Mark Prioleau '21 Recruiting Profile

My baseball journey started at the age of 6 in the township of Teaneck, NJ. My dad was my coach for a good while, and I enjoyed learning under him. Then as I grew older, baseball became a deep passion of mine around the age of 11. At that time, I had been a part of both the middle school team and the recreation team. I hit my first home run (grand slam) when I was 12, and later earned second place in the Teaneck Southern HR derby (with a wood bat) the year after.  One of my fondest memories was attending the 2015 World Series at Citi Field, Game 5, Matt Harvey on the mound for The Mets taking on The Kansas City Royals. I have never experienced such electricity and energy in a baseball environment amongst 45,000+ fans with the stakes so high, and millions more watching. My love for the game grew as I got older, and so did my ambition.

In the diamond, I believe my best strengths lie within my hitting ability, plate discipline, and speed. I always look to advance the runner with a knock to the opposite field, or drive them in with a ball over the heads of outfielders. On a normal day, I would bat in either 4th, 5th, or 6th in the lineup. My approach to hitting is always to have a productive at-bat. As for my speed, I have never been caught stealing in my high school career. I am a natural outfielder, however versatile and willing to play other positions as needed by the team. The offensive half is by far my favorite aspect of playing baseball.

After being a part of many club teams/school programs, I realize (more than ever) that clubhouse relationships are what make or break the team. I have seen sour relationships outside the game affect team chemistry first hand. As a Christian, I always try to set the right example and help others be the best version of themselves. If someone is having a bad day at the plate, I do my best to pick him up and encourage him. Chemistry is everything; there is no time to squabble and bicker when we are trying to win the game.

I have been very fortunate to have such loving parents and great coaches who have made me the person I am today. My father taught me how to throw, catch, pitch, and just play baseball in general. My mom taught me how to live in grace and to be proactive in everything (be that training or academically). My Middle School, Hawthorne Christian Academy, has helped me develop my character the right way.  At HCA, Mr. Mike Lamitola (1990 Seton Hall Team Captain and former minor leaguer) has always given me great advice both on and off the field as my classroom teacher. Coach Pelliccio, my baseball coach at the time, also was a true mentor to me in the game of baseball. Currently at Wood-Ridge High School, I have been very blessed with such a great coaching staff (Coach Michael Carcich and Coach Sean Mansfield) who continue to push me in my baseball career.

Academically, I currently hold a 3.595 GPA (basically a 3.6). Some of my favorite core classes are English, History, and Biology. I have received the honor roll award 4 times and I aspire to earn more. As far as club and extracurricular activities are concerned, I am heavily involved in the Pep/Concert Band (in which I play the trumpet and piano). Besides baseball, I have played for the High School Basketball Team under Head Coach Jimmy Maher since I was a freshman. One of the highlights of last season was being able to play the National Anthem on trumpet for Senior Night (it was awesome). I am involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and I lead a ‘huddle’ (bible study) during lunch once a week. I love to learn and quite frankly, I love my high school. 

Outside of high school, God has blessed me with musical and creative abilities. I have played trumpet since I was in the 4th grade, and I have not stopped since. I taught myself how to play the acoustic guitar, which allowed me to be able to lead the youth group worship team on Sundays. I have received piano lessons from my pastor for the past 2 years.  I love being able to create new melodies and harmonics with my instruments. Beyond music, I love to write, read, and watch stories (movies, tv).  Some of my favorite movies include “Vertigo”, “Jaws”, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” and “The Dark Knight”. I also love to learn and watch documentaries: particularly 30 for 30 or National Geographic. All of these activities allow me to clear my head and reset after a long day of work.

If you allow me to represent your team and school, I promise always to give it my all, and to play with dignity and respect.