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PL Missoula PaddleHeads

Lancellotti Signs Contract with New York Mets Organization

June 23, 2022 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release


Missoula PaddleHeads reliever Joey Lancelotti
Missoula PaddleHeads reliever Joey Lancelotti
(Missoula PaddleHeads)

Missoula, MT - The Missoula PaddleHeads are in the middle of a tight race for the first half pennant in the Northern Division. Missoula has proven to once again be one of the strongest teams in the Pioneer League as they attempt to defend the league championship. The pitcher's mound has been one of the areas of strength with Missoula as the PaddleHeads currently hold the lowest team ERA in the league (5.18). They also have recorded more strikeouts (244) than any other team in the Pioneer League. The PaddleHeads have also seen many of their best pitchers move on to affiliated baseball over the course of the last two seasons. That trend will only be continuing.

Reliever Joey Lancelotti signed a contract with the PaddleHeads in April boasting a strong resume from his time pitching at the Collegiate level. The Philadelphia native was a standout at one of the nations strongest collegiate programs the University of North Carolina. After making his first appearance on June 16, it was clear that Lancelotti was a special talent. It also did not take long for folks in affiliated baseball to think the same. After just 2 appearances, Lancelloti will now get his chance with a Major League organization after signing with the New York Mets System.

Lancellotti joins a growing group of former PaddleHeads pitchers that have made their way to affiliated baseball highlighted by players like 2021 Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year Mark Simon (Blue Jays), and Matt Mogollon (Mariners). It is clear that Missoula has become a good starting point for many who may have been overlooked, or have dealt with other challenges.

PaddleHeads manager Michael Schlact was happy to give Lancellotti an opportunity to prove he had what it takes at the next level.

"Joey was only with us for a short period of time, but he showed a big league presence and big league stuff," Schlact said. "We could not be prouder to have Missoula be the launching pad for his career. We wish him the best on his journey to the show."

Lancellotti has been on the radar of teams in affiliated baseball for some time having been drafted by the New York Yankees in the 2019 June Amature Draft. Lancelotti would continue his career with the Tar Heels however, posting a 3.12 ERA in 52 games that season. After the shortened 2020 season, Lancellotti would start the 2021 campaign strongly, striking out 12 batters in just 3 appearances. In the month of April however, a challenging circumstance would arise.

Lancelotti would suffer an elbow injury in April of 2021 that would require Tommy John surgery which would keep the right-hander on the shelf for the remainder of the season. Despite a strong collegiate career that saw Lancelotti finish with a career 3.14 ERA in 126 innings, Lancelotti would not be drafted in 2021.

Despite that disappointing end to his collegiate career, Lancellotti would get back to work rehabbing during the 2021-2022 offseason in preparation for his next opportunity. This opportunity would come with the PaddleHeads after signing this spring. After months of rehab, and preparation, Lancelotti would make the most of his opportunity.

The William Penn Charter product would strike out the first batter he faced as a professional on 3 pitches in his professional debut on June 16 in a game against Great Falls. In his next outing, Lancellotti would continue to impress with his eclectic fastball that would overwhelm the Glacier Range Riders in a scoreless outing on June 19. In his two apperenances with Missoula, Lancellotti did not allow a single baserunner.

Lancellotti's time in Missoula may be coming to an end, but this will only be the beginning of his story on his journey in affiliated baseball. The question now becomes who will be the next one to fill his shoes? Who will be the next budding star to appear in Zoo Town under the lights at Allegiance Field? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear, there surely will be more electric arms making appearances in the Garden City.

Catch the PaddleHeads (16-9) in action this Friday night at Allegiance Field at Ogren Park as they are set to open a 3 game set opposite the Great Falls Voyagers (16-10). This series is set to feature numerous fun nights at the ballpark highlighted by Sandlot Night on Friday, and Star Wars night on Saturday. All kids under the age of 12 will also be admitted into the ballpark free of charge on Sunday as part of Kids Free Sunday. To learn more about these promotions, and to buy tickets visit gopaddleheads.com.

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Missoula PaddleHeads reliever Joey Lancelotti
Missoula PaddleHeads reliever Joey Lancelotti
   



Pioneer League Stories from June 23, 2022


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