With two seasons behind him, Ian Luberti wants to make his third one different.

The junior Northampton catcher has decided to adopt more of a leadership role with the Konkrete Kids this spring. It likely will loom as another positive transformation for Luberti, who continues to become more of an effective force in the program.

"I have been working to become more of a leader with this team," said Luberti. "I have been in the program all three years now, and I feel I have a better grasp on how to call games and communicate with the pitching staff.

"I know the pitchers better and I have been trying to work with the younger kids we have. We were a young team last year and I thought we could have a really good year. But those guys are a year older now. I think we can have a good year and I'm one of the few guys who have been here for a while."

Luberti and his teammates were optimistic the K-Kids could have a full slate of games this week. Due to the late-winter snow and a rash of rain, the Kids –like every other program – have been forced to have indoor practices, one that can't truly transcend the game.

"Our outfielders haven't really been able to deal with fly balls, and a ball doesn't take the same kind of bounce on a gym floor for the infielders," he said. "It has been tough for all of us. The pitchers have been getting their work in, but it still isn't the same."

Along with fine tuning his work behind the plate, the right-handed hitting Luberti has worked on his hitting as well. He believes he has overcome the obstacle of being a pull hitter.

"Last year, I was always being a heavy left field hitter," he stated. "I have worked very hard on hitting the ball up the middle and to the opposite field. I definitely feel better about the situation and I'm making a conscious effort to keep it going.

"I've really seen a big difference in how I have been hitting."

Northampton head coach Mick Sugra sees Luberti emerging into a pivotal role.

"He is turning into a great 'team' guy and leader," said Sugra about Luberti. "If he continues to push himself daily to get better, he will be that guy. He has all the tools right now as a junior. It is just a matter of continuing to work hard, to focus on the process, and to fine tune things."

Luberti recalled how he played nearly all of the positions in his youth. He used to throw a few innings, but then experienced some shoulder problems. He finally converted to catching in the fifth grade.

He is among a string of consistent, effective catchers over the years for the Kids, following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Cody Kramer.

Luberti likes to model himself after professional Russel Martin and Carlos Ruiz, both of whom he describes as "smart catchers who are stocky like myself." He also relishes his experience of being part of a traveling team in New Jersey during the summer.

"We traveled all over and I really got a chance to see different cultures of baseball," he said. "It was great talking and playing with players from all over the country and seeing all different levels of talent.

"That helped me to get ready to take the next step in our program this season."