FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield University Baseball program has announced the seven member recruiting class of 2025. A mix of four pitchers and three position players, each member of the group brings their own talent and experience to a Stags' squad that is expected to compete for the conference title. Dean Ferrara, Tyler Kipp, Ray Leonzi, Ricky Erbeck, Peter 'Bo' Buckley, Grant Smeltzer, and Josh Fisher will join the Stags next season in helping the Stags turn those expectations into reality.
 
"I think we have a talented group from multiple positions," Head Coach Bill Currier said. "Each of these seven players have the mental and physical ability to make an impact on our program right away. We have a strong mix of solid offensive players, as well as pitchers who we will be looking to add meaningful innings right when they arrive on campus. We're excited about the future of this class."
 
 
Dean Ferrara | 5-10 | Infielder | Wyckoff, N.J. | Ramapo High School
 
Ferrara was a three-year varsity middle infielder at Ramapo High School, serving one year as a team captain. During the summer, Ferrara played for the Time to Sign travel ball squad and hit .381 with 11 doubles and 18 RBI. The speedy infielder also added a pair of triples and nine stolen bases over the summer.
 
Coach Currier on Ferrara: Dean is a solid all-around player whose athleticism and arm strength allows him to play multiple positions in the infield. He comes from a strong high school program and we look forward to his competitiveness and energy impacting our program the next four years.
 
 
Tyler Kipp | 5-10 | Catcher | Monroe, Conn. | Masuk High School
 
Kipp was a First-Team All-SWC catcher after hitting .418 with 21 RBI and 16 runs scored in 2019 for Masuk High School. He would help the Panthers to an 18-8 record and a 10-3 league mark. He was also one of six players named to the Perfect Game Tournament, helping his squad to the Round of 32.
 
Coach Currier on Kipp: Tyler is a strong offensive catcher coming out of a solid high school program where he was named All-SWC as a sophomore. Tyler was named a preseason underclass All American and his experience playing a competitive summer schedule, along with his strong work ethic, will allow him to compete for meaningful AB's when he steps on campus
 
 
Ray Leonzi | 5-9 | Outfielder | Trumbull, Conn. | Trumbull High School
 
Leonzi was a two-sport athlete at Trumbull High School, playing both outfield and football for the Eagles. He was the table setter during his summer league outings as he hit .415 while scoring 20 runs. He also recorded 12 RBI and drew 20 walks.
 
Coach Currier on Leonzi: Ray is an athletic, left-handed hitting outfielder from Trumbull High School where he captained both their baseball and football programs as well as being named to the National Honors Society. We are excited to have Ray's leadership abilities and athletic skill set get on campus. 
 
 
Ricky Erbeck | 6-0 | RHP | Skillman, N.J. | The Hun School in Princeton
 
Erbeck, the younger brother of current Stags' pitcher Jack Erbeck, is a hard throwing right-handed pitcher from The Hun School of Princeton. In 2019, Erbeck, threw 18 innings for a Hun team that went 22-2 during the campaign, helping the squad to a national top-25 ranking. He combined with his brother to throw a no-hitter against Trenton Catholic in 2019. He is also ranked as a top-500 right handed pitcher in the country.
 
Coach Currier on Erbeck: Ricky is an explosive, athletic RHP from the Hun School. On the mound, Ricky will run his fastball up to the high 80s with an elite breaking ball. A top 500 National Ranked RHP and a Pre-Season Underclass All-American by Perfect Game, we anticipate Ricky to be a high impact arm early in his career. We are excited to have him join his older brother Jack on the pitching staff.
 
Peter 'Bo' Buckley | 5-11 | RHP | Ontario, Canada | Blyth Academy London High School
 
Buckley supported a perfect 2-0 record with a miniscule 0.40 ERA during the summer months playing for The Clubhouse travel ball squad. He struck out 16 batters while walking only one in 17 innings. Along with fellow Stags' recruit Tyler Kipp, he was also one of six players named to the Perfect Game Tournament, helping his squad to the Round of 32.
 
Coach Currier on Buckley: Bo, a Pre-Season Underclass All-American by Perfect Game is a very physical RHP. His elite work ethic and character will serve as a great addition to the Fairfield Baseball Program. On the mound, Bo attacks with an explosive Fastball and sharp breaking ball.  We look forward to Bo's arrival and believe he has a bright future  in store both on and off the diamond.
 
Grant Smeltzer | 5-11 | RHP | York, Pa. | Central York High School
 
Smeltzer changed his workout habits after the pandemic canceled his junior season, increasing his fastball velocity to the upper 80s. He exhibited his new found velocity at a showcase hosted by Perfect Game in Ohio. His biggest event of the summer came at the Pennsylvania All-State event for Prep Baseball report where he would strike out eight of the 12 batters he faced.
 
Coach Currier on Smeltzer: Grant is a highly motivated, physical RHP. We believe Grant will bring great energy and competitiveness to our pitching staff.   He displays a strong presence on the mound with a lively fastball, paired with a sharp curveball. We are thrilled to see Grant in a Stags uniform.
 
 
Josh Fischer | 5-9 | LHP | Hopkinton, Mass. | Hopkinton High School
 
Fischer was a 2019 Tri-Valley League All-Star after going 7-1 with a 1.36 ERA for the Hopkinton Hillers. He helped his squad to a 16-6 record and was the starting pitcher for the Division II State Championship Game.
 
Coach Currier on Fischer: Josh, a crafty left-handed pitcher who can mix three pitches, comes from a well-coached high school baseball program, Hopkinton HS in Massachusetts.  Josh serves as his team's captain and will bring a winning attitude to our program along with big game experience. He was the starting pitcher for Hopkinton in the 2019 state championship game. A very selfless individual who we are eager to have arrive on campus.
 
The Stags enter their ninth season under the direction of Head Coach Bill Currier, who has led the squad to four 30-plus win seasons, two conference regular season titles, and the program's first-ever MAAC Tournament Championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 2016.