Tag: Steve Owens

Rutgers baseball announces 2024 recruiting class

Rutgers baseball gave a preview of what the future holds on Thursday

On Thursday, Rutgers baseball had a reason to celebrate as head coach Steve Owens announced the 2024 signing class. The class includes players from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. Position-wise, the group consists of two right-handed pitchers, two outfielders, two infielders, one left-handed pitcher, and one two-way player.

While these players are still months away from making an impact at Piscataway, Owens did not hide his excitement for what the future holds.

 

When talking with Rutgers athletics, Owens said, ” We are very excited to officially announce the newest group of Scarlet Knights this week. We were able to add eight players who possess the athleticism and skills to contribute immediately and continue our success on the field. Most importantly, these student-athletes are great cultural fits and are the exact types of players we want in our locker room.”

Additionally, Rutgers was able to add some of the top talent in the state. That includes Yomar Carreras, who was ranked as the ninth-best prospect in New Jersey, and Landon Mack, who was ranked as the sixth-best. The 2024 class also includes Evan McCoach, who was ranked as the 15th-best outfielder in Pennsylvania.

With this group officially in the mix, the future in Piscataway should be full of fireworks.

Rutgers baseball Brendan Monaghan was named one of the Top Assistant Coaches in the country

Rutgers baseball Brendan Monaghan was named one of the top 100 assistant coaches in the country, according to d1baseball.

Rutgers baseball Brendan Monaghan was named one of the top 100 assistant coaches in the country, according to d1baseball. Rutgers baseball has positive momentum under the direction of fifth-year head coach Steve Owens and four-year assistant coach Monaghan.

A native of Wayne, New Jersey and an alumnus of St. John’s University, Monaghan works with the pitchers and catchers and serves as the recruiting coordinator with the Scarlet Knights.

In 2022 and 2023, Monaghan coached a pitching staff that recorded the second-best ERA in the Big Ten Conference and the No. 35 ranked in the nation. Also, Monaghan has coached eight professional pitchers in three seasons and six All-Big Ten players in the last two seasons. Under Monaghan’s guidance, the Rutgers pitchers set the program record for strikeouts in a season with 534, surpassing the previous record of 398.

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He helped guide the Scarlet Knights’ pitching staff to a program record 44 wins in 2022. Also, Monaghan recruited a freshman class that made an immediate impact, earning six Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors last season.

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Rutgers baseball hires assistant coach Danny Bethea to their 2024 coaching staff

Rutgers baseball head coach Steve Owens hires Danny Bethea as an assistant coach for the 2024 season.

Rutgers baseball head coach Steve Owens hired Danny Bethea as an assistant coach for the 2024 season. Bethea will take on multiple roles, working with the catchers, assisting with hitting/offensive development, recruiting, and coaching first base.

The new Scarlet Knights coach offers a ton of experience, joining Rutgers after five years on the coaching staff at St. John’s. While with the Red Storm, Bethea served as the hitting coach for the last four seasons.

Bethea mentored two All-Big East selections, Aaron Mann and David Glancy, last season. As the Red Storm’s hitting coach, Bethea guided Mann to a .371 batting average, which led the Big East conference. Also, Mann recorded a 1.010 OPS and 102 total bases last season.

 

 

On the other hand, Bethea helped Glancy lead St. John’s in home runs with 13 and in total bases with 105 while logging an OPS of 1.008. In 2023, the Red Storm ranked second in the Big East with a .296 batting average and 112 doubles.

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In 2022, Bethea mentored another two All-Big East selections with Kevin Michaels (First Team) and Tate Ballestero (Second Team). Michael recorded a .932 OPS and 46 RBIs, while Ballestero led the team with a .333 batting average, 69 hits, and a .427 OBP.

Bethea didn’t just coach for St. John’s, but he played for the Red Storm in 2012 and 2013. He started 105 out of 107 games at St. John’s, logging 97 hits, 58 RBIs, and 42 strikeouts in 429 plate appearances.

After playing with the Red Storm, Bethea got selected in the 34th round of the 2013 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Bethea spent six seasons with the organization, playing in Double-A and Triple-A.

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Rutgers baseball will play home games at a brand-new facility in 2026

Rutgers Athletics partnered with Middlesex County in efforts to build a new state-of-art facility to host home games for Rutgers baseball.

Rutgers baseball has a new home.

