Figures to be one of the team's leading pitchers and is also a proven hitter, who can DH or play the outfield when not on the mound.

Coach Callahan's comment: "One of our top returning starting pitchers. ... In addition to the mound will be counted on both in the outfield and at the plate."

2007: Started 21 games as the designated hitter or in the outfield ... hit .270 with 20 hits, four doubles, 10 RBI. ...On the mound posted a 1-3 record with 25 strikeouts in 42.1 innings of work. 2006: Returned from injury to started 32 games, mostly in right field... hit .291 with 30 hits and 19 RBI ... appeared in two games on the mound, fanning four in 2.2 innings. ... 2005: Limited to action in seven games (four starts). ... pitched in two games.

Prior to NJIT: All-county and all-division for coach Lou Urbano at St. Joseph's ... played for coach Gary Maertz on Clark Red Legs. ... also played basketball at St. Joe's.

Personal: Robert John Pietrocola ... civil engineering major enrolled in NJIT's Albert Dorman Honors College. ... last name is pronounced "PET-ro-CO-la". ... born 9/28/86 in New Brunswick, NJ.