Senior Celebration Series: Baseball

At Rensselaer, we are proud to recognize the student-athletes who are members of the Class of 2021. We thank them for their hard work, dedication and tremendous efforts in representing the Institute in a first-class manner academically and athletically. We wish them well in all their future endeavors. 

MICHAEL CASTELLO

Pearl River, New York | Biomedical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: The walkoff win against Clarkson in 2019.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The level of education you receive to go along with the people you meet and the relationships you can make.

Post-Graduation Plans: To return next year to get a masters and play another year of baseball.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Hard working guy who's become a key contributor out of the bullpen over the course of his career. Calm demeanor, consistently in the strike zone and isn't afraid of the big moment. Has gotten a lot of big outs for us through his years at RPI.
• Loves the pressure situations and shuts it down out of the 'pen.
• Castello is one of the most hard working guys I know. Watching his development over the past four years has been amazing - the kid does not quit!
• Michael has been a lock down reliever over his four years here. He has been somewhat of a specialist at escaping from impossible situations late in games, helped by his pinpoint control and absolute ice in his veins. The Iceman has maintained his calm and steely determination in the toughest circumstances and he will continue to do so next year.
• Castello has been a friend of mine for four years now and it’s been awesome to see him transform from the shy walk-on to the confident crunch time pitcher who always comes in when the pressure is on. Stello has been a great teammate and an even better roommate and I couldn’t be more excited to step on the field with him again next year!
• Menace on and off the field.
• Stello will never smile voluntarily and that serious demeanor is what allows him to be successful on the bump. He is a great teammate and cold blooded out of the 'pen.
• Mike is the type of pitcher with "ice in his veins." He always has a quiet confidence which helps team morale tremendously.
• From a coach: Michael has been a workhorse out of the bullpen since he made strides in 2019. He had a team-leading 19 appearances and pitched in high leverage situations. His calm demeanor and quite confidence mask his competitiveness that helps us win baseball games.

PETER CLOSE

Guilderland, New York | Business and Management

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Bouncing Union from the playoffs my sophomore year.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: I was able to get a great education while playing baseball for a winning program that focused on making me not only a better player, but a better person.

Post-Graduation Plans: M.S. at RPI in Quantitative Finance and Risk Analytics.  

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Peter has been a staple in the RPI infield for four years now. He provided great offense and excellent defense in a year where nothing was certain and the team needed all to perform. Petey Barrels is a name that will live on long after this year both at RPI and around the Liberty League and his achievements will not be forgotten.
• Peter is a goofball who everyone loves to be around. Can always count on him to make you smile.
• Pete, or as the team knows him as ‘Barrels’, has quite the personality. He’s never afraid to speak his mind and has the perfect personality to turn anyone’s bad mood into a good one, along with always being the center of attention.
• Sergeant Barrels is one of the funniest guys I have ever met; he is an absolute joy to be around.
• Petey Barrels is always showing up to the field with a smile on his face and he plays with an energy that is contagious and fun to be around.
• There has never been an instance when Peter fails to make me smile. Barrels is the ultimate teammate and one heck of a ball player.
• Funniest kid on the team.
• Petey. Barrels. Just an awesome and contagious personality. Could sell sand to a beach, snow to a ski slope. Financial weapon. Can’t wait to see 4 suit up again next year.
• Petey Barrels is a very fun guy to have around the team. Always helps provide humor for the team and is an athletic player with strong talent offensively and defensively.
• From a coach: Peter worked himself into a starting roll over his career at RPI. He has played third, second and shortstop for us while hitting in the middle of the lineup. His hard work in the classroom with pay off with a BA and M.S. from the Lally School. 

JOE CURCI

Chicago, Illinois | Business and Management

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: As a transfer I was afraid I would not mesh well with the team. My favorite memory is my first fall semester being on the team and the way everyone was so accepting and friendly. These are truly some of my closest friends and people I consider family.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The relationships I was able to form with my teammates and coaching staff.

