Cipolla catches praise at Keene State

KEENE, N.H. 5/14/10 – Strapping on his shin guards and lowering the mask over his head, a tired Anthony Cipolla headed back behind home plate, the place he’s called home since his sophomore season at Keene State.

It’s been a long, but satisfying season for the senior receiver from Glastonbury, Conn. In addition to his steady defensive play, he’s also contributed offensively, batting a career-high .390 going into this weekend’s Little East Conference baseball tournament.

“Between the squatting, catching, hitting, and pitch calling, Anthony is pretty worn out after a game, especially if he’s catching both ends of a doubleheader,” said Keene State Coach Ken Howe.  “But he wants to do it.  “If it was up to Anthony, he’d catch every game on our schedule.”

Cipolla occasionally gets a break from his duties behind the dish, batting clean-up as the teams’ designated hitter. “I’m usually pacing and cheering in the dugout,” said Cipolla.  “I can’t sit still. They’re always telling me to go to the other side of the bench.”

Cipolla much prefers to be behind the plate doing what he does best – working with Keene State’s pitching staff. “It takes time and preparation to know them,” said Cipolla.  “If they’re struggling, you have to do everything in your power to settle them down.”

The KSC coaching staff appreciates Cipolla’s handling of the hurlers.  “He takes a lot of pride in his defense,” said Howe.  “He tries to block every ball and go all out.  If a ball gets by him, he takes it personally.”

“Anthony is someone you want on your team,” said assistant coach Dan Moylan, a former All-America catcher at North Carolina.  “He has a passion about winning and baseball. We’re fortunate to have him.”

Standing five feet 7 inches and built like a hydrant, Cipolla was born to be a catcher.  Following in the footsteps of his father Frank, who coached at East Catholic (Conn.) High school, and his brother, also named Frank, who played college ball at UConn and the University of Hartford, Cipolla was initiated into the sport at a young age.

Attending all his father’s practices; Cipolla didn’t like catching at first.  “I was flinching when batters were swinging, but I got used to it” he said. 

A product of a top-notch Glastonbury Little League and Legion programs, Cipolla made the Glastonbury High baseball team as a freshman.  His hard work earned him All-Conference honors as a senior.

Cipolla was drawn to Keene State by its improving baseball team, attractive campus, and traditionally strong education program. 

As a freshman, Cipolla learned the tricks of the trade from incumbent catcher John Grainger.  He also got a lot of encouragement from Associate Coach Marty Testo and Moylan.  “They were almost like brothers to me,” said Cipolla, who spent summers up in Keene working with the NECBL Swamp Bats.

By his sophomore season Cipolla was ready to take over behind the plate. “I told the coaches that I was prepared to lead the team to a title,” he said.

And he did just that.  The 2008 Owls not only set a school record for wins (34-11), but also captured the program’s first Little East championship and second straight NCAA berth. “Everything worked out perfectly.  It was like a storybook ending season,” said Cipolla.

While Keene State continued its winning ways the past two seasons, Cipolla has established himself as one of the top receivers in the LEC. His dedication to his craft earned him an All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year award for his preseason regiment and All-Conference honors for his work during the season.

Playing a physically demanding position during a condensed 45-game schedule is tough and at times dangerous.  He still has a squished mask, courtesy of a back swing from an Eastern Conn. player a couple years ago.  

But Cipolla has found the right balance that keeps the game challenging and fun for him.  One minute, he could be out at the mound giving a pep talk to one of his pitchers, the next behind the plate chatting with an umpire or opposing batter.

Cipolla says he will miss baseball, but is ready for the next chapter in his life.   He will graduate this fall after finishing his student teaching assignment. “Obviously, I’m going to miss baseball. It’s been my life,” he said.