On, it became official that Rutgers basbeall will be moving to a new home after a deal was officially announced in partnership with Middlesex County’s Community, Innovation, and Opportunity (CIO) Strategic Investment Plan. The result of this working partnership is a multipurpose community venue that will feature a new baseball stadium.

Rutgers Athletics has entered into a letter of intent with Middlesex County, solidifying a partnership with the Scarlet Knight baseball program to build a state-of-art facility. The agreement between Rutgers baseball and Middlesex County will span three to five years, starting in 2026.

The future will be located on Middlesex College’s campus and will host Rutgers baseball home games starting in 2026. Also, this venue will boast Rutgers amenities, including well-equipped locker rooms, air-conditioned batting and pitching tunnels, and top-tier broadcast streaming capabilities suitable for networks like the Big Ten Network, ESPN, and other national and regional broadcasters.

The new enhancements will put Rutgers, Middlesex County, and Middlesex County College as the top destination for sports in New Jersey and the northeast region. The new complex will help Rutgers head coach Steve Owens and his coaching staff continue to grow the program by pursuing Big Ten Championships at a state-of-art facility.

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The location of this new facility will be in Edison, roughly 15 minutes from the team’s facility on the Livingston campus. The Multipurpose Community Venue will host a select series and home games for the Scarlet Knights. Rutgers baseball will continue to use Bainton Field and its on-campus facilities at Jersey Mike’s Arena, and the new multipurpose facility will not affect future planned upgrades to Bainton Field and on-campus facilities for Rutgers baseball.

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Rutgers baseball lands big time right-handed pitcher Jared Carlucci

On Monday, Rutgers baseball landed 2024 recruit Jared Carlucci from Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey.

On Monday, Rutgers baseball landed 2024 recruit Jared Carlucci from Columbia High School in Maplewood, New Jersey. Carlucci is a top 2024 prospect with a fastball up to 87 MPH. The 6-foot-4 190 pounds right-handed pitcher is lanky with a mighty strong arm.

Carlucci recorded 53 strikeouts last season (2022-23), averaging 5.89 strikeouts per game, according to highschoolsports.com. In 39 innings pitched, the new Scarlet Knight logged a 2.87 ERA, 16 earned runs, 29 hits, and 34 walks for the Cougars in 2023.

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The New Jersey native from South Orange, New Jersey, has a ton of upside with a fastball that averages 86-88 MPH, a curveball averaging 73-74 MPH, a slider averaging 75-79 MPH, and a changeup averaging 76-77 MPH. In a relief appearance, Carlucci recorded five strikeouts, two hits, zero earned runs, and zero walks in two innings pitched during the Diamond Nation Super 17 Invitational.

Rutgers head coach Steve Owens is adding another arm to his bullpen with the ability to provide a spot start if needed. Carlucci’s best performance last season came against Middlesex, where Columbia High School defeated the Blue Jays 6-0. The 2024 prospect recorded 13 strikeouts and four walks in 6.2 innings pitched, leading to the Cougars’ victory.

Carlucci will join Luke Fithian (RHP), Hunter Hoxie (LHP), Landon Mack (RHP), and Nolan Peel (RHP) among the pitchers for the Scarlet Knights’ 2024 recruiting class, according to Prep Baseball Report.

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Rutgers baseball 2025 recruit Julius Rosado is showcasing his talent

Rutgers 2025 recruit Julius Rosado launched his third homerun in two days, showcasing his talent in the 2023 17U Mid-Atlantic World Series.

Rutgers Baseball 2025 recruit Julius Rosado launched his third homerun in two days on Tuesday, showcasing his potential talent. While playing in the 2023 17U Mid-Atlantic World Series, Rosado has led Warehouse Mariachis 24′ Black (New Jersey) to a 3-0 record and No. 1 ranking in the Pool A standings.

Rosado and the rest of Warehouse Baseball defeated Hustle Baseball 8-1 to advance to the 2023 17U Mid-Atlantic World Series Quarterfinals. Rosado launched a two-run home run over the left-center field wall to give his team the lead.

Rutgers 2025 recruit connected on a fastball, looking composed and mature at the plate. He showed off a ton of bat speed, power, and strength, keeping his stroke simple and direct. Rosado launched another fastball over the left-field wall for his second home run of the game to extend Warehouse Baseball’s lead.

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On Tuesday, Rosado helped Warehouse Baseball defeat the Wladyka Baseball American team 2-0 in the quarterfinals. The New Jersey native from South River, New Jersey, launched a solo home run over the scoreboard to give his team the lead.

