WEST HARTFORD, Conn. - Head coach Jeff Calcaterra and the Hartford baseball program announced the signing of four incoming freshmen for the upcoming school year on Wednesday. Two pitchers – Zach Ferris and Alex Gouin – are joined by infielder Brian Estevez and outfielder Mark Sorbara as the newest members of the Hawks. The four will be in uniform for the upcoming fall ball season and the 2011 Hartford campaign.

“Brian, Zach, Alex and Mark will be important additions to our recruiting class for 2010 and will strengthen the impact this class will make on the upcoming season and beyond” Calcaterra said. “These young men have excelled in the classroom as well on the field and we eagerly await the contributions they will make to our baseball program and the University.” 

BRIAN ESTEVEZ

A middle infielder originally from New York City, Brian Estevez graduated from St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, N.J. An honorable mention All-State performer last season at St. Joseph, Estevez's 5'9”, 165 lb. frame belies the pop in his bat. Equally adept at shortstop and second base, Estevez played a season of basketball at St. Joseph and still is an avid basketball player.

The son of Frances and Ramon Estevez, Brian is enrolled in Hillyer College with plans to major in criminal justice after earning honors every period throughout high school.

“After visiting Hartford, I became excited about attending the University in order to meet new people, my teammates, and to compete as a Division I baseball player,” Estevez explained. “I am mostly looking forward to obtaining my college degree from the University of Hartford so I may have a successful career of my choice.”

“Brian comes to us from a great program in St. Joseph Regional,” Calcaterra said. “Brian is a very talented athlete who possesses quickness and arm strength. His offensive ability and athleticism will allow him to play multiple spots in the infield, which will make it hard to keep him out of the lineup. He brings a hard nose approach and leadership to the game and comes from a winning summer program, Baseball U. We expect great things from Brian in his career and feel he will make an immediate impact.”

Out of Stephentown, N.Y., Zach Ferris is a left handed pitcher with a career 2.80 ERA at the LaSalle Institute. As a senior last season, Ferris struck out 45 in just 36 innings of work, compiling a 6-1 record. A three-year varsity player, Ferris helped his squad to two Big Ten League championships. In his sophomore season, LaSalle was the Section 2 champion and a New York State Class AA semifinalist with a record of 27-1. A Second Team All-Area selection last season by the Albany Times Union, Ferris earned academic honor roll distinction throughout high school.

The son of Hilary and Scott Ferris, Zach is enrolled in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions with intentions to major in physical therapy.

“The University of Hartford is a great for me, both academically and athletically,” Ferris said. “The facilities at the college are great, and I am looking forward to helping the team win any way that I can.”

“Zach is a very talented pitcher who has competed at a high level with the South Troy Dodgers during the summer,” Calcaterra said. “He will add quality depth to our staff as left handed pitcher and will project to make an impact out of the bullpen in his first year.  We are excited that Zach will join our staff and look forward to his development.”

ALEX GOUIN

Alex Gouin comes to the University of Hartford from West Orange, N.J., where he starred at West Orange High School as a four-year varsity player. A native of Camaguey, Cuba, Gouin excelled not only on the mound, but also as a third baseman during his high school career. Breaking several school hitting and pitching records during his career, Gouin was a two-time first team all-conference selection, and last year was the Area Player of the Year as selected by Worral Publications. As a pitcher, Gouin had a 1.02 ERA last season over 55 innings, holding opposing batters to a .156 and striking out 69. At the plate, he hit .484 with five home runs and 14 overall extra base hits.

The son of Dolores and Alex Gouin, the younger Gouin is enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences with plans to major in biology.

“I chose the University of Hartford because I felt it was the right fit for me, not only academically, but athletically as well,” Gouin said. “Most of all, I just liked the environment that I was surrounded by when I was on campus.”

“Alex should enter our program and compete at the top of our staff with the 'stuff' he possesses right now,” Calcaterra predicted. “His best years are ahead of him as Alex is a very talented and raw player who will compete as a dual player here at Hartford. With a very strong arm, we feel Alex will develop into a dominate pitcher in our program, but having hit nearly .500 in a baseball rich area in NJ during his high school season, Alex could turn into a fine position player as well. We look forward to the many contributions he will make next season”

A native of Freehold, N.J., Mark Sorbara comes to Hartford after a successful career at Freehold Township High School. The team's Most Valuable Player as a sophomore, Sorbara put together a senior season with a .344 average, two home runs and 16 RBIs in 64 at bats last year. A left-handed hitter, Sorbara helped his team to the Monmouth County Tournament championship in 2009. He also played a year of football at Freehold.

The son of Josephine and Massimo Sorbara, Mark is enrolled in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions with plans to major in physical therapy.

“I chose this school primarily because I liked the physical therapy program,” Mark explained. “In meeting with the coaching staff, I really liked them and their goals for the program. I also liked the campus and the colder weather.”

“Mark will join our program from Freehold, N.J., home of current Hawk Rodger Wilmot,” Calcaterra pointed out. “Mark brings a solid set of skills as an outfielder. He is a very good athlete who has good speed and provides a left handed hitting option to our lineup. Mark will be looked upon to add depth to our outfield this year and anticipate growth in his career.”