Until last year, Randal Pacchioli never caught an inning of baseball.

For Pacchioli, it was just another example of his initiative to volunteer to fill a void.

And, it shows his overall flexibility on the field to virtually play any position, which he has pretty much done over the past three years. Those qualities have made him one of the most coveted players in the Roughies' baseball program, as he continues to be an integral part of the team this spring.

"There was a game in a fall league last year when we needed a catcher and I picked up the (catcher's) mitt," noted Pacchioli. "From there, I took over the catching duties on the team. I had always played in the middle of the infield and also third base, so this was a big change to me.

"But I quickly learned how pivotal a catcher can be in a game. It was a learning process for me and it is still going on. I learned that I always have to be alert and I can't take a pitch off. You have to become a real student of the game and learn about your pitchers."

Pacchioli apparently made a proper adjustment.

He started every game behind the plate for the Roughies and also hit .360 in the process. To cap his season, Pacchioli received second team honors on the Colonial League all-star team.

With his position solidly ingrained, Pacchioli now wants to focus his attention on getting his team back to the district playoffs and beyond as the Roughies were hoping to open the season this week.

Like his willingness to take on any challenge for the betterment of the team, Pacchioli has placed any personal goals aside this spring. He is among a handful of players who have logged varsity minutes since their freshman year.

"I just want to win a district championship," stressed Pacchioli. "We have a good bunch of seniors who all have played together for a while. We spent a lot of time inside with the weather this spring, but we managed to get a number of things done.

"We're confident and anxious to get started."

Pacchioli credited his sense of unselfishness to head coach Steve Bradley, who has been his only coach throughout his baseball career. The Catty coach also has held a special place in his life.

"I remember when I was younger how coach Bradley always told me to be able to play a number of positions," recalled Pacchioli. "He (Bradley) always took the time to work with me and show me different things.

"I can't say enough good things about him (Bradley). He has been like a second father to me. He has helped me with baseball as well as personal things in my life. He also helped me all along with my college recruiting and always went through the best choices for me."

Bradley also has respect and praise for his player.

"He has always been one of the hardest working kids around since he was a freshman," said Bradley. "He is the type of player who will go and fill any hole you have. He is a terrific young man who loves the game of baseball and plays it well."

Pacchioli also was grateful to Bradley for assisting him in making DeSales University his new home next fall, where he will pursue a degree in exercise science and play on the baseball team. After graduation, Pacchioli has aspirations of opening his own gym as he thoroughly enjoys weightlifting.

Until them, it will be business as usual.

"We know we can have a good year," said Pacchioli. "I want to get better behind the plate and be a leader for this team. We all have to keep working and do what we can."

Over the next few months, Pacchioli surely will do his share.