According to the Prep Baseball Report, the 6-foot, 190 pounds infielder (shortstop / third base) has an average exit velocity of 92.4 MPH and 84.9 MPH bat speed. Also, Rosado has a hand speed of  24.9 MPH and a maximum exit velocity of 100.3 MPH. He logged a 60-yard dash in 6.82 seconds and has a maximum home run distance of 366 feet. Keep an eye on this 2025 prospect as he continues to showcase his talent this summer.

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Rutgers baseball: Owens made an impact in Scotty Young’s recruiting decision

When asked what led to Young’s decision, he explained how Rutgers head coach Steve Owens was a big reason why he became a Scarlet Knight.

Rutgers Baseball 2024 commit Scotty Young committed to the Scarlet Knights in May. Young is like to replace Rutgers star outfielder Ryan Lasko next season.

When asked what led to Young’s decision, the JUCO outfielder explained how Rutgers head coach Steve Owens was a big reason why he became a Scarlet Knight. Owen’s straightforwardness and honesty led to the California native’s decision to join the Scarlet Knights in 2024.

Young told Rutgers Wire this week that the approach from Owens helped convince him to commit to Rutgers.

“I mean, he was very straightforward with who he thought I was as a player and what he thinks I can offer to the program. That was important to me,” Young said in his interview with Rutgers Wire.

“I mean, he told me the truth. I think him telling me the truth was one of the reasons that I was ready to come and play for a guy that’s going to tell me the truth. I know that he’s not going to tell me anything that isn’t straightforward. I think that’s one of the main personal traits I love about him most, is that he’s going to be straightforward.”

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Owens’s bond and trust he creates with his players stood out the most with Young when having recruitment talks with the Rutgers head coach. In the last four years, Owens has built a winning culture with his players and gained their confidence.

“He’s always going to tell you the truth. I think that creates sort of a bond of trust between the players and a coach because there’s no weird gray areas,” Young said.

“I mean, everything’s in white and black, you know, what needs to be done to win. Obviously, he’s done such a good job of that these last four years. So I think I think he has a really good recipe in place.”

With the departure of the aforementioned Lasko, the Scarlet Knights will have a vacancy in center field next season and likely will be looking for Young to fill that vacant role.

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Scotty Young discusses his decision on joining Rutgers baseball

After capturing the DIII Baseball National Championship, Rutgers 2024 recruit Scotty Young discusses his decision on being a Scarlet Knight.

After capturing the NJCAA DIII Baseball World Series – National Championship, Scotty Young is now focused on his next chapter. Young, who committed to Rutgers baseball this spring, is honed in on stepping up to Big Ten baseball.

At the World Series, Young had four hits, an RBI, a walk, three runs, and a stolen base as Rowan College (Gloucester) defeated Dallas College Eastfield 15-7 in the national championship.

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When speaking with Young, he provided insight into what led him to Rutgers and why Rutgers baseball will be his new home. On Saturday, Young talked with Rutgers Wire about why he committed to the Scarlet Knights.

“It’s a winning culture. I mean, I’m a winner. I’ve always been a part of winning programs. I think that’s part of the reason I love baseball so much is I love the ability to compete and the ability to win,” Young told Rutgers Wire.

“Rutgers doesn’t do anything shy of that for sure. I mean, they’ve won an extreme amount of games in these last four years. I think we have a lot of pieces coming back next year along with the pieces that are coming in to put something really special together next year.”

With the departure of the current outfielder Ryan Lasko, the Scarlet Knights will have a vacancy in center field next season. Young, a natural centerfielder, is eager to compete for the vacant position and have the opportunity to play in the Big Ten.

“I’m looking forward just getting on the field, having that Rutgers name on my on my chest, playing for a program that everyone is sort of expecting to do really well. Next year, we can really make something special happen,” Young said.

“So I’m really looking forward to the postseason play next year. I think we can make a really deep run, but that’s all going to start when we get to campus on September 6, then we got to start building a winning culture.”

Young had 193 at-bats this past season, logging 85 hits, eight doubles, two triples, 26 strikeouts, and 13 walks, finishing as the third-best hitter on Rowan’s 2022-2023 roster.

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Rutgers baseball lands JUCO outfielder Scotty Young

Rutgers baseball landed JUCO outfielder Scotty Young from Rowan College, NJ, to their 2024 recruiting class.

