program with a passion to succeed. This class will hopefully set a precedent for future recruiting classes here at Notre Dame.”

The 2011 recruiting class includes players from 11 different states, including California, Indiana, Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, Virginia, Illinois and Massachusetts. No class in Irish history has come from such a widespread area.

Notre Dame had 12 seniors on the 2011 roster and finished 23-29-1 overall and 13-13 in the BIG EAST.

Conor Biggio
INF/OF | L/R | 5-8 | 155 | Houston, Texas (St. Thomas HS)

• 2011: batted .356 with nine doubles, one triple, one home run, 11 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 52 runs scored … registered a slugging percentage of .527 and on-base percentage of .539 … named second team Rawlings/Perfect Game Preseason Texas Region All-High School Senior Team … named Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) Class 5A State All-Tournament Team … earned second team all-state selection and first team all-district honor … helped St. Thomas to a TAPPS Class 5A State Championship … in 4-3 victory over Argyle Liberty Christian in state semifinals, drove in the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning … had a pair of hits, scored two runs and threw out a runner at home plate in a 4-3 regional win over San Antonio Antonian … also blasted his only homer of the season in a 4-1 bi-district win over Addison Trinity Christian in the bi-district round.
• 2010: batted .311 with two doubles, four triples, 24 RBI, 21 stolen bases and 32 runs scored … registered a slugging percentage of .408 and on-base percentage of .478 … helped St. Thomas to a TAPPS Class 5A State Championship … earned second team all-state selection and first team all-district honor.
• 2009: first team all-district honor.
• 2008: helped St. Thomas to a TAPPS Class 5A State Championship.
• Parents: Craig & Patty Biggio
• Siblings: Cavan & Quinn Biggio
• High School Coach: Ken Schulte & Craig Biggio
• Aoki on Biggio: “Conor is an outstanding athlete and a plus runner. He will provide quality depth as he works to improve his strength and transition from the infield to the outfield. He definitely increases our team’s athleticism immediately.”
• Biggio on Notre Dame: “I chose Notre Dame not only because it’s been my childhood dream; but the beautiful campus and all the wonderful people that make up Notre Dame really made me feel like this is the place for me.”

Ryan Bull
C/OF | B/R | 6-1 | 205 | Eden Prairie, Minnesota (Eden Prairie HS)

• 2011: Perfect Game Central Region All-American … Perfect Game Nationally Ranked Top 500… Rawlings Pre-Season All-American Top 400 Players
• 2010: Perfect Game Nationally Ranked No. 328 overall and No. 3 in Minnesota … Power Showcase All-American Team (Representing the state of Minnesota) … helped Eden Prairie to conference, sectional and state championship.
• 2009: helped Eden Prairie to conference and sectional championship.
• Parents: David & Leslie Bull
• Siblings: Brittany
• High School Coach: Tony Ruemmele
• Aoki on Bull: “Ryan is a potential power bat from both sides of the plate. He brings excellent versatility as well. He can obviously catch, but can also play either of the corner outfield spots.”
• Bull on Notre Dame: “I am honored to be a part of Notre Dame’s rich athletic and academic tradition. The school is a paradigm of an institution a student-athlete dreams of attending. The knowledgeable coaching staff will get the most out of us as a team and as individuals. I am excited to be a part of Coach Aoki’s first recruiting class.”

Alex Carter
C | R/R | 6-1 | 215 | Winter Park, Florida (Orangewood Christian School)

• 2011: batted .490 with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, 50 RBI and 52 runs scored … registered a slugging percentage of 1.058 and on-base percentage of .558 … named Bright House Sports Network Central Florida Baseball Player of the Year … Rawlings Preseason 2nd Team Florida All-Region … ranked as the 19th-best catcher prospect (college or high school) for the 2011 MLB Draft by MLB Draft Guide.
• 2010: batted .527 with 20 doubles, five home runs, 25 RBI and 31 runs scored … registered a slugging percentage of 1.541 and on-base percentage of .638 … defensive Most Valuable Player … second team all-state … first team all-district selection … Perfect Game Underclass Honorable Mention … Perfect Game WWBA Underclass Champion (starting catcher).
• 2009: batted .541 with 17 doubles, one triple, four home runs, 22 RBI and 38 runs scored … defensive Most Valuable Player … named National High School Invitational All-Tournament Team … won WWBA Underclass Championship … Perfect Game Underclass Honorable Mention.
• 2008: offensive Most Valuable Player … batted .393 named all-metro as a DH.
• Parents: David & Julie Carter
• Siblings: None
• High School Coach: Alan Kunkel
• Aoki on Carter: “Alex has the potential to be a middle of the order type of hitter. He brings the ability to hit both for average and power. Alex needs to develop behind the plate but brings very good catching skills to the table.”
• Carter on Notre Dame: “Notre Dame was an easy choice. The baseball program, the education, the campus, the tradition, the coaches and many other things all present the opportunity to grow and thrive as a person, a ball player, and as a student. I am ecstatic to spend the next portion of my life in South Bend.”

