Penn State York announced today (Dec. 9) that Jason Aspito, former York Revolution baseball player, has been named the head coach of the Penn State York baseball team. Aspito, 31, takes over the head coach position immediately and has high hopes for the 6-year-old team.
“I look at this job as a great opportunity to still be a part of the game I love,” said Aspito. “I look forward to coaching young men and showing them how to play the game the right way and to compete. I look forward to help build a program that I personally think is a sleeping giant,” he said.
Kerry Magni, athletic director at Penn State York, welcomes the addition of Aspito to the coaching staff. “Jason’s professional playing experience will be an asset to the baseball program and our students will benefit from his technical and strategic coaching, “ said Magni. “We look forward to acquainting Jason with the local high schools and invite area players to contact him for more information."
Aspito comes to the coaching position after playing in the minor leagues, most recently with the York Revolution where he was an outfielder. Injuries and surgery to repair his labrum and rotator cuff left him unable to start the 2010 season.
“Coaching is something I wanted to try and this position is a great chance for me to see if it is something I enjoy at this level. I had many coaches mold me into the player I was, so I feel like I should return the favor,” said Aspito. “At this level there will be more strategy and situations that I will have to be prepared for. I am anxious to get started but I will definitely miss playing.”
Aspito has plenty of experience to share with players. A prospect in the Chicago White Sox and Angels organizations, Aspito arrived in York during the York Revolution’s inaugural season and helped lead the club to its only playoff team and a second-half division title in 2008. Aspito hit a combined 42 homers in the last three seasons with the Revolution.
A graduate of Driscoll Catholic High School in Addison, Ill., Aspito was a four-year starter at shortstop, with two state championships. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 45th round of the 1997 draft, but opted to attend the University of Texas where he was named most valuable player of the 1998 NBC World Series. Aspito throws right and bats left.
After a transfer to Loyola Marymount University, he was named to the WCC All-Conference team. Drafted once again by the White Sox in the ninth round in 2000, he was later traded to the Angels in 2003. He was named to the Texas League All Star team in 2006 and then played for Anaheim at their triple-A level in Salt Lake City.
As one of his first activities at the campus, Aspito is planning to have a winter baseball camp or clinic that will be open to area players. Practice for the Penn State York Nittany Lions baseball team will begin in late January. For more information about the team, visit http://www.yk.psu.edu/baseball online.