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08/06/2024 10:53 AMConfidence is something that can carry any athlete through so much adversity, especially when all eyes are on you for every twist and turn of a game. For Paul Calandrelli, his contained swagger has helped become a steady hand and presence at the dish for the Hand baseball team.
The incoming senior grew up his entire life playing both on the diamond and the gridiron for football–spending his entire time playing for his hometown through the youth ranks. This past spring while guarding home plate as catcher for baseball, Paul helped lead the Tigers to their first-ever SCC Tournament title. Even more impressive on a personal level, the junior was named the SCC Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
“I was on a couple all-star teams when I was 10 and 12 that went on a run, and it was there that I saw how much fun the game could be,” says Paul. “Confidence has worked for me and staying even-headed. I also try to not do too much out there. All of those things help with the big moments and knowing what I can do. Winning Most Outstanding Player was awesome. I was just trying to do whatever I could to help the team win SCCs. I think playing in those big moments makes me play better overall. It was a big moment, and it helped keep my focus up with how big of a tournament it was. I just focused on doing my job.”
Being the backstop for the Tigers, Paul is synonymous with every single ball thrown by Hand. He explains that the same pressure may make it the toughest position on the field. Still, it is actually a benefit for him because the constant laser focus helps him fire on all cylinders.
“I love being in every play and involved in every pitch as catcher,” Paul says. “I love being involved at all times because you always have to have that focus up. I like controlling what pitches are called and thrown. That is also what makes it tough because of how mentally and physically demanding it is. You cannot take a rest or play off out there.”
In a game so heavily predicated on averages, there will of course be ebbs and flows each day. Paul proclaims that he takes a mature mindset by drawing upon his past accomplishments and feats. He uses the euphoria from being in the zone to get him back to that happy place.
“When things are tough or it is not my day, I just remind myself that I am good and think about a time when I was playing well,” says Paul. “I then take that mental state from when I was doing better and use it to override any slump.”
Paul is also a humbled and grounded competitor by noting he is hardly an expert at any one attribute of a ball player. While he does see some strengths with his defense, he desires to become an all-tool type of player with the lumber.
“I do not think I have mastered any one skill yet,” says Paul. “I would like to improve my hitting. I would like to better hit for both power and average. I can improve my catching, too. I think overall I am better defensively than offensively.”
Hand held quite a seasoned veteran presence in the dugout this past spring that helped corral it to the conference crown. Paul details that the upperclassmen knew not only how to set strong templates for success, but how to lay down constructive criticism and instruction in the most productive way.
“We had an older team last year with I think 11 seniors. But we had a bunch of veterans, which I think helped us out,” says Paul. “I think it also helped because we were able to show the younger guys the intensity that should be brought while playing with 100% effort. The veterans also made sure to stay positive whenever they had to correct them. Hopefully it helps them for the future.”
Hand skipper Travis LaPointe explains that Paul is truly an all-tool player. He occasionally takes off the catcher’s mask to help out with his leather in the infield while being a well-revered presence within the Tigers’ family and community.
“Paul is an outstanding teammate. He is a leader on and off the field who displays positivity and enthusiasm at all times,” says LaPointe. “He will do whatever it takes to help his team win. He is the best athlete that we have in our baseball program, and he also excels at football. Although he is our primary catcher, he is also one of our best pitchers and infielders. He can really just do it all, which also includes being such a responsible, respected remember of the DHHS community.”
Paul and the boys hope to bring it back again for his senior season while defending a league title. He explains that it will be much the same when speaking to the peripheral elements of preparation. Yet he still concludes by reflecting on that perfect moment when the Tigers saw their ultimate goal realized.
“We all had a great year together, and we hope to bring the same intensity next year,” Paul says. “We want to keep the same training and leadership regimen we had. It was awesome winning SCCs; it was a special moment for the team and program. To be rewarded for all our hard work with a title was great, and making that last out was so heartwarming.”