Patrick Connaughton
RHP | R/R | 6-5 | 195 | Danvers, Massachusetts (St. John’s Prep)

• 2011: Drafted in the 38th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft by San Diego Padres … ranked the 33rd-best overall prospect nationally by Perfect Game USA … ranked the 167th-best overall prospect nationally by ProspectWire.com … went 4-1 with a 1.27 ERA with 65 strikeouts in 37.0 innings of work … widely considered a top-five round pick by many MLB scouts entering the 2011 draft … collected a no-hitter with 14 strikeouts and two walks in a 5-0 victory over the Spy Ponders, 5-0 (did not allow a ball to leave the infield).
• 2010: Massachusetts Coaches’ Division I North Most Valuable Player … at the Massachusetts state championship, struck out 14 and surrendered three hits in 12.0 innings pitched and posted a 0.00 ERA.
• 2008: named MVP of the Eastern Massachusetts Babe Ruth Tournament and led the New England Lightning to the silver medal at the AAU National Championships.
• Basketball: Four-year starter … 2011 Massachusetts Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year … led St. John’s to state title and school-record 25-1 mark … averaged 22.0 points, 16.6 rebounds and 7.9 assists per game in 2010-11 … averaged 24.0 points and 17.9 rebounds in 2009-10 … St. John’s Prep won the Catholic Conference championship … St. John’s Prep was ranked seventh in the final Massachusetts state polls after making the school’s first appearance since 1974 in the Division 1 state finals … only junior selected to the Boston Globe Super Team and the Boston Herald High Dream Team … selected as Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Catholic Conference and was named to the Catholic Conference All-Star Team … also selected as his team’s MVP and served as team captain … ranked 73rd nationally by Scout.com and 100th by ESPNU.
• Parents: Len & Sue Connaughton
• High School Coach: Pat Yanchus
• Aoki on Connaughton: “Patrick is a tremendous athlete to be able to play two sports. He is an outstanding competitor who has been on winning teams throughout his athletic career. Patrick possesses a true power arm who has just begun to learn how to pitch.”
• Connaughton on Notre Dame: “It was a tough decision, but when it came down to it, it was just being able to play two sports [baseball and basketball] at such a prestigious school. It wasn’t just that they were letting me play both sports, but it was that they wanted me to play two sports. That was really a big factor.”

Kevin DeFilippis
INF | R/R | 5-1 | 175 | Homer Glen, Illinois (Providence Catholic HS)

• 2011: starting second baseman … named to WJOL All-Tournament Team … received the Stevie Bajenski Tournament Award … helped top-ranked Providence Catholic High School to a Catholic League Blue Division title … batted .475 with a .603 on-base percentage, 27 RBI, 43 runs scored and 21 stolen bases … Student Council Vice President … member of National Honor Society … Illinois State Scholar … named first team all-area by Southtown Star and Chicago Sun-Times … awarded second team all-area by the Chicago Tribune … first team Prep Baseball Report All-Star … first team All-Illinois High School Coaches Association.
• 2010: starting second baseman … helped Providence Catholic to a Catholic League Blue Division title … batted .450 in conference play and .365 overall with 35 runs scored, 12 stolen bases and a .980 fielding percentage … also earned a varsity letter in soccer.
• 2009: earned a varsity letter in soccer.
• Parents: Michael & Karen DeFilippis
• Siblings: Kaleen (volunteer student manager) DeFilippis
• High School Coach: Mark Smith
• Aoki on DeFilippis: “Kevin is another player that joins our program from a championship level high school program. He is a very versatile infielder with good defensive skills and athleticism. Kevin projects as a line drive and situational type of bat.”
• DeFilippis on Notre Dame: “Notre Dame has always been my dream school. Ever since I was a little boy, I had a goal in mind to put on an Irish uniform and represent the blue and gold. Now, that dream school will be my home for the next four years. I’m thrilled to join the Notre Dame legacy, and I hope to excel both academically and athletically throughout my college career.”

