Under The Gun: Vito Patierno

Under The Gun: Vito Patierno

Name: Vito Patierno
Graduation Class: 2019
High School: Heritage
Position: 1B
Years with Dirtbags: 3
College Commitment: UNC-Charlotte

What are your personal goals in the 2018 baseball season?
I want to lead my high school team to a successful season and win major tournaments with the Dirtbags, particularly Jupiter. 

What part of your game did you really focus on this offseason?
I continued to stay in the weight room to get stronger and faster. I also focused on hitting and being able to drive the ball to all parts of the field. 

You’re entering your third year with the Dirtbags. What’s one thing you learned about being with the program over the years?
How hard you have to work and doing it consistency, which will help you lead to your goals. 

When you hear the word Dirtbag, what comes to mind?
A player who is willing to sacrifice anything to help the team and ultimately win a ball game. 
Most memorable game while playing for the Dirtbags? 
The most memorable game with the Dirtbags would be during the PG World Series last summer. We were playing against 5 Star National and it was a must win game to make bracket play the next day. We were trailing most of the game and finally in the 6th inning we took the lead and held them in the bottom half to win the game and move to bracket play. 
Who’s the best player you have played with in the Dirtbags?
It’s extremely difficult to single out one person but the 2019 team last summer was filled with extremely talented players. 
What would you tell the younger Dirtbags, if you could give them a piece of advice?
One thing I would tell the younger Dirtbags to do is to get in the weight room as soon as possible. Getting stronger and being in the weight room will help you with every aspect of your game and also keep your grades up.

Heading to UNC-Charlotte in 2019, what are you looking forward to?
I am looking forward to continue improving my baseball skills at the next level as well as pursue a degree in business.  I am excited to become a part of a great organization.

What’s one thing people don’t know about Vito Patierno?
I enjoy bowling and volunteering at the local food bank.

Stay tuned for another exciting “Under The Gun” interview, coming up Thursday..