NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University baseball coach Claudell Clark announced Wednesday the signing of three players in the early recruiting period who will play for the Spartans beginning in 2008-09. They are first baseman Patrick Hall (Virginia Beach, Va./Ocean Lakes HS), third baseman Jermaine Berry (Suffolk, Va./Nansemond River HS) and right-handed pitcher Rocco DeLauri (Chesapeake, Va./Delaware Tech).

“I feel that the signing of these three players gives us a great start to our 2008-09 recruiting efforts,” Clark said. “They also represent our ongoing commitment to recruiting quality talent in the Tidewater area. These players will add to an already strong core of young players that has the potential to keep us competitive for many years to come.” 

Hall (6-4, 240) was a first-team All-Beach District and second-team All-Eastern Region selection as a junior in 2007. He hit .380 with a school single-season record six home runs and 29 RBI in 22 games. He slugged nearly .900.

“Patrick has shown exceptional hand-eye coordination for a player of his size and has good strike zone discipline for a power hitter,” Clark said. “In time, he can put up some great power numbers in our conference. He also has a good arm and with work, can become a good college first baseman.”

Berry (5-7, 195) was a second-team All-Southeastern District pick this past season. He batted .402 with 16 RBI and an on-base percentage of .500.

“Jermaine has the potential to be a solid third baseman with an above average throwing arm,” Clark said. “Offensively, he has quick hands and a strong body which should translate into good power numbers. He will definitely hit for a high average once he begins to face college pitching on a consistent basis.”

DeLauri (5-11, 195), a sophomore at Delaware Technical and Community College in Owens, Del., played last season as a freshman at Virginia Wesleyan College. He went 2-1 as a freshman in six appearances, three of them starts. DeLauri graduated in 2006 from Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, where he went 8-0 with a 0.99 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched as a senior. He was a first-team All-TCIS and All-State independent schools Division 2 selection.

“Rocco has great mound presence and the ability to throw strikes on a consistent basis,” Clark said. “He has the potential to be one of our key relievers and has shown the arm strength to become a starter if needed.”