Fields Of Dreams Hit Home For DiPiero

Bryce DiPiero LHP / Enfield, CT / 2022

ENFIELD, Ct. - Each time that Bryce DiPiero pitches, he pays tribute to his grandfather by writing his initials on the mound.

“I came up with the idea,” explained the Enfield High School 2022 graduate, whose grandfather, Frank Saia, passed away in 2018. “I’ve been doing it since eighth grade, leaving his mark on the field while I’m still playing is special to me. It’s a way to remember him. What better way than to write FS before I step on the mound.”

Little did DiPiero know, two fields he pitched on this summer were the same ones that Saia played on 64 years earlier during his time as a professional baseball player.

“I wasn’t aware of it until my dad found out by doing research,” DiPiero related about McDonough Park in Geneva, N.Y. and Dunn Field in Elmira, N.Y. “Looking back at it, that’s a very come-together moment for me. I have the same dreams that he did. Here I was 250 miles away from home playing on the same fields where he lived out his dream. It was an eye opener for me. It’s so cool to play baseball at a high level and then to do it and bring family together, that’s pretty special.”

A junior at Central Connecticut State, who is a sophomore eligibility wise after being redshirted as a freshman, DiPiero is hoping to some day follow in his grandfather’s footsteps when it comes to playing at the professional level. An All-American at Harvard, Saia went on to play in the minor leagues on fields like in Geneva and Elmira both against and with such famous players as Pete Rose, Joe Torre, Phil Niekro and Ron Hunt.

“That’s something not many can say, that their grandpa played with legends like that,” DiPiero said.

Growing up, DiPiero and his grandfather were inseparable when it came to their love for the game.

“He was someone I could talk to about baseball,” DiPiero reflected. “We’d just talk baseball. He had such an impact on me. Learning about his game inspired me to want to follow in his footsteps. He was such a role model, seeing how successful he was and he wanted the same for me. He was such a good person to grow up around and to have in your life.”

But before he was in high school, DiPiero’s grandfather passed away.

“I lost him in eighth grade,” the now 20-year-old related. “I wasn’t at the full seriousness of baseball yet with him. I remember he was always … have fun and enjoy it. That’s stuck with me.”

His grandfather’s glove and ballcap are also still with DiPiero.

“Both are hanging up in my room at home,” DiPiero noted.

While Saia was able to witness his grandson’s love of the game at an early age, he never saw the baseball player that he would become.

The 22nd-rated 2022 left-handed pitcher from Connecticut worked hard during a recruiting process that led to interest from schools like Siena, Southern New Hampshire and Southern Connecticut State in addition to the college he ended up attending.

“Prep Baseball helped me a lot getting me in front of coaches,” DiPiero reflected. “From there I was able to create relationships with coaches that led to me playing in college. The games, the camps and the showcases were beneficial in helping me get in front of college scouts to be able to play at the next level.”

This season the 6-3 200-pounder is hoping to make an impact on the field for the Blue Devils.

“My plan is to establish a key role in the rotation and help the team win the NEC championship and go to the regionals,” DiPiero said. “Last year we weren’t happy with how it went. You can tell this fall with the level practices are at, this team is determined to get back to where Central has been the last 20-plus years.”

His time thus far at Central Connecticut State has been enjoyable.

“The guys at Central are awesome,” DiPiero related. “I’ve met some lifelong friends here. From a baseball standpoint, I’ve learned a lot about myself and the game. It’s a lot faster at the college level which takes some adjusting.”

For those that want to play in college like DiPiero, he has some advice.

“First off, love what you do,” DiPiero explained. “High school goes quickly, have fun with what you do. Work as hard as you can every day because there are people working harder than you.

“Take it all in. After high school it’s not as much about fun, it’s more serious. Enjoy it while you can and work hard. You want to be at the top of your game so when it comes time for college you will be able to play at a high level of baseball.”

Admittedly, it has been a learning process at Central for the redshirt sophomore.

“Since I got to college I realize how important work ethic is,” DiPiero explained. “I’ve worked a lot harder since I got here. Guys at this level are a lot better so you have to work as hard or harder than they do. It’s about loving everything you do.

“College life is not easy, it’s not for everyone. Enjoy every day knowing that time is limited with the game.”

Writing his grandfather’s initials on the mound is a reminder that life goes fast.

“It reminds you how important family is and how important he was to me,” DiPieros said. “I take a step back and refocus. It’s just a good touch for me. I know he’d appreciated it if he knew about this. It makes me feel pretty good.”