Post-Graduation Plans: I am returning for my Master's degree in business analytics.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Transferred here after freshman year - best thing that could've happened to this class.
• Great friend and dude to be around on the field. Leads by example.
• Joe is as great a baseball talent as he is a teammate. Disciplined hitter with an elite ability to make the pitcher throw him his pitch, and consistently does damage driving in runs for the team. Vocal leader on and off the field and anchors the infield with great defense at first base.
• Joe is the best guy to be around on and off the field. He’s a great teammate, leader and friend.
• Joe has been one of my best friends since he transferred in our sophomore year. He made an immediate impact on our team, transforming from the new guy to a beast and team leader. Excited to run it back with 4s next year.
• Most handsome dude I’ve ever seen. 
• Joe has generated constant offense for the Engineers since joining the team three years ago. His power bat and lock down defense have made our infield immeasurably better, and his leadership has helped this team grow both as players and people even though in his eyes he just "plays first base".
• The type of guy you always want in your dugout. He will go to bat for anyone and played a great leadership role on the team.
• From a coach: Joe has hit in the middle of our lineup since he got to RPI. He has a rare blend of power and finesse as a first baseman. The moment never seems to be too big as he has had a lot of clutch hits that have led to wins and he has also saved a lot of outs by picking up infield throws at first. 

JAKE DEFAYETTE

Schenectady, New York | Business and Management

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Our 11 inning game against Ithaca this season, facing a lot of adversity and the whole team came together to win the game.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The combination of a high level education and great athletics is hard to beat. Further reinforced by a culture of dedicated and hard working student-athletes. 

Post-Graduation Plans: Graduate school at SUNY Albany. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Born leader. Somebody who you can always rely on and the ultimate shirt off his back type of individual. Proud to call him a friend.
• Jake is one of the hardest working guys I've ever been around. His commitment towards being the best player that he can be rubs off on the guys around him and makes the whole team better as a result. He's a tremendous hitter with the ability to work counts well and hit the ball hard to all fields. He has shown a lot of resilience in his career to battle through some injuries as well.
• Jake is a very stand up guy. He has great attention for detail and makes sure the things that need to get done, get done. Over the past few years Jake has been a great leader for the team and without a doubt, has everyone back. The team, myself included, will miss him and all that he has done. Best of luck in the coming years!
• Jake has patrolled right field for the past four years and served as the moral compass of the team for almost as long. He is as dependable a guy as you can find both on and off the field and his power from the left handed box has carried the team to many wins over the years.
• Dad of the team.
• JD8 has been an awesome captain and a true leader as his fellow classmate and teammate the past four years. He manages to balance responsibility and punctuation while still having a fun and humorous side of him that makes him so sensible. Going to miss suiting up with him, but wishing him the best at UAlbany next year!
• Cap did everything he can to be a leader on this team from day one, setting an example for everyone else both on the field and off.
• I have known Jake Defayette since Little League. He is the hardest working individual I know, his success on and off the field has not surprised me one bit.
• Some people can see Jake as a mood killer when the team is having fun but the truth is that he’s the glue that holds the team together. If it wasn’t for him the mayhem would get very out of hand but he manages to keep everyone in line.
• From a coach: Jake has been a two-year captain for us who has led our team through the pandemic. He has been our offensive jump starter for the last three years while patrolling right field. Jake has done a lot for our program both on and off the field in his four years at RPI. His work ethic, leadership, and general great personality will be missed next year.

RICHARD DRUM

Clifton Park, New York | Computer & Systems Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Drum is the heart and soul of the team. Will definitely leave the jersey in a much better place than when he started at RPI.
• 90% of the Earth is covered by water, and the other 10% is covered by Richard Drum.
• Rich is a very exciting baseball player to watch. He's constantly making memorable plays in center field and is a clutch hitter who's able to calm his nerves and come through for us in big moments. Plays the game at a high energy level and his aggressive approach to the game brings a big boost to the lineup game in and game out.
• Drum's talent shocks me, especially on defense. I’ve recently been told a quote, “You know how 90% of the Earth is covered by water? The other 10% is covered by Richard Drum.” And that seems accurate to me.
• Absolute weapon to have in the outfield. Owe a lot to this crazy center fielder. Great guy, absolutely never gives up.
• Rich has patrolled a superb centerfield over the last three years covering more ground than anyone in the league while also demonstrating impressive offensive abilities at the plate. His ability to make our other outfielders better and simultaneously bailing out our pitching staff on anything hit his way is remarkable. With his return next year we haven't heard the last "got 'em".
• I just want to say thank you for being a great captain and being a leader through the way you play. I wish we got to play together for at least one full season.
• From a coach: Has been a staple at the top of our lineup since he set food on campus. Richard’s confidence and the attitude he brings to this team has helped us when times get tough – his leadership and competiveness as captain works and he is one of the best center fielders we have had at RPI.   

CHRIS GROME

Framingham, Massachusetts | Aeronautical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Clarkson walk off 2019. Got the win lol.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The student athletes all grinding through this school together. 

Post-Graduation Plans: Doctorate of Philosophy in Nuclear Engineering & Sciences at RPI starting this summer.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• The "Grome Show" is a great pitcher and an even better teammate.
• The "Grome Show" is a one of a kind dude who is always competing about something. He is a fun guy to be around and a boy for life.
• Always grinding day in and day out. Academic weapon and beast on the bump.
• Chris is a very hard working guy, who has pushed himself to be the best pitcher he can be throughout his years at RPI. He also brings a lot of energy to the team, is quick-witted and helps to keep things light in the dugout.
• Chris is one of the hardest workers on the team. One of the most competitive people I’ve ever met, the kind of guy you’d go to war with. Great teammate and great student. Fire me up 41!
• Nothing stops the “Grome Show!” Great, well-rounded guy. This kid is a great representation of what the Rensselaer student-athlete should be - competitive in both the classroom and the field.
• Chris has produced outstanding starts over the last four years from the left side. With a power fastball and great breaking stuff, the “Grome Show” has dominated Liberty League hitters and will continue to do so next year when he returns to play his final year.
• Chris is always one of the biggest personalities on the team and backs it up on the field. #gromeshow
• Chris Grome and Jake Nichols: These are two peas in a pod you will never see without the other. They’re also the two that will make you feel right at home and take the initiative to help out the new guy.
• From a coach: Chris has been one of the most versatile pitchers in his career at RPI. He has worked his way from bullpen arm to frontline starter for our team. He has unwavering confidence in himself that is unmatched on our staff and leads to a lot of his success. The Show will continue next year.

HUDSON LIVESEY

St. Petersburg, Florida | Cognitive Science

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Two no hitters thrown in 8 days by Ryan Yerby and Jake Nichols.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Many people moved heaven and Earth to make it possible for us to play games this year.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Hudson gives his all for the team no matter what. Extremely fun to watch him play. Also, he's always willing to help teammates when they need it.
• This man lives and breathes baseball. Never a moment where Hudson would not stop what he was doing in order to help someone get better.
• Hudson is a very talented player. Pairing up being a consistent backstop behind the dish with being a strong offensive force is a big challenge for any ballplayer and he's able to manage that very well. Great ability to work with the pitching staff to help get the best out of our guys and is a clutch hitter that helps make the offense go. Great baseball mind and a pleasure to talk about the game with off the field.
• I owe a lot to this guy. Hudson was always there for me when it came to getting extra work in (he never grumbled or said no). It is safe to say that I would not have enjoyed the amount of success I have had without him having my back. Hudson is a great friend, hard worker a joy to be around on the field. His love for the game is something that should be respected. 
• Terrified of spiders but boy he could catch a ball.
• Hudson is the biggest baseball guy I know. He eats, sleeps and breathes baseball. He’s a great guy to talk to, a great teammate and a great friend.
• From a coach: Hudson has been a four-year starter behind the plate for us and has been a stabilizing presence for our pitchers. His baseball IQ and passion for the game are unmatched and admired. Our pitching staff is better and has more confidence when he is catching them on game day.

THOMAS NEUMAN

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida | Chemical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: After all of the road blocks, letdowns and indecision - to finally get to wear an RPI jersey and compete in the '21 baseball season. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The ability to balance competitive athletics with top notch academics. There are not many places that would have allowed me to be a pitcher on the baseball team while working to receive a degree in chemical engineering.

Post-Graduation Plans: Co-Terminal Program (Chemical Engineering M.S.) at RPI.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Thomas has been an incredibly hard worker from the moment he got to RPI. He has never wavered in the face of adversity and is always ready to go when you need him.
• Pure workhorse on and off the field.
• Tom is a pleasure to have on the team. He's pushed himself season after season here at RPI and throws his heart out every time his name gets called. He's become a key arm for us out of the bullpen, always willing to throw more innings if asked of him. Off the field he's also an elite chef, can cook almost anything with the best of them. Go Tigers!
• Noodle freshman year, gasolina senior year. 
• Thomas has developed into a true late inning threat over the last four years. His stuff has improved to contain one of the hardest fastballs on the team and a power curveball which he can now bounce with two strikes. Tom proved himself as one of the premier late inning arms in the Liberty League by not allowing a run after his first outing of the year and we're excited to see him return for his final season.
• Tom is one of the hardest working guys I've been around. He throws cheese now and every extra MPH on the gun is a direct result of the work he puts in when nobody is watching. The dude is also a joy to be around on and off the field.
• This kid works harder than anyone I know. He leads by example and the results have shown it. The newest member of 90 club is going to come back better than ever for next year.
• From a coach: Thomas has worked himself into a top flight relief pitcher on our staff. No one has made the strides he has over the last four years and we are proud of him for it. He will continue to pitch in pressure situations out of the bullpen for us as we look forward to next year.

JAKE NICHOLS

Granby, Connecticut | Mechanical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Walking it off at Clarkson in 2019.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The chance to go to war with guys who love the game as much as you do, while also receiving an amazing education all in one.

Post-Graduation Plans: Will be pursuing my Master's in Business Administration and playing baseball here at RPI.   

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Jake is a strong competitor on the mound, who has carved out a resilient career here at RPI. Whether it be coming out of the bullpen or in the rotation, he consistently has been able to stay in the strike zone and keep hitters off balance.
• Jake has given great starts and relief over the past four years, all culminating in his last start of this year at Vassar where he proceeded to throw a no hitter and achieve his first colligate win. With absolutely no fear Boomer has challenged Liberty League hitters on inside pitches as well as anyone and will be sure to show it off again next year.
• Nichy has been my best friend since we were roommates freshman year. His zestful charisma and his sure-fire kindness makes him one of the best friends and teammates you could ask for. Whether you need a ride to the field or need help with school, Jake is always a guy you can depend on. Fired up to run it back with him next year!
• Chris Grome and Jake Nichols: These are two peas in a pod you will never see without the other. They’re also the two that will make you feel right at home and take the initiative to help out the new guy.
• Kid always has your back. Always fun to watch work on the field. Selfless. We are really lucky to have Jake coming back next year,; it will be exiting to we what more he will accomplish. 
• Nichy no no.
• Jake worked hard to be the best version of himself and it paid off when he earned a starting role. Looking forward to what the future holds when he comes back next year.
• Jake pours every bit of effort and great attitude in anything he does. Great example of a tremendous player and teammate.
• Hands down the most genuine person I have ever met. His ability to overcome adversity is admirable and he is an incredibly talented athlete.
• Jake is the the nicest kid on the team. Whenever you have a bad game, day or week the kid is always there to help you out. There isn’t a better guy out there.
• From a coach: Jake has been a weekend starter for us the last three years and helped pitch us to victory on multiple occasions. His bulldog mentality and competitiveness keep us in games and helps spark wins for our team.

GLUBIS ROMERO

Woodhaven, New York | Electrical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Experiencing two no hitters in back to back weeks. 

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: The people you meet and do activities with. 

Post-Graduation Plans: I am working as a Test Engineer for Lockheed Martin. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Glu-bye-you is an RPI legend. When he's not throwing the fastball, he makes some of the best plays in batting practice you'll see. Leads the league in BP homers robbed.
• Bayou.
• Glubis has provided many excellent relief appearances over his four years. Using a high velocity fastball and a flare for the dramatic, he gave a performance every time he stepped on the mound. His high energy style and electric stuff were fun to watch for all involved.
• All gas, no brakes. By you!
• Glubi is a personality I will certainly miss on the field next year. His chain spinning confidence and Chapman-esque mechanics always made him entertaining to watch in games. His quick witted humor and one of kind chirps never failed to put a smile on my face over the past four years. Gonna miss our bullpen rally sessions! 'Neers forever.
• So proud of this kid, never change Glubi.
• From a coach: Glubis has pitched out of the bullpen for his career at RPI. He has done a good job helping us stay in games and be competitive in league play. He has been stellar in the classroom as well and he will start his career at Lockheed Martin.

MIKE TAGARIS

New City, New York | Mechanical Engineering

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• Mike was my roommate freshman year. He is one of the most responsible and well put together people I’ve had the privilege of meeting. He’s a hell of a pitcher and a hell of a teammate. If it wasn’t for Mike, adjusting to college would’ve been Impossible. I’m excited to see how successful he will be going forward.
• Always making people smile with his upbeat character and attention to detail.
• Love watching this kid work. Stand up guy, hard worker, will miss this guy lots. 
• Easily the best fungo hitter on the squad. Going to miss my game day throwing partner next year!
• Mike has provided excellent relief over his four years. With a power fastball, excellent curveball and great changeup, he baffled the hitters of the Liberty League and contributed to many important wins, such as the one he earned against Skidmore to give us our first of the 2021 season.
• Mike has been a close friend of mine the past four years and we’ve had many great times on and off the field. Mike’s a chef in the kitchen and a beast on the mound. I hope he takes his domineering personality to the workforce; I can easily see him climbing the latter quickly.
• Mike is a fierce competitor for our club coming out of the bullpen. He pitches with a lot of intensity and confidence, which ultimately sets the tone for our staff as a whole. Off the field, he's a great guy to talk to and has developed into a strong vocal leader in the dugout due to his hard-working nature.
• Mike has an incredible mindset and attitude when on the mound. He would never shy away from high pressure situations and thrives in that environment.
• There are some people in life that you know are just going to be incredibly successful. Mike is one of those people.
• From a coach: Mike has been a staple out of our bullpen since he came on campus. He will always compete for us and always wants the ball. His determination and confidence in himself have always been his greatest assets for our team.  

RYAN YERBY

Montara, California | Mechanical Engineering

Favorite RPI Athletics Memory: Collecting wins with the boys.

What Makes Rensselaer So Special: Rensselaer is special because it has a group of athletes that are able to overcome the obstacles.

Post-Graduation Plans: Returning for a Master's of Engineering.

WHAT OTHERS SAY:

• The type of person to make you better on and off the field. An honor to play beside him and call him a friend. I look forward to being lifelong friends.
• Yerbs is an all out true ace of the staff.
• Ryan has been a great role model on the team. His baseball ability and the success he has achieved is something I really respect. Aside from baseball, Ryan is a great friend and great captain. Love to be around this guy and can't wait to see the great things he will do next year!
• Great example of a captain, extremely hard worker and a great person.
• One of the best pitchers I’ve ever seen.
• Over the past four years I’ve had the pleasure of sharing a strong friendship with Yerbs on and off the field. He has an eclectic personality that has broadened my perspective in all areas of life. Whether it be trying new exercises to improve our pitching mechanics or trying a new hot sauce, Yerby’s contagious open mindedness has led me to a menagerie of experiences that I would never change. Continue to keep your ear to the grind stone Pitch Doctor!
• Ryan is a tremendous competitor on the mound. He has taken on the role of leading our pitching staff head-on and has continued to get better and better throughout his career at RPI. He's also developed into a strong off the field leader, consistently demonstrating what it takes to have success at the collegiate level.
• Yerbs is the silent leader of the team. He keeps his head down and works hard but the entire pitching staff looks up to him and his extraordinary talent. He is no doubt one of the best in the conference and now everyone knows that after he threw a no-hitter against Ithaca.
• From a coach: Ryan has been a frontline starter since his sophomore year. He has worked himself into one of the best pitchers in the league with his hard work and persistence. He has worked to better himself and his teammates not only physically, but mentally as pitchers. He brings a lot to this team as a captain and leader of our pitchers.

Attention Rensselaer student-athletes, coaches & staff: Should you wish to add any information or provide comments, please click HERE and submit the form.

as of June 8, 2021