Dec. 2, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - Fordham Head Baseball Coach Nick Restaino announced the addition of three student-athletes to play baseball at Fordham University, starting with the 2011 season. The three student-athletes are catcher Ryan Phelan (West Windsor, N.J./West Windsor-Plainsboro North), pitcher/outfielder Tim Swatek (Maywood, N.J./Hackensack), and pitcher Jonathan Reich (Hillsdale, N.J./Pascack Valley).

"We are very excited about adding this group of young men to the Fordham baseball family," said Restaino. "All three prospects address needs for 2011 and beyond."

Phelan, a 5-10 catcher from West Windsor, New Jersey, is a three-year varsity baseball player at West Windsor-Plainsboro North High School. A 2010 team captain, he is a two-time All-Conference, All-Area, and All-South Jersey selection, and backstopped his team to school records for ERA, wins, strikeouts, and hits allowed. He also helped West Windsor-Plainsboro North to the Central Jersey Group III Championship. For summer ball, he played for All-Star Baseball Academy. In addition to his baseball exploits, Phelan also played varsity football earning All-Conference accolades at defensive back and wide receiver.

"Ryan is athletic catcher with above average tools and head for the game," said Restaino. He has shown leadership qualities on and off the field.

Swatek, a 6-3 pitcher/outfielder from Maywood, New Jersey, is a three-year varsity baseball player at Hackensack High School. A two-year captain, he earned First Team All-League honors as a pitcher in 2009 and was named team MVP. For summer ball, he played for NJ Cardinals. Away from the diamond, Swatek is a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, and was a recipient of the Rotary Youth Leadership Award.

"Tim is an extremely talented young man. He will be a two-way guy for us, who projects to be both a starting pitcher and left handed hitter," said Restaino.

Reich, a 6-3 right-handed pitcher from Hillsdale, New Jersey, is a multi-sport athlete at Pascack Valley High School, where he has played baseball, soccer, and basketball, as well as run indoor track. In summer ball, he pitched for the South Bergen Mets. Away from the field, Reich is a member of the Honor Roll.

"Jon is a strike thrower. He had a great summer and an even better fall. He is a young senior, who has yet to tap his potential," said Restaino.