Investigating Phillies' Nick Evangelista
By Ed Main

Feature Story in March 2005 Issue:

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Skip to Nick Evangelista's Resume

Sitting in a dark corner of the street, binoculars in hand, he awaits his suspect. A cup of cold coffee sits on the dash as the private investigator records the time and place of every establishment the accused adulterer visits. Seeing his target emerging, a camera is raised and a series of clicks emanates through the chilly night air. Months later, in a courtroom, testimony and pictures are presented as evidence in a divorce case, as tears stream down the faces of the heart-broken. Another bad twist in the latest romance novel? This week’s episode of the hot television detective drama? Not even close.

Standing in the batter’s box with a 1-2 count, your heart rate pounds as you swing the bat, hoping to make contact with the 95 mph fastball coming your way. On the other side of the pitch, which caused you to take your slow walk back to the dugout, stands the 6’3”, 230 pound former Big East Pitcher of the Year, Nick Evangelista. Just before he turns back to the mound, you catch a glimpse of those same eyes that watched through the binoculars only a few months before as he smirks and the fans post another “K” on the wall.  

Pitcher by day, private investigator by night. Almost the perfect script for a new television show, a la Magnum P.I. Well, not quite but Nick Evangelista certainly tends to lead an interesting life lately. As a kid, Evangelista grew up attending hundreds of Reading Phillies games (AA affiliate of older brother, Philadelphia), living just 15 miles away.  His interest in baseball was fueled by his coach, Steve Degler, who also happened to be the play-by-play voice of the Reading organization.  

The Making of a Dream.

At 17, Evangelista attended a baseball camp with the purpose of getting the attention of Ken Hultzapple and his staff, who was the Mid-Atlantic States Scout Supervisor for the Philadelphia Phillies. He was asked to pitch a simulated game during the camp for the scouts, according to the Reading Eagle/Times. The exposure worked, as scouts began to track his progress, including a 5-2 record for the Hamburg (Pennsylvania) Hawks. “Hopefully, I have a good shot to go to college and get some good exposure from this”, Evangelista was quoted during an interview at the camp. He continued, “It feels like it’s a step closer to being on a major league ball club”, reports Todd Jacobson.

Louisburg College in northern North Carolina was his first collegiate stop, following the footsteps of former pro Otis Nixon. His 21-3 record under coach Billy Godwin, (2002 N.C. College Coach of the Year) included an impressive 0.69 ERA during his sophomore year. From there it was on to the University of Pittsburgh to play for Head Coach Joe Jordano. After a strong junior year (8-5, 3.32 ERA, Team High 76 K, 1 shutout) he reached one of his goals, being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 24^th Round (710 Overall) of the MLB amateur draft. However, Evangelista made the difficult decision to return to Pitt for his senior year, risking his first shot, and potentially only shot at a professional career playing baseball.

During his senior year at Pitt (2003-2004), Evangelista was named Big East Co-Pitcher of the Year racking up another Team High 70 strikeouts, 8-3 record and 2 shutouts. He, along with teammate, friend and current fellow minor leaguer, P.J. Hiser, led the Panthers to a 38-16 season, taking Pitt into the Big East Regionals (losing to St. John’s and then eliminated by Boston College). Evangelista was then the first of three Pitt players to be drafted in 2004 MLB Draft, being taken in the 26^th Round (782 Overall). 

The Secret Service and Baseball.

It was during his years at Pittsburgh that Evangelista obtained a degree in administration of justice, a seemingly odd course to take for a star athlete. Enticed to pursue a career full of variety, diversity, and great benefits, he talked with several friends about their tracks and decided to give criminal justice a shot.

After successfully going through the program, Evangelista realized that although baseball is his first love, if things don’t work out as a pro athlete he solidified a career by returning for his degree.

The Secret Service or a government security job is in the cards, should Evangelista need something to fall back on. Maybe being a detective, like on Law & Order or CSI, although Evangelista is quick to point out the legal corners cut for TV are quite unrealistic sometimes. Regardless, there is a broad range of jobs that await his pursuit.

