MCLA's Procopio takes leadership role

February 28, 2011

By Matt Verderame, Special to The Eagle

NORTH ADAMS -- Take talent, add some passion, and you have Paul Procopio, version 4.0.

Procopio is a senior third baseman on the MCLA baseball team, which opens its season March 11 in Winter Haven, Fla., against the State University of New York Institute of Technology.

He was second on the team in batting average (.326) and runs batted in (17) last season as the Trailblazers finished 8-22 overall and 1-13 in the MASCAC.

But something was missing -- until now.

"Paul has always been a very talented athlete. I couldn’t say he was always a hard worker, but this year I’ve seen a huge difference," MCLA coach Jeff Puleri said. "He really has taken on a much bigger leadership role."

But Procopio, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound player from Taconic High School, said he knows he can do even better. He played for the North Adams SteepleCats of the NECBL last summer and gained a new perspective.

"The SteepleCats helped me because I needed to work extremely hard for my spot. Now I’ve just carried that attitude over to MCLA," he said.

With MCLA in preseason practices, Puleri said he’s seen a "major change" in Procopio, 22.

"We lost a fair number of seniors who were active," Puleri said. "I’ve seen a better connection from Paul because of his attitude and overall commitment to get better."

Outfielder/designated hitter Joe Parillo, who has played with Procopio for three years at MCLA, also has seen a different teammate this year.

"The way he carries himself on the field has changed," Parillo said. "We were always so loose, joking around in between drills. This year, though, he’s brought a new focus."

Procopio, who has played baseball since age 5, said he plans to try out for the independent Pittsfield Colonials of the Can-Am League after his college career ends.

With the SteepleCats, Procopio batted only .156 in 20 games but learned that being a baseball player isn’t just about life on the field.

The team connects with its community, including taking part in baseball camps and clinics with youngsters. One tradition has the team staying on the field for 15 minutes after each home game to make sure each kid gets an autograph.

"I don’t know if any other team in the league does that, but it’s very important for us to show how much we appreciate their support," Procopio said.

As a sociology major, Procopio understands the value of community and said he made the right decision to stay close to home.

"I take pride in playing for the people of Berkshire County," he said.