It’s been a heck of a year to be a Diamond Jack, particularly the group that has just moved into their junior year of high school and ascended to the Super 17 program.
If you were paying attention to social media at all the past few months, you saw an onslaught of commitment announcements coming out of one of the state and nation’s top travel programs.
The Diamond Jacks Super 16U, now advanced to the Super 17U level, has procured a stunning 16 Division 1 commitments, and the final four uncommitted ballplayers on this talented club have set themselves up for plenty of recruiting attention in the months ahead.
“We were followed by huge schools all summer,” said Diamond Jacks Super 16U coach Walt Cleary. “Where we went to get exposure certainly paid off in the form of commitments.”
As good as that news clearly is, what is equally exciting for the coaching staff at Diamond Nation is the fact that they get to see these young men play together and develop further for one more summer. And it was one heck of a summer of 2026 for these young ballplayers.
Having a player commit to a Division 1 school is always fantastic news for a program but nothing new at Diamond Nation, which has produced an incredible number of top level ballplayers, several of whom have even ascended to the major league level. But the number 16 next to the words Division 1 commitments in a single class of athletes is certainly unique, special and something to brag about.
Those commitments culminated from much work, development and guidance from a dedicated coaching staff starting, for many, on the small diamonds at Diamond Nation. One of them, St. John’s-bound infielder Gavin Ross, will never forget the home run he hit over the scoreboard in right field on Field 2 in his very first at bat as a Diamond Jack, playing for the Super 12U squad.
But bigger memories were ahead for Ross and his future Super 16U teammates, who set the tone for their summer in late June and early July at the PBR 16U National Championships in LakePoint, Georgia.
“Our performance was unreal,” said Cleary, recently promoted to the position of Director of Baseball Operations at Diamond Nation. “We played 10 games in seven days and went 9-1.” The Super 16U squad won their first nine games at the national championships and reached the final opposite Southeast Rawling M.A.D Mavericks of Tennessee. The Mavericks prevailed, 5-1.
“We made it interesting to the last out of that game,” said Cleary, whose team put forth one major highlight after another during its 9-0 run to the championship game.
The Diamond Jacks wheeled out a starting rotation that was fronted by Duke-bound James Fenton, South Carolina commit Carson Steingall and Owen Ehrenkranz, who is bound for Northwestern next September.
“I was having a hard time connecting with Georgia Tech prior to the tournament,” said Cleary, whose duties at Diamond Nation also include acting as the program’s recruiting coordinator. Then Cleary ran into Georgia Tech assistant Jason Richman before the first game. “I told him we had three arms going today I think you want to see.”
Richman texted Cleary a couple innings into that first game saying, “This team is pretty damn good, Walt. You’ve built a lot of street cred with Georgia Tech today.” Add to that the nearly 70 other top colleges in attendance at the tournament.
It was the second game of the tournament that Cleary felt put his Diamond Jacks on the map in the event. Ehrenkranz was electric, throwing no-hit ball for five innings en route to a 5-0 Diamond Jacks victory over the Hit Dogs of Illinois, a Top 25 team in the nation. Shortstop Luca Catanzarite, another Duke commit, made a terrific defensive play in one inning and led off the next inning with a home run.
“I think all 70 schools were at that game,” said Cleary. “We beat a lot of really good teams in the tournament and there were a ton of colleges at every game. We really started to build a name for ourselves there.”
The Super 16U squad gained a head of steam as the playoffs began in LakePoint. Steingall pitched shutout ball as his teammates rolled at the plate in an 8-0 victory over SBG Sox Prime of Mississippi. Fenton followed suit with more shutout ball in a 10-0 victory over the Virginia Vols.
The Diamond Jacks then knocked off 643 DP Cougars of Georgia, 5-2, to advance to the semifinals where the team took down Canes America 16U of Virginia, 7-3. Both the Diamond Jacks and Southeast Rawlings Mad Mavericks entered the championship game at 9-0 in the tournament.
“That was our first loss all summer with our full roster,” said Cleary, whose team posted a 25-7-3 record in the summer months.
The Super 16U had three players in the tournament’s Top 10 in hits. Catanzarite had 12 hits, good for sixth highest in the event. Virginia-bound Jack Spitaleri (8th) and Connor Bresler (9th), headed to Boston College next fall, had 10 hits apiece.
The Diamond Jacks outscored their tournament opponents 74-20, tossing three shutouts and limiting opponents to three or more runs in eight of their 10 games.
Cleary’s elevation to DJacks Director
Cleary has always been a player favorite, whether in the role of head coach, assistant, program director or hitting instructor. He’s always shown an ability to reach his charges in a unique way. In fact, since he arrived at Diamond Nation in 2016, Cleary has been a head coach at the 11U, 12U, 14U, 15U, 16U and 17U levels. He was most recently the 14U-18U Coordinator.
