Apr 10, 2019 3 min read

Name: Anthony Dellapenna

School: Beth-Center

Class: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Dellapenna’s week: In a pair of much-needed early wins, according to Beth-Center High School baseball coach Frank Pryor, Dellapenna delivered in a big way at the plate and on the mound.

From the leadoff spot, Dellapenna went 2-for-3 with a double, three RBI and scored four runs as the Bulldogs won their Class 3A Section 3 opener over Southmoreland, 11-6.

He drove in another three runs two days later, going 2-for-4 with another double, in an 11-1 win over section foe Washington.

Dellapenna did damage against the Prexies on the mound, too. In five innings, the lone run and hit he surrendered was a solo homer. He struck out seven.

“He led our team,” Pryor said. “I’ve been drilling into our players that every game in Class 3A is going to be a knock-down, drag-out type of affair. We have to mentally be ready. We felt we had to win those games. We talked a lot about the importance of them.”

It was a confidence boost for Dellapenna, who was seeking a faster start than in prior seasons, knowing how short and sporadic games can come in the spring time in Pennsylvania.

“It was a huge confidence builder,” Dellapenna said. “Starting hot, especially with our seasons seeming so short, is the best thing you can do as a team and individually.”

Switching it up: The senior has taken on several different roles this season.

He switched for the No. 5 spot in Beth-Center’s lineup a season ago to the leadoff hitter, so far batting .357. He stayed on the same side of the infield but made the change from third base to shortstop.

“Hitting leadoff is very different,” Dellapenna said. “You have to be patient. A lot of the times, you aren’t hitting with a lot of guys on base, but I really feel comfortable in the No. 1 spot. A lot more balls are hit to me at shortstop, so it’s a bigger role.”

But maybe the most important change Dellapenna has made is transitioning into one of a leader for the Bulldogs.

“He has taken the bull by the horns and has stepped up,” Pryor said. “He stepped up as a senior should. He has worked hard at that end of it. It’s just his attitude. He always gives that extra little bit of effort. I hope some of it rubs off on some of the kids. He loves to learn, loves to listen and always wants to get better.”

If success continues in the section for Beth-Center, it would qualify for its first trip to the postseason since 2012.

Compiled by staff writer Luke Campbell.