On Wednesday, JUCO outfielder Scotty Young from Rowan College committed to Rutgers baseball next season. The Scarlet Knights are adding another solid player to join junior starter Ryan Lasko in the outfield.

Young is a 6-foot-5, 210-pound left-handed hitting outfielder from Mission Viejo, California. He is an excellent hitter, recording a batting average of .440, eight home runs, 64 RBIs, and 1.101 OPS this season. Young has helped guide the Roadrunners to a 46-5 overall record and the No. 2 spot in the NJCAA Division III national rankings. 

Young had 193 at-bats this past season, logging 85 hits, eight doubles, two triples, 26 strikeouts, and 13 walks. He finished as the third-best hitter on Rowan’s 2022-2023 roster, finishing behind centerfielder Aaron Graeber and third baseman Rocko Brezniak. In the field, Young recorded one error in 48 games played. In the 2022-2023 season, Young finished the regular season with a .933 fielding percentage.

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Young will be joining seven other 2024 Rutgers baseball recruits, according to Perfect Game. Young is the only outfielder to join Rutgers’ recruiting class of 2024 as of now, with the Scarlet Knights recruiting six pitchers, one catcher, and one shortstop for next year’s roster.

2024 Rutgers Baseball Recruits

Name Position Size Weight Bats / Throws High School / College City / Town State
John Goodes RHP 6-4 220 Ibs. R-R Rumson Fair Haven Fair Haven NJ
Jack Kirchner RHP 6-4 225 Ibs. R-R Bishop Eustace Prep Moorestown NJ
Zachary Konstantinovsky RHP 6-1 200 Ibs. R-R North Brunswick Twp North Brunswick NJ
Jackson Natili Catcher 6-2 185 Ibs. R-R Peters Twp Venetia PA
Justin Shadek RHP 6-4 210 Ibs. R-R Seton Hall Preparatory Kinnelon NJ
Justin Sweeney RHP 6-1 200 Ibs. R-R Egg Harbor Twp Egg Harbor Township NJ
Nick Tomasetto Shortstop 5-10 190 Ibs. R-R West Deptford West Deptford NJ
Gunnar Plante LHP 6-8 195 Ibs. L-L North Atlanta Woodstock GA
Scotty Young Outfielder 6-5 210 Ibs. L-L Rowan College Mission Viejo CA

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Rutgers baseball head coach Steve Owens earns his 1000th career win

Rutgers baseball head coach Steve Owens earned his 1,000th career win as the Scarlet Knights defeated Hofstra 5-0.

On Tuesday, Rutgers baseball head coach Steve Owens earned his 1,000th career win as the Scarlet Knights defeated Hofstra 5-0. Owens is now the ninth active Division I coach to reach 1,000 career wins, making history in front of his home crowd at Bainton Field.

Owens started his NCAA coaching career in 1992 at Cortland State, coaching the Red Dragons for eight seasons. Owens led the Red Dragons to 245 wins and seven straight NCAA Regionals. He took Cortland State to four NCAA Division III World Series, including three consecutive trips from 1997 to 1999.

After the 1999 season, Owens took his first Division I head coaching job at Le Moyne. Starting in 2000, Owens coached the Dolphins for 11 straight winning seasons. He recorded 342 wins while coaching at Le Moyne and had three NCAA tournament berths. During his tenure with the Dolphins, Owens was named the MAAC Coach of the Year twice (2004, 2006). Owens reached his first coaching milestone in 2007, becoming the youngest coach in the country to record 500 career wins.

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After 11 years at Le Moyne, Ownes accepted the head coaching position at Bryant. Owens coached the Bulldogs for nine seasons, totaling 327 wins. In his first four years at Byrant, Owens led the Bulldogs to four consecutive 30-win seasons. Bryant transitioned to Division I in 2011, making the NCAA postseason in 2013. Owens led the Bulldogs to a 45-18-1 record in 2013, upsetting Arkansas in the postseason (regional). In 2016, Owens led Bryant to a school-record 47 games and a national ranking as high as No. 15.

In his 32 seasons of coaching, Owens has coached 55 professional players and 25 NCAA All-Americans. Out of 32 seasons, Owens has 29 winning seasons to go along with a 74-49 postseason record.

Owens’s coaching resume consists of 21 30-win seasons, six 40-win seasons, 20 regular season titles, 13 NCAA tournaments, seven American Baseball Coaches Association NCAA Regional Coaches of the Year honors, and 11 conference Coach of the Year honors.

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