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Grays' DeChristofaro Stages Comeback

by Melissa Chodan
June 5, 2005 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Garden State Grays


After injuries kept him off the mound since the 2003 season, pitcher Vinny DeChristofaro is making a strong comeback with the Can-Am Grays.

The now healthy 23-year-old spent time in the Philadelphia Phillies organization and is hoping to make his way back to another affiliated organization while enjoying every minute of what independent baseball has to offer.

The lanky lefthander was originally drafted out of Richmond Hill high school in 2001 as the seventh round pick of the Phillies in the amateur draft where scouts compared his ability to that of then Atlanta Braves' ace Tom Glavine.

"I was always told that I was the same as Tom Glavine," DeChristofaro said. "Just mechanics wise, he doesn't throw hard, he's very smooth and throws a lot of change-ups. I do that so I've always been told I was like him. I work my way around (the strike zone), keep outside, bust in when I need to and throw change-ups."

Subsequent to signing with the organization, DeChristofaro dominated rookie ball with the Gulf Coast League Phillies in 2001. In nine starts, he went 1-2 with an impressive 2.17 ERA, striking out 33 in 37.1 innings of work.

Upon promotion to the Phillies' single-A affiliate Lakewood Blue Claws, of the South Atlantic League, in 2002 and 2003 DeChristofaro went through periods of both brilliance and lack of control in the strike zone.

DeChristofaro said he attributes much of this to changes made to his mechanics and pitching grips.

"I was shown at least four different ways of throwing a changeup, four different ways of trying to throw a curveball," he said. "They tried to get me to throw side armed and I hurt my arm."

A few starts into the 2003 season he was sent to the organization's other single-A affiliate the Batavia Muckdogs of the New York Penn League. There he was reunited with pitching coach Warren Brewster, who mentored him during rookie ball.

"I can honestly say he was the greatest pitching coach I've ever been around," DeChristofaro said. "When I got to Batavia ... he was like throw the way you know how. We drafted you for a reason. Throw your game."

But before really modifying the adjustments and returning to his dominant stature on the mound, he blew-out his knee and ended his season.

Despite diligently working through rehabilitation efforts, DeChristofaro said that upon a comeback attempt he developed a serious staph infection in his knee and spent a good deal of time in the hospital.

DeChristofaro said he was consequently released from his contract with the Phillies in 2004 and pondered his next move – and leaving baseball was not an option for him.

His passion, potential and focus found a home in the Canadian American League with the newly-formed Grays.

"I went to Arizona for a tryout with the Golden State League," DeChristofaro said. "I came back home and the next day, I got a call from (the Gray's) coach (Chris) Carminucci saying he wanted me on his team. And I signed the contract and we were ready to go. He was going on a friend's word that was in Arizona. He didn't get to see me pitch until the first game."

With the renewed opportunity to play, DeChristofaro seems to be taking advantage of every opportunity is looking forward to a successful season with the team.

The ability and potential he entered professional baseball with is still present. He still has a biting curveball, a circle changeup he locates for strikes and a running fastball, all of which he uses to keep the opposing hitters off-balance.

In his last start, control issues momentarily factored in but as the pitch-count rose, his location became sharper and his momentum increased.

On Thursday, June 2, DeChristofaro started his second game of the season for the Grays against the 2004 Northeast League Champion New Jersey Jackals. After a rough first inning where he gave up two solo homeruns, he calmed down and retired the next eight batters he faced.

In 5.2 innings he gave up three hits, two earned runs and four walks while striking out six. But more impressive, he was able to locate the corners, change speeds and keep batters guessing.

"I felt great," said DeChristofaro. "I felt alive. I felt like a pitcher. I felt like my team could actually trust me when I'm on the mound and my coaching staff."

Because of the late inception of the team, (due to the termination of the Bangor Lumberjacks) the Grays spring training was shortened and it has taken a few extra innings for DeChristofaro's arsenal to come to fruition.

As the season continues, his stamina and velocity will undoubtedly grow and so will his attraction to an affiliated organization.

After all, what team wouldn't lust after a healthy, young lefty with movement?

"Until then I love playing for the team I have," said DeChrisofaro. "Guys are great, coaches are great, the pitching staff is strong. I know we're going to be a good team."

But overall, DeChristofaro says it's about playing the game he loves and focusing on the opportunity in front of him.

"The experience is unbelievable whether it has been bad or good," he said. "It's the greatest time of my life. I wouldn't trade it for any other job. I'll keep playing until I can't play anymore."

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