Being drafted a second time is one thing, mind you, but this time it was the childhood favorite Philadelphia Phillies that were calling. Evangelista recalls the joyous occasion during our phone interview, “It was a dream come true, I mean, I grew up idolizing and watching (Curt) Schilling and the Phillies. To become part of the organization is wonderful.”

In spring 2004, with a degree under his belt and a fresh contract with the Phillies organization, it was off to rookie league in the Gulf Coast League. After a short adjustment period, Evangelista settled down and got back to business, posting 24 strikeouts, a 2-0 record, and a 2.53 ERA in 32 innings of work. Evangelista was called up to A ball late in the season with the Lakewood Blue Claws (of the South Atlantic League), where he finished the year. When I asked where he would start the next season, Evangelista replied, “It’s up to the organization, but I really hope to get to Reading (the AA team he grew up watching) next season. It would be such a thrill to play there. Of course, my long-term ambitions are set on Philadelphia, but Reading will a special stop along the way.”

NOTE: As of July 5, 2005, Nick is a part of the Advanced A Ball with the Clearwater Threshers (Florida State League). Reading would be his next stop.

Going Underground. 

While most athletes workout off-season to maintain their physical level, Evangelista decided to also give his degree a workout. Starting in September 2004, he interned with a Private Investigation Firm in Reading, PA (Carter Orwig & Associates) where daily tasks included secretive jobs such as watching and interviewing people and investigating cases through research at the courthouse. His assigned cases dealt with domestic cases, insurance fraud and employee theft. 

A typical domestic case would involve a husband/wife dispute where would follow one, interviewed friends, neighbors, co-workers and build a case for court. Appearing in court and delivering his findings was not a favorite thing to do, but was part of the job.

So, what similarities could there possibly be in Evangelista’s seemingly diverse worlds of private investigator and baseball? Just as in many of life’s facets, the motto, “The harder you work, the more successful you are” said the pitcher, quoting what seems to be his on and off-field mantra. "It’s about doing your homework and having a strong work ethic." 

Preparing for the future. 

In a game of statistics, there are plenty of records and information to use for the benefit of enhancing your chances. Raw talent can never be undermined, but the knowledge that a hitter tends to chase breaking balls away when he gets behind in the count is priceless and can give a pitcher an edge and help him succeed.  

Even with the little down time Evangelista has, add humanitarian to his growing list of titles,  passing his knowledge and skills to the next generation. He works as a pitching coach to youth through his work with Body Zone Sports Complex and has been a part of several off-season camps, including one this summer in Las Vegas. It is here where he reciprocates the coaching received years ago by Reading Phillies announcer, Steve Dregler.

Preparation certainly doesn’t end when the season does. Staying in shape, mentally and physically means being able to gear up for spring training and another baseball season. So, Evangelista hones his work ethic and brain through an off-season job at a P.I., while maintaining his body through biking, running, weights and a personal trainer. He loves doing what he does and continues to take steps towards success in his preparation, regardless of what kind of curveballs life throws at him. 

What's On...Nick Evangelista's Resume?

About the Author:
Ed Main is an MBA Marketing/PR consultant turned writer, having launched his writing career in 2002 in Fabulous Las Vegas under the encouragement of MGM Grand and Palms Hotel Management. He has written across several industries including sports, music, entertainment, tourism, event planning/convention, and even construction. Ed also acts as the VP of Marketing Communications on the Board of Directors for the American Marketing Association. For more information, go to www.EdMain.com.

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What's On...Nick Evangelista's Resume:
Nick's Road to the Majors (with links!):

2005 Currently Playing Advanced A Ball with the Clearwater Threshers  
(Florida State League). Reading would be his next stop on the way.
Stats (as of July 5, 2005): 

Rookie Season 2004 – 32 Innings, 2-0, 2.53 ERA, 24K, 7BB 
Gulf Coast League, then promoted late into Low-A (Lakewood Blue Claws)  

Drafted: Selected by Philadelphia Phillies in 26^th Round (782^nd Overall) of 2004 amateur draft
University of Pittsburgