Anthony Quigley. {JPT Baseball}
By: Matt Rothman
J.P. Taravella star Anthony Quigley is officially set to play college baseball at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Quigley says it feels great to commit and a big step towards his dream of becoming a big leaguer.
“It takes off the stress of knowing I have to find a college and helps me relax a bit more and know I have a school that’s interested in me and wants me in their program, Quigley said, adding that he hanks Coach Joe Giummule and Coach Todd Fitz-Gerald for taking him under their wing and guiding him in such a short period.
Quigley started playing baseball when he was seven in Margate with the South Florida Inferno. He then played with the 13U Cannon then transferred to J.P. Taravella as a sophomore for a better opportunity. He also is playing summer ball with the Original Florida Pokers.
During his two years on varsity, Quigley hit .304 as a sophomore and went 4-2 on the mound with 32 strikeouts in 35 innings. This past season, he recorded a save in one of his four appearances while driving in four runs while JPT won the HSBN First Pitch Elite Tournament and reached the Regional Semifinals for the second straight season.
“UAB got a very too-sly athlete that can play infield, outfield and very well could be a 90 power arm by time he is college ready, Giummule said. “Many pro teams are following him to see how he develops, both on the mound and at the plate.”
Quigley said there were multiple reasons why he wanted to attend UAB, such as the area, academics, athletic facility, campus, and coaches.
“The relationship I formed with Coach Kunkle during the recruiting process was also a major factor. I felt like it was a place where I was welcome and wanted. The city is also beautiful and has an amazing history behind it.”
While Quigley still has two years left on varsity, he hopes to improve his hitting by showing better consistency. He also hopes to get stronger and faster before playing in Conference USA for UAB, who won 31 games a season ago.
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