Mac Hudgins
OF | B/R | 6-0 | 178 | Richmond, Virginia (Douglas S. Freeman HS)

• 2011: Rebich Outstanding Male Athlete Scholarship Award … U.S. Marine Scholar-Athlete Award … named all-district and all-academic outfielder … selected to the Central Region Team … chosen as the Douglas S. Freeman Most Valuable Player … in football, named all-district and all-academic at wide receiver … selected to the Central Region Team … chosen as the Douglas S. Freeman Most Valuable Player … earned a varsity letter in basketball and awarded 110% Award.
• 2010: Named all-district and all-academic outfielder … selected to the Central Region Team … chosen as the Richmond Times All-Metro … received Rebel Award for Outstanding Junior Player … named all-district and all-academic quarterback in football … earned a letter in basketball.
• Parents: Jeff & Jennifer Hudgins
• Siblings: Will (rising senior pitcher on Irish) & Jay Hudgins
• High School Coach: Ray Moore
• Aoki on Hudgins: “Mac will bring more athleticism to our outfield. He is an above average runner with very good defensive skills. Mac will need to work to gain strength but as he does he should develop into a productive hitter. He will provide quality depth right away.”
• Hudgins on Notre Dame: “Notre Dame offers both an excellent education and an opportunity to compete against high caliber athletes on the diamond.”

Scott Kerrigan
RHP | R/R | 6-6 | 200 | Saugus, California (Saugus HS)

• 2011: Missed the spring season following a torn ACL.
• 2010: Participated in the Junior Olympics … played in the Arizona 2010 all-academic game and the Southern California Scout Ball All-Star game … suited up for the Cornejo Oaks and the So Cal Cardinals.
• Parents: Mike & Dina Kerrigan
• Siblings: Jennifer Kerrigan
• High School Coach: John Maggiora
• Aoki on Kerrigan: “Scott owns a power arm with a lot of upside. He did not pitch at all this spring as he recovered from an ACL injury he suffered at the beginning of the year. Scott should be ready to go near the end of the fall semester.”
• Kerrigan on Notre Dame: “It was an easy choice for me to choose the University of Notre Dame. Numerous schools recruited me, but once I stepped foot on the campus I knew it was the school for me. The combination of prestigious academics, historic athletics and incredible student-athlete atmosphere make the University a place that I would be honored to attend.”

Blaise Lezynski
3B/OF | L/R | 6-0 | 200 | Newtown, Pennslyvania (Notre Dame HS [NJ])

• 2011: Batted .492 with eight doubles, four home runs, 23 RBI, 21 runs scored and 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts … selected to Carpenter Cup All-Star Team and New Jersey State All-Star Game … made 45 tackles (13 for loss) and 4.5 sacks in four games during football season (sidelined for remainder of season due to injury) … earned county defensive player/linebacker of the week honors … helped Notre Dame HS to an 8-2 record … earned Academic & Athletic Achievement Award for Trentonian newspaper … served as Treasurer on Student Government Executive Board.
• 2010: Named first team New Jersey all non-public, first team New Jersey all-South Jersey, first team all-area, first team all-conference, Trentonian and Trenton Times Offensive Player of the Year and team MVP … batted .506 with 11 doubles, six home runs, 34 runs scored, nine stolen bases and 40 RBI … also registered a .602 on-base percentage and .835 slugging percentage … led Notre Dame to a 20-6 record and Mercer County Champions … invited to Area Code Games Tryout (batted .377 in tournament play for the Philly Bandits) … moved from defensive back to linebacker during football season … helped team win conference championship and 9-1 record … served as Treasurer on Student Government Executive Board.
• 2009: Named first team all-area, first team all-conference … batted .385 with 21 RBIs … played under Dave Amaro in the summer for the Philly Bandits (batted .438 in tournament play) … also earned varsity letter in football as a defensive back.
• 2008: Batted .409 with 14 RBI … only freshman at Notre Dame HS to earn varsity letter.
• 2005: Played for the Council Rock Newtown Little League team that won Mid-Atlantic region and played in Williamsport, PA for Little League World Series.
• Parents: Gregory & Jacqueline Lezynski
• Siblings: Siobhan, Nicholas (’10 ND graduate and football walk-on) & Xavier Lezynski
• High School Coach: Joe Drulis
• Aoki on Lezynski: “Blaise brings a true competitor’s mentality to the program. He is an outstanding hitter that will hit with some occasional power. Blaise has the ability to play all over the field with the exception of the mound.”
• Lezynski on Notre Dame: “I was born and raised with Notre Dame blue and gold running through my veins. Ever since I was a little kid, it has been my dream to play baseball for the Fighting Irish. Along with its top-notch baseball program, Notre Dame stresses academic excellence, which creates the most beneficial balance for a college student-athlete. I am excited to be a part of Coach Aoki’s first recruiting class, and I want to carry on the rich tradition of this program. As a class, we will strive to get Irish baseball back to national prominence, and bring championships back to South Bend.”

