Elmira Pioneers Announce Division 1 Additions

The Pioneers are proud to announce they have signed several players from Division 1 Colleges who will be suiting up for the Pioneers this season. The Pioneers are very happy to welcome from the University of Pittsburgh right handed pitcher David Ferguson and Outfielder Dom Popa, from George Mason Infielder South Trimble and Outfielder Drew Stieg, and from Old Dominion Outfielder Robbie Petracci and Catcher Robby Barrientos.


Ferguson is a 6’6 220 pound freshman right handed pitcher out from the University of Pittsburgh. Before coming to Pitt, David helped lead his high school team to a league championship and a quarterfinalist appearance in states. Ferguson finished his last season with an 8-1 record, 1.7 ERA, and 70 strikeouts in 51 innings and was named First Team All-Ches-Mont. David was a team captain and National Honor Society member. Since coming to Pitt, Ferguson holds a 1-0 record with a 2.00 ERA. David has thrown 8 strikeouts, while holding batters to only 3 hits in 9 innings.


Popa is a 5’11 170 pound freshman outfielder from the University of Pittsburgh. Dom helped his high school team win the 2019 WPIAL AA Championship while he had a .450 batting average. Popa was named Almanac Rookie of the Year and was also named to an all-section team all three years. In his high school days Dom was a National Honor Society member and graduated with honors.


Trimble is a 6’1 195 pound sophomore infielder from George Mason University. South came to George Mason from Frank W Cox High where he lettered in Baseball and Basketball and earned second team All-Region honors. This season, Trimble has found success both in the field and at the plate batting an impressive .312 in 32 games with 9 doubles, a triple, and a home run to his credit all adding to 22 RBI’s. In the Field South has a .924 fielding percentage and has helped turn three double plays.


Stieg is a 5’11 180 pound freshman outfielder from George Mason University. Andrew lettered in baseball in high school where he was selected First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Region. Stieg was also selected pre-season Prince Georges County All-American nominee.


Petracci is a 5’11 195 pound freshman outfielder from Old Dominion University. Before attending ODU Robbie, recorded a single season hits record and was a three-time All-Conference selection, First Team All-South Jersey and Second Team All-State selection. Petracci hit .377 last year as a junior with 10 extra-base hits and 14 RBIs in 22 games, helping his high school to become ranked as high as No. 4 in South Jersey. In his first year at ODU Robbie has hit .311 with 5 doubles, a triple, and 7 home runs.


Barrientos is a 5’9 190 pound freshman catcher from Old Dominion University. During his prep school days Robby won a conference championship and Carpenter Cup in 2019. Barrientos was First-Team All-Conference while he maintained a 3.4 GPA and honor roll status and his team volunteered to feed the homeless. Since arriving at ODU Robby has played started four games in which he’s driven in a run and had a double at the plate. Behind the plate Robby has a .985 fielding percent and has thrown out 2 runners attempting to steal.


“The NCAA, particularly Division one athletes, expect a lot out of their players and see it as their job to prep those athletes for the major leagues. We continue to be fortunate to bring in athletes at the highest levels year after year. We know each one of these players will bring something special to Elmira and we are excited to see what they can do when they put on the Pioneers uniform.” Coach Matt Burch said.


This season’s opening day is just six days away as the Pioneers get ready to throw out the first pitch Thursday June 3rd with post game fireworks! You don’t want to miss a pitch this season from historic Dunn Field! Call 607-734-7825 today and get your tickets for the home opener!


ELMIRA PIONEERS A BASEBALL TRADITION SINCE 1888!