So the progression to overall Director of Baseball Operations seems like a natural progression for the graduate of Mariner High School in Cape Coral, Florida.
“For me it was about the best man for the job,” said Mike Cust, Diamond Nation’s General Manager. “Walt has been so dedicated to the program and knows in his heart what’s best for our players. He has a great relationship with the kids from 10U-through-18U. It’s a testament to what he does, from his availability on the field and to the personal lessons he gives.”
Cleary will not be sitting behind a desk much, though, as the job of overseeing the 10U-through-18U teams will keep him busy. But not busy enough to keep him from coaching and giving lessons.
“I’m still the recruiting coordinator and roster coordinator and I expect to coach Super 16U and maybe Super 17U,” said Cleary. “My commitment is simple: be present, develop our players, create opportunities and continue moving this organization forward.”
More commits still to come
Those four, as yet, uncommitted players we referred to earlier include Ethan Strawn, Anthony Whelan, Owen Rivenbark and Steven Verdolini III.
“Strawn is an extremely good athlete who had a great fall and is building steam in the recruiting cycle,” says Cleary. “Rivenbark was one of our hottest hitters entering Georgia. He swings a hot bat and will continue to get looks with his big frame and massive power. Whelan had one of his biggest games of the summer in the quarterfinals at PBR against a Top 15 team in the country.”
Interestingly, Whelan steered the DJacks to that 5-2 victory over the 643 DP Cougars while inducing six double plays. Verdolini, a 6-1, 180-pound righty from Central Bucks West (Pa.) could very well be the next D-1 commit for the program.
More Super 16U honors
Steingall and Fenton earned an invite to the prestigious Area Code Games in California. Fenton was also invited to the National Player Development for Team USA. Steingall not only made the Perfect Game All-Star Game but was also named the Pitcher MVP of the game.
Final thoughts on Cleary’s new role
“The kids love Walt, from the youngest players on up,” said Cust. “He’s gotten us a ton of commitments. We are one of the top programs in the country when it comes to D-1 commits. He’s getting our players seen, bringing them to national events and that’s what it’s all about.
“Walt does a great job of networking with other organizations and colleges. He created the scout days we did this summer and fall. We had 50 schools at these events. Walt has a good handle on the top schools and the Division 2 and 3 programs, as well. Our organization is growing every year and we now have more players here than ever before.”
Typical of Cleary, when asked his goals for the program under his direction, he went right to the immediate, “Having a 100 percent commitment rate for this 2028 group.” He also wants the program to, “compete at multiple national events and at a high level.”
All of that begins at the ground level for Cleary.
“I believe in communication, accountability and consistency,” he said. “And I want every family to feel confident where this program is headed. My priority is to be actively involved with every age group, 10U-through-18U, on the field, at practices and working directly with players, coaches and families. Every player deserves the same attention and opportunity to develop.”
Your 2026 Diamond Jacks Division 1 commits.
Addison Adornato
H-5-9, W-185; BR, TR
Position: C/OF
Commitment: UMass Amherst
Other offers/interest: I had an offer from Lehigh.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: Fall of 13U.
High School: Gov. Livingston, Berkeley Heights
Why UMass?: I chose UMass because when I visited the campus I loved the coaches and players on the team.
DJack memory: Making it to the finals at LakePoint, Georgia.
Connor Bresler
H-6-1, W-190, BR, TR
Position: OF/1B/RHP
Commitment: Boston College
Other offers/interest: August 1 was a busy day of phone calls, but I knew going into the final stages of recruitment, Boston College was my preference. Boston College was the first to make an offer and I accepted immediately.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: As a 12 year-old and was placed at the 14U level.
High School: Delbarton School, Morris Twp.
Why BC?: I loved the campus, loved the baseball facility and, most importantly, loved the coaches. These were all main drivers in my decision.
DJack memory: My best Diamond Jack memory came this year at the PBR 16U World Series in Lakepoint, Georgia. Our team made it to the finals of the largest PBR tournament of the year. I had 10 hits that week which gave me a lot of visibility to all of the colleges that eventually reached out to me on August 1.
Luca Catanzarite
H-5-8, W-168, BR, TR
Position: SS/MIF
Commitment: Duke
Other offers/interest: The other schools that showed interest in me, contacted me, and/or made offers are; Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, Penn State, Pitt, Boston College, JMU, Maryland, UMass, Virginia, Coastal Carolina, Delaware, Kansas State, Villanova, Brown, High Point, VCU, St. John’s, George Mason, Seton Hall, Northeastern and Navy.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: At the 10U level. I’ve never played for another team/organization.
High School: Immaculata (Somerville).