Jason McMurray
SS | R/R | 6-1 | 180 | West Des Moines, Iowa (Dowling Catholic HS)

• 2011: Named all-conference and all-district … ranked by Perfect Game as the top player in the State of Iowa … also ranked by Perfect Game as a top 400 player nationally … ranked the 167th-best overall prospect nationally by ProspectWire.com … team captain … helped Dowling Catholic to Iowa State finals … earned letter as starting shortstop … earned letter as starting and all-conference safety in football … also named all-district on the gridiron … led Dowling Catholic to first football state title in 10 years … named Class 4A all-state in football … earned letter and started at guard on basketball team.
• 2010: Named all-conference and all-district … team captain … … helped Dowling Catholic to Iowa State finals … earned letter as starting shortstop … earned letter as starting and all-conference safety in football … also named all-district on the gridiron … earned letter and started at guard on basketball team.
• 2009: Named all-conference … … helped Dowling Catholic to Iowa State finals … earned letter as starting shortstop … earned letter as starting and all-conference safety in football.
• 2008: Named all-conference … earned letter as starting shortstop.
• Parents: Scott & Terri McMurray
• Siblings: Brian, Kylie and Kevin McMurray
• High School Coach: Tim O’Neill
• Aoki on McMurray: “Jason is another proven winner throughout his entire high school athletic career. He is a plus defender and outstanding athlete. Jason will compete immediately for the everyday shortstop position.”
• McMurray on Notre Dame: “I visited a lot of schools. I had plenty of great offers, but nothing felt like Notre Dame. The school, the campus, the coaches and the chance to win championships sealed the deal.”

Phil Mosey
INF | R/R | 6-2 | 195 | Fortville, Indiana (Cathedral HS)

• 2011: Batted .329 with 35 runs scored, 10 doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 27 RBI and a .793 slugging percentage … helped lead Cathedral to a 31-2 record and a 4A State Runner-up finish … graduated with honors with 3.44 GPA from Cathedral H.S. … helped Cathedral H.S. to a 92-5 record over four years … first team all-Indianapolis … helped Cathedral H.S. capture sectional, regional and semi-state championship … earned baseball letter and full-time starter … invited to Area Code Games … Rawlings Pre-Season All-American First Team Central Region … awarded prestigious L.V. Phillips Mental Attitude Award as voted on by Indiana High School Athletic Association Board of Directors.
• 2010: Batted .420 with 31 runs scored, 16 doubles, six home runs, 44 RBI and a .860 slugging percentage … helped lead Cathedral to a 31-2 record and a 4A State Runner-up finish … first team all-Indianapolis … helped Cathedral reach Indiana State Title game … helped Cathedral H.S. capture sectional, regional and semi-state championship … earned baseball letter and full-time starter … invited to Area Code Games … participated in East Coast Pro and Aflac All-American.
• 2009: helped Cathedral H.S. capture sectional and regional championship … earned baseball letter and full-time starter.
• 2008: helped Cathedral H.S. capture sectional championship … earned baseball letter.
• Parents: Brent & Susan Mosey
• High School Coach: Rich Andriole
• Aoki on Mosey: “Phil is another proven winner. He has the chance to be a middle of the order hitter with a combination for average and power. Phil is a very good athlete and defender. He will compete immediately for the third base job.”
• Mosey on Notre Dame: “I am extremely excited to join the exclusive club of Notre Dame Athletics. The excellence in academics and athletics, along with the spirit and tradition, cannot be matched anywhere else. I got to know the coaching staff in person and seeing the campus again from a student’s perspective, it was a pretty easy decision.”

Kyle Rubbinaccio
RHP | R/R | 6-3 | 190 | Manalapan, New Jersey (Manalapan HS)

• 2011: Went 5-0 with a 1.55 ERA … owns a career high school record of 19-2 … named first team all-division in baseball … first team all-district in basketball.
• 2010: Named first team all-State Group 4, first team all-Shore and Monmouth County Player of the Year … chosen A-North Division Pitcher of the Year, first team all-district, first team all-A-North Division … went 9-0 with 1.29 ERA … allowed only two extra base hits all season … named to the Carpenter Cup Shore All-Star Team … Manalapan High School Pitcher of the Year … named Perfect Game Pitcher of the Tournament – Northeast Qualifier.
• 2009: Named first team all-district in baseball … went 5-2 with a 2.22 ERA.
• Parents: Robert & Marjorie Rubbinaccio
• Siblings: Robby and Eric Rubbinaccio
• High School Coach: Brian Boyce
• Aoki on Rubbinaccio: “Kyle definitely makes the all name team. He is a winner from a championship level high school program. Kyle possesses a power arm with an above average breaking ball.”
• Rubbinaccio on Notre Dame: “Notre Dame has the best blend of academics and athletics in the country. I am impressed with what the coaching staff has been able to do at Boston College as well as what they have done at Notre Dame in the short time they have been there. Notre Dame simply possesses everything I am looked for coming out of high school.”

Matt Ternowchek
RHP | R/R | 6-5 | 185 | Glenmoore, Pennsylvania (Downington East HS)

• 2011: Named top 5 pitcher in Southeast Pennsylvania by Philadelphia Inquirer … Rawlings/Perfect Game Preseason Atlantic Region second team selection … finished regular season with a 6-1 record and 1.61 ERA … led Downington to a 16-3 league record … team captain … achieved academic honor roll.
• 2010: Named honorable mention all-area … helped Downington reach the AAAA state quarterfinals … played summer ball for Mike Manning at All-Star Baseball Academy … participated on the Chester County Carpenter Cup Team … achieved academic honor roll.
• 2009: Named honorable mention all-area … participated on the Chester County Carpenter Cup Team … achieved academic honor roll.
• Parents: Jack & Margaret Ternowchek
• Siblings: Dan Ternowchek (Pitcher at Dartmouth College)
• High School Coach: Jim Freeman
• Aoki on Ternowchek: “Matt has tons of upside for a kid that already has a very good arm. He is a very good athlete and will get right into the mix of competing for the three open weekend slots on the staff.”
• Ternowchek on Notre Dame: “I chose Notre Dame over other schools because of the combination of first-class academics and big-time athletics. Education was my first priority and it’s hard to find a better education than Notre Dame. I also really like the coaching staff and felt that I could really develop and get better as a baseball player under their instruction. Notre Dame was just the perfect fit for me.”

Cristian Torres
RHP | R/R | 6-6 | 205 | Rancho Palos Verdes, California (Palos Verdes Peninsula HS)

• 2011: First team all-league and South Bay Athletic Club All Star … invited to Area Code and Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau Invitational showcases … nominated for Palos Verdes Peninsula High School Athlete of the Year … member of the California Scholarship Federation and Science National Honor Society … went 7-2 with a 2.13 ERA in 53.2 innings and struck out 55 batters.
• 2010: Member of the California Scholarship Federation, Principal’s Honor Roll, Boy’s State Nominee and Science National Honor Society … went 5-7 with a 3.12 ERA in 67.1 innings pitched struck out 68 batters.
• 2009: All-area team, first team all-league … member of the California Scholarship Federation and Principal’s Honor Roll … went 6-1 with a 1.44 ERA in 43.2 innings and struck out 50 batters.
• Parents: Juan Torres & Dora de la Rosa
• Siblings: Alexandra Torres
• High School Coach: Dennis Gonsalves
• Aoki on Torres: “Cristian is a big kid with a very good arm. He has a great deal of upside and could develop into a true power arm. Cristian also possesses an above average breaking ball.”
• Torres on Notre Dame: “When I visited Notre Dame, I was welcomed by everyone. I chose Notre Dame over other schools that recruited me because of its stellar academic and athletic reputation. I was particularly impressed by Coach Aoki and his staff, and their commitment to excellence. I am looking forward to a great experience at one of the country’s most prestigious institutions.”

— ND —