Wild Things Add Bucknell Bison Standout to Pitching Staff

WASHINGTON, Pa. (Jan. 25) - As the 2018 season creeps closer, the Wild Things' spring-training roster has once again continued to take shape, as today the team announced the signing of left-handed pitcher Mike Castellani to his first professional contract. Castellani is a 2017 graduate of Bucknell University, where he had a successful four-year career, and is currently playing in the California Winter League. 

Castellani was 15-6 over the course of four years for the Bison, and sported a career earned-run average of 3.64. The 15 wins are good for 7th all-time at Bucknell, while the ERA is ranked 11th in the school's history. His 56 appearances, in which he totaled 222.2 innings, are good for 8th in program history.

Bucknell baseball dates back to 1886, and the program has had 23 players make it to the Major Leagues, most notably pitcher Christy Mathewson, who was a part of the first Baseball Hall of Fame class along with Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner in 1936.

Over his four-year career, Castellani struck out 136 batters and walked no more than 19 in any season. He also pitched three summers in collegiate baseball leagues, with his best two coming in his final two with the Wilmington Sharks of the Coastal Plain League. He was 10-5 over two seasons with the Sharks, and had an ERA of 2.62 over 39 appearances (14 starts, 11 in 2016) to go along with 87 strikeouts and 27 walks in 117 innings. He started the 2016 Coastal Plain League All-Star Game on the mound.

"Mike quickly checked all the boxes for us in the evaluation process. We certainly value his impressive college career with the Bison and respect his dominant summers throwing in the Coastal Plain League," said general manager Steven Zavacky. "Talking to Mike, it was clear we were dealing with a pitcher with a plan. His pitch ability is something that really stood out and his numbers reflect his makeup."

Zavacky continued, "Additionally, the staff from Bucknell gave us such a strong endorsement of Mike on and off the field. We appreciate the team mentality he carries as a pitcher and we look forward to watching him compete in 2018."

The Wild Things' front office isn't the only one excited for the opportunity, as Castellani said he is looking forward to competing for a championship and living out his dream of playing professional baseball.

"I am very excited to join such a fantastic team in one of the best Independent leagues in the country," said Castellani. "[Like] most guys, I grew up dreaming of playing professional baseball and to get this opportunity is something I had nearly given up on after not getting [drafted]. At Bucknell, I was able to get a top-tier education as well as play at the Division I level."

He continued on saying the academic rigors made juggling baseball with his studies challenging, but said it resulted in him becoming more "mentally tough," which translates very well into his work on the mound.

The Avon, Connecticut, native attended Avon Old Farms Prep School, which is the same high school Houston Astros' player George Springer went to. Castellani said he has always been focused on team success, even before high school, and that it’s something that he thinks is very important.

"My only goal is to win the league title. Personal stats get in the way of team success and all I can say is that I want to be the guy everyone trusts with the ball in his hand," said Castellani. "To be a successful pitcher you have to have trust from your coaches, teammates and most importantly, the fans. That trust is earned and I will make it my goal to earn it and re-earn it every time I take the mound."

Castellani hopes to come in to Washington and help take the team to the next level, while bringing a high level of intensity.

"I live for big moments and having the ball with the game on the line. While not pitcher can be perfect every day I promise my energy and fight will always be a consistent staple of my game," said Castellani. "I look forward to showcasing my ability in front of the great Washington Wild Things' crowds and spreading the fire I have throughout the stadium."

He spoke to his versatility on the mound as well, saying he feels comfortable starting and coming out of the bullpen, allowing him to be slotted anywhere the team needs. Castellani will join the spring-training roster, which reports near the end of April, as the Wild Things get ready to make a run for another playoff appearance, and potentially, a run at the franchise's first championship.