Why Duke?: I chose Duke because it felt like the perfect fit for me both academically and athletically. Playing baseball in the ACC has always been a dream of mine, and Duke gives me that opportunity while getting a great education. What stood out to me most was the coaching staff. They watched me play many times and really took the time to get to know me as both a player and a person. That meant a lot to me and made me confident that Duke was the right choice for me.
DJack memory: One of my favorite DJack memories was making it to the finals of the PBR National Championships in Georgia this summer. It was an awesome experience getting to compete at that level with my teammates and making it that far together. It’s definitely a memory I’ll always remember.
Connor Crittenden
H-6-4, W-215, BR, TR
Position: 3B/RHP/SS
Commitment: Miami
Other offers/interest: Another one of the top offers I received was from University of Pittsburgh, a good program in the ACC.
Joined Diamond Jacks Program: I started with the Diamond Jacks this year. Coach Walt is very good with schools and will get you somewhere you want to be.
High School: Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (Pa.)
Why Miami: I chose the University of Miami because everything about it felt like the perfect fit for me. The coaches share the same values and beliefs as me, and I felt like we were on the same page about what I wanted out of my college baseball career. The weather is great, the players are awesome, and the facilities are incredible. Overall, it felt like it was the perfect place for me to grow as a player and as a person.
DJack memory: Playing in Jupiter, Florida and being able to face some of the top players around the country.
Michael Donahue
H-6-3, W-165, BR, TR
Position: RHP/3B
Commitment: St. John’s
Other offers/interest: Binghamton University expressed interest, among some others but once St. John’s was in play, I knew what I wanted. St. John’s was where I wanted to go all along.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: At 14U level.
High School: Gov. Livingston, Berkeley Heights
Why St. John’s?: I chose St. John’s University because it was a school on the top of my wish list and it has a great baseball history. Also, when I visited and toured the school and met with the coaches and players, they were very welcoming and I knew it was the right place.
DJack memory: It is hard for me to pick one memory, but I loved being together as a team and our team being so successful over the years. I will always remember going out with the boys for meals and traveling to tournaments, especially in Georgia.
Owen Ehrenkranz
H-6-4, W-200, BR, TR
Position: RHP/1B/OF
Commitment: Northwestern
Other offers/interest: I also had offers from Northwestern, Virginia Tech, Oregon and Princeton, among about 15 total. Owen drew interest from dozens of Division 1 programs.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: At the 11U level and have played seven years total with the DJacks.
High School: Princeton Day School
Why Northwestern?: I felt I had the ability to pitch as a freshman at Northwestern and the school gave me the platform to pitch beyond college. I had a great relationship with the coaches before they came to Northwestern. I wanted to compete right away at a high level like in the Big 10 and continue to be an impact player.
DJack memory: The many years working within the DJack system with coach (Walt) Cleary to showcase my growth. Without coach Cleary none of this happens. That moment and coach putting himself on the line for me changed my life.
James Fenton
H-6-4, W-175, BR, TR
Position: RHP/1B/3B/SS
Commitment: Duke
Other offers/interest: I was fortunate to receive offers from several other great programs, and I am thankful to all the coaches who recruited me. I had some great opportunities, but in the end, Duke was the place that felt like the right fit for me.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: I began my journey with Diamond Jacks as a 13U player.
High School: Metuchen High
Why Duke?: I chose Duke because it had everything I was looking for. I wanted the opportunity to play baseball at a high level, challenge myself academically, and be surrounded by coaches and teammates who would push me to get better every day. Once I got to know the program and the coaching staff, I could really see myself there. Duke gives me the opportunity to pursue my goals both on the field and in the classroom, and I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity to be a Blue Devil.
DJack memory: A Djack memory that sticks with me is when I hit a home run in Georgia. I was just pitching this past summer but coach Walt (Cleary) was able to squeeze in three or four at bats for me throughout the year. One of these at bats came while we were down by a run and being no-hit. I stepped up and the first pitch I saw I hit a home run to dead-center field.
Matthew Filiaci
H-6–0, W-210, BL, TL
Position: LHP/1B/OF
Commitment: Penn State
Other offers/interest: I had offers/interest from Villanova, Rutgers, Boston College, Delaware, Seton Hall, Fairfield, Quinnipiac, Brown, UPenn, Dartmouth, Navy, Northeastern and Northwestern.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: At the 13U level.
High School: Seton Hall Prep
Why Penn State?: I chose Penn State because I loved the coaching staff, the facilities and the school. I wanted to play for a Power 4 program and Penn State watched me pitch from the end of my high school season to mid-summer and we really expressed mutual interest and they made a very strong offer.
DJack memory: My favorite memory was this year when our team went 9-1 at PBR Lakepoint, Georgia in the Junior National Championships where the DJacks were the program’s first team-ever to reach the finals. We lost in the finals out of a pool of 180 teams.
Vince Filis
H-5-11, W-170, BR, TR
Position: SS/2B
Commitment: Rhode Island
Other offers/interest: Rhode Island was my first offer.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: In the fall of my 17U year.
High School: Princeton Day School
Why Rhode Island?: It felt like home as soon as I got on the Rhode Island campus. It’s a great environment.
DJack memory: Hanging out with all of the guys for the first time during the Florida trip.
Grayson Fontaine
H-6-4, W-220, BR, TL
Position: LHP/1B
Commitment: Univ. Central Florida
Other offers/interest: Some of the other offers were from Rutgers, Cincinnati and Penn State.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: Just joined this fall.
High School: North Penn (Pa.)
Ben Hinderberger
H-6-0, W-180, BR, TR
Position: RHP/1B/OF
Commitment: Penn State
Other offers/interest: Pittsburgh, St. John’s, Kentucky, UConn.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: At 17U level.
High School: Council Rock North (Pa.)
Why Penn State?: I connected really well with the coaches and loved the baseball/athletic facilities to support my growth and development. Staying local to support the best of PA to stay in PA was important to me.
DJack memory: Going to dinner with coach Walt (Cleary) & coach Steve (Schrenk) down in Atlanta and just talking baseball.
Nick McCabe
H-6-2, W-200, BL, TL
Position: OF/LHP
Commitment: Pittsburgh
Other offers/interest: Nick also had interest from Delaware and Binghamton.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: I began playing with the Diamond Jacks at the 13U level.
High School: Moorestown
Why Pittsburgh?: I chose Pitt because the coaches really made me feel I was important there and I had a lot of familiarity with coach (Sky) Duff because we are from the same area and know a lot of the same people. (Duff is a Bishop Eustace grad). Also my family is from Pittsburgh originally, which helped.
DJack memory: My favorite memory is doing the Jersey Drops with coach Travis’ 14U team.
Brogan Perreault
H-6-4, W-210, BS, TR
Position: 3B/OF/RHP
Commitment: Navy
Other offers/interest: I received an offer from Mount St. Mary’s University and had interest from VCU and Liberty University.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: I started playing for the Diamond Jacks at the 16U level.
High School: Liberty (Pa.)
Why Navy?: I chose the United States Naval Academy because I have always wanted to serve my country. Navy gives me the opportunity to serve while continuing to play baseball at a high level. The strong academics and the opportunity to prepare for my future also made it the right choice for me.
DJack memory: One of my favorite Diamond Jacks memories was playing at LakePoint, Georgia. We started playing really well as a team, and in our third game of the day, we battled through the heat and competed together. It was one of the most competitive games I’ve ever been a part of, and we all had a great time. That experience really stands out to me because of how hard we competed and how much fun we had as a team.
Gavin Ross
H-5-11, W175, BL, TR
Position: MIF/RHP
Commitment: St. John’s
Other offers/interest: I didn’t have any other offers but I received interest and schools wanted me to be on campus, which I think would have ended up as offers. Those schools were Bucknell, Fairfield, Umass, Fairleigh Dickinson, Columbia and Delaware.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: At 12U level.
High School: Princeton Day School
Why St. John’s?: I chose St.Johns because when I stepped on campus it felt like home. When I walked around the campus I could picture myself playing baseball there. Also I loved the coaches there, which made my decision easier.
DJack memory: The most memorable Diamond Jack moment for me was when I hit a home run over the scoreboard in right field on Field 2 in my first-ever at bat playing as a DJack.
Carson Steingall
H-6-3, W-175, BR, TR
Position: RHP/1B/OF
Commitment: South Carolina
Other offers/interest: Most of the other offers I received were from ACC and SEC schools.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: I joined the Diamond Jacks last year.
High School: Nazareth (Pa.)
Why South Carolina?: I chose the University of South Carolina because I really liked the coaching staff. They showed up to many of my events, making me feel like I was their number one priority. I truly believe that (pitching coach) Matt Williams and the rest of the coaching staff can develop me into the pitcher I want to become.
DJack memory: My favorite memory is making a deep run in the playoffs at the PBR National Championships in LakePoint, Georgia.
Jack Spitaleri
H-5-10, W-200, BL, TR
Position: OF
Commitment: Virginia
Other offers/interest: I considered Boston College, Penn State, George Washington, Coastal Carolina and East Carolina before settling on Virginia.
Joined Diamond Jacks program: I started with the Diamond Jacks at the 16U level and it was the best decision for me and my family.
High School: Glen Rock High
Why Virginia?: I chose UVA because it is an amazing school with an outstanding baseball program. Players there have had a lot of success and not to mention the coaching staff was so wonderful and made me feel right at home. Go, Hoos!
DJack memory: My best memory with the DJacks is playing for coach Walt and all the support and knowledge he has taught me. I have learned so much from him, not only baseball but how to be a great player all around.
*(A special thank you to Meagan Rivenbark for providing several of the committed player photos above).