A.J. Battisto returned to the Georgia Southern baseball program in 2022 after two years with University of New Orleans.
The Eagles pitching saw some improvement under Battisto in 2023, as the Eagles saw an increase in strikeouts from 2022 and a higher K/9, with 8.4 strikeouts per nine innings in 2023 compared to 2022's 7.3 strikeouts per nine innings. The pitching staff also had three combined shutout performances in 2023, which was an increase from two in 2022.
In 2022, AJ Battisto immediately instilled a new philosophy on the Georgia Southern pitching staff that the starting pitching should go deeper into games. Under Battisto's guidance, several pitchers earned several awards and recognitions as the season went on. Coach Battisto coached the Sun Belt Player of the Week (4/19) in Jaylen Paden, who threw for six scoreless innings and nine strikeouts in a blowout win over Georgia State. Jay Thompson was named to the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Midseason Watchlist. Thompson would also earn All-SBC Second Team honors, along with Ben Johnson earning SBC All-Tournament honors and Ty Fisher earning Statesboro Regional All-Tournament honors.
In 2021, Battisto coached three Southland Pitcher of the Week honorees (Chris Turpin twice, Caleb Seroski). Under his guidance, Turpin was in the top 50 in the NCAA in strikeout-to-walk ratio and Seroski had the fourth highest single season save total in program history.
Turpin and Seroski also earned second team Southland Conference honors.
Battisto helped the Privateers to the second best ERA in the Southland (2.93) at the time the 2020 season was shut dwn due to the coronavirus pandemic. Seven pitchers with at least 10.0 innings had an ERA of 3.60 or lower and the staff had 156 strikeouts in 150.1 innings. He also worked with Eric Orze who became the 91st player drafted in New Orleans baseball history.
While at the Lakefront for his first go-around with the Privateers, the running game was shut down. In 2014, New Orleans pitchers had 14 pickoffs. Meanwhile, Privateer Catcher’s combined to vanquish 41.7 percent of stolen base attempts.
The first two signing classes Battisto was a part of at UNO featured three future draft picks in Kevin Kelleher (12thround), Shawn Semple (11th round) and Bryan Warzek (6th round)
Battisto then went to North Carolina Central in 2016. Under Battisto's guidance, NCCU finished in the top five in the MEAC in ERA three out of four seasons. In the last two years, the Eagles had the second-best staff ERA in the conference. The Eagles also were in the top two every season in total strikeouts and strikeout per 9.
In his first year, Battisto worked with Andrew Vernon who became the first player drafted in school history. Vernon was a First Team All-MEAC performer in his senior season and made his way into the top ten in four single-season categories including strikeouts per nine innings (12.34) as well as the career saves leader with 15 and career appearances at 83. He went on to be selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 28th round that summer. James Vernon’s younger brother Austin Vernon became NCCU’s first player to earn a full-time position in the prestigious Cape Cod League. He also was ranked in the TOP 300 players in his sophomore class according to D1 Baseball.
Battisto saw another one of his pitchers, Devin Sweet, sign a free agent deal with the Seattle Mariners. Sweet capped off his four year career with many accolades as well, including becoming the all-time wins leader and single season recorder holder with 85 strikeouts. Sweet ended up holding school records in wins, shutouts, total strikeouts, and pickoffs. In four years Battisto coached three pitchers that went on to play at the professional ranks. In his first recruiting class at NCCU he coached Jacob Raby who became one of three who garnered Freshman All-American honors. In all Battisto coached six different pitchers that received MEAC honors.
Lastly, Battisto helped Ryan Miller become the first MEAC Freshman Pitcher of the Year in school history. Miller finished his Freshman campaign with a 6-4 record setting a freshman single season strikeout record with 73. Miller tallied three Freshman of the Week honors in his first three career starts and ended the season ranked 23RD in NCAA Division I with a 5.83 strikeout-out-to walk ratio. Miller was also recognized as one the TOP 150 players in his draft class and in D1 Baseball Data Analytics.
Battisto recently became a member of Sigma Alpha Pi Chapter of The National Society of Leadership and Success as well as being inducted into the Pa Sports Hall of Fame Tri-County Area Chapter a few years ago.
Battisto brings a wealth of experience to the Privateers, having spent seven years pitching in the minor leagues, including three separate tours of duty with the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs.
The native of Pottstown, Pa. appeared in 167 games during his career, posting a 21-10 record with a 3.62 ERA and nine saves. Battisto’s career accolades include a 2008 South Atlantic League All-Star selection during a season in which the pitcher posted an 8-1 record with a 1.55 ERA over 49 appearances.
Battisto initially began his career at the professional level after being selected in the 30th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft out of Georgia Southern.
While at GSU, Battisto played for head coach Rodney Hennon and graduated with a perfect 12-0 record over three years. He left school ranked first in winning percentage for pitchers with at least 10 wins and the 92 appearances during his three years in Statesboro, Ga. rank second in school history.
A second-team All-SoCon selection in 2007, Battisto added 12 saves during his collegiate career, including 10 in his final season. The double-digit save total ranks amongst the all-time best relief efforts for the Eagles.
Battisto currently holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from GSU and has completed his Masters’ Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Phoenix.
Battisto married the former Brandy McNeal in October 2012 and they have one daughter, Maebry Hope.
