Yellowjackets Pitcher Signs for UAlbany

By TED MEBUST

ONEONTA – Surrounded by friends and family, Oneonta High School’s Aidan Gelbsman signed his national letter of intent to play Division I baseball for the University at Albany on Thursday, November 17.

The Yellowjackets hurler, who committed in September, boasts a fastball in the high 80s, which, along with his offspeed stuff, helped him throw two no-hitters during his junior season.

“We’ve had pitchers from our program go on to play for teams like the Rockies and Braves, but none of them ever pitched two no-hitters in one season,” explained Head Coach Joe Hughes. “Aiden is one of those guys that took his raw talent and made the most of it. Some athletes do it and some don’t, and he certainly did it.”

According to Hughes, Gelbsman truly came into his own during his sophomore season, and never looked back.

“Towards the end of my sophomore season, my velocity started climbing, so my coaches encouraged me to work harder. They helped me with technique while I did more work in the gym, just trying to get stronger, and it all took off from there” said Gelsbman.

After getting injured during last season’s sectional final, he spent this past summer rehabilitating. Despite the minor setback, UAlbany recruited Gelbsman heavily in August, buying futures on the starter’s late-breaking slider.
“We’re very proud of his accomplishments,” said his father, Craig.

Gelbsman plans to study business next fall and looks forward to representing the purple and gold.