Garrett Scavelli, a senior outfielder from Franklin Square, L.I., found an unexpected home at St. John’s University for his final year of college baseball. Despite not initially receiving much interest from the school, he thrived in his lone year at the Division I level, helping the program break its six-year NCAA Tournament drought. His success symbolizes the Johnnies’ breakthrough season, as they were picked to finish sixth in the Big East but exceeded expectations under his leadership, finishing strong in the conference tournament.
Scavelli’s journey to St. John’s was unconventional, as he was initially set to attend NYIT before the program was shut down, and then found success at Molloy College, where he was named the East Coast Conference Player of the Year. Looking for a new challenge, he decided to transfer to Division I and was encouraged by former teammates to consider St. John’s. Despite a slow start at the plate, Scavelli’s defensive prowess and team-first attitude earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches, ultimately leading to a standout season on both sides of the ball.
As the season progressed, Scavelli’s performance continued to improve, leading St. John’s in several offensive categories during league play. His success on the field, combined with the support of his family and teammates, made his decision to transfer to Division I for his final year of college baseball worth it. Scavelli’s determination and work ethic paid off, as he played a key role in the team’s success and helped them achieve their goals for the season.
Looking ahead, St. John’s is focused on making a strong showing in the NCAA Tournament and potentially reaching the Super Regionals for the first time in over a decade. Despite the uncertainty of the postseason, Scavelli is proud of his accomplishments and grateful for the support of his family and friends throughout his college baseball career. He acknowledges the challenges he faced in making the transition to Division I and is grateful for the opportunity to prove himself at a higher level, leaving a lasting impact on the St. John’s baseball program.
