Getting local talent has always been a top priority for the Dutchmen. With a strong collection of college and high school programs surrounding Albany, it’s never been a tough task. This season the Dutchmen were able to extend their reach a little bit farther, securing two talented first basemen, Matt Dacey and Joe Purritano, from one of the top high school programs in the Northeast Region, Don Bosco Prep.

A New Jersey native, the 6’3” Dacey was a leader on Don Bosco, helping them to a top five ranking in the state of New Jersey. During his senior season Dacey hit .418 with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs. That followed up a junior season in which he hit .438 with eight home runs and 38 RBIs. He was an Under Armour Preseason All-American heading into his senior year and was named All-County and All-Region by the time the year was over.

Now at the University of Michigan, Dacey will be red-shirting his freshman year. Regardless, the lefty is ready to bring his powerful bat to the Dutchmen lineup come June.

He will be joined there by his former high school teammate, Joe Purritano, Like Dacey, Purritano was named a top 500 prospect by Perfect Game after his career at Don Bosco. He hit in the three-hole and was able to rack up a .419 batting average with 13 doubles, four triples, six home runs and 45 RBIs on his way to being named the New Jersey State Hitter of the Year.

The 6’1” right-hander was also named first team all-state, All-North Jersey, and all-county before signing with Dartmouth. So far this season, Purritano has started seven games for the 12-1 Big Green. He’s hitting .280 with five RBIs and a .333 on-base percentage.

Many Dutchmen fans are excited for the high school teammates to be reunited in Albany, but the same can’t be said for opposing pitching staffs.