Tag: Chuck Ristano

Notre Dame’s John Michael Bertrand becomes third team All-American

Huge honor for the lefty.

On the eve of Notre Dame’s first NCAA Tournament game against Texas Tech, great news involving ace [autotag]John Michael Bertrand[/autotag] was announced. The graduate southpaw and captain has been named a third team All-American, the first time he has earned the honor. This follows a preseason All-American selection, which he backed up by leading qualified Irish pitchers in wins (eight), strikeouts (94), ERA (2.39) and innings pitched (90 1/3 innings).

When asked to comment, Irish coach [autotag]Link Jarrett[/autotag] said the following:

“JM cherishes all aspects of his pitching craft. And he is not the only one on our staff that does quite frankly. Every bit of his preparation from stretching and mobility work with Phil (Montano), strength work with Kyle (Jean), throwing sessions, bullpens, fielding work is done with focus. Chuck (Ristano) has really helped JM hone his pitching arsenal and stuff. He carries that preparation directly into his outings.

“He earned two Notre Dame master’s degrees and has extended his love for Notre Dame and passion for helping others into the campus and regional community. He deserves this honor, and I couldn’t be more proud of him.”

Best of luck to Bertrand as he does his part to get the Irish to the College World Series.

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Trey Mancini at the Home Run Derby: photo gallery

Look at the Notre Dame product on his big night.

Trey Mancini may not have won this year’s Home Run Derby, but he won plenty of support with the 59 homers he slugged over three rounds. The Notre Dame product and Baltimore Orioles slugger is coming off of stage 3 colon cancer, but there was much more to the story than that. He had Irish pitching coach Chuck Ristano as his personal pitcher, fulfilling a promise he made after the duo teamed up to help him win the 2012 Big East Home Run Derby. Although it seemed far-fetched at the time, things always have a way of working out.

Were it not for Pete Alonso of the New York Mets putting on a winning show for his second straight win in this event, we’d be talking about something too whimsical for real life the comprehend. Alas, Mancini will have to settle for the title of Home Run Derby runner-up. Here are some images from his big night in Denver:

Watch: Notre Dame pitching coach Chuck Ristano talks Trey Mancini

Hear some valuable insights from one half of the Notre Dame contingent for this year’s Home Run Derby.

The Home Run Derby, to be held one day before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Denver, will have a Notre Dame flavor. That’s because Irish product and Baltimore Orioles slugger Trey Mancini is competing. What’s more, he’s inviting Irish pitching Chuck Ristano to be his personal pitcher for the event, fulfilling a promise Mancini made when the two teamed up for Mancini’s win in the 2012 Big East Home Run Derby. It’s an anecdote mention in an interview Ristano gave to MASN, which broadcasts Orioles games:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R795yg8rO0

Ristano gives plenty of insight as it pertains to Mancini’s connection with Notre Dame. Among them are Mancini completing his degree requirements at the university while he played in the minor leagues and the impact of former Irish catcher Ricky Palmer, who lost his battle with cancer whereas Mancini survived his. Most importantly, Mancini’s connection with his alma mater has not wavered in the least, and that should make all Irish fans proud.

Watch: Trey Mancini video released to promote Home Run Derby

Get hyped for the former Irish star’s big moment coming soon.

It’s been quite a year for Baltimore Orioles slugger and former Notre Dame player Trey Mancini. His reward for coming back after being diagnosed with colon cancer, at least for the moment, is the opportunity to compete in this year’s Home Run Derby. To get fans excited about him being at the appetizer to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Denver, the following video has come out:

Mancini is one of the few bright spots for the struggling Orioles, achieving an OPS of .789, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 52 runs. He hopes to display some of his power when Irish pitching coach Chuck Ristano serves as his personal pitcher during the derby. He also might secretly be hoping that it will serve as a showcase for any team interested in him at the trade deadline. Whatever his motives are, he will want to take advantage of a moment during which the entire baseball universe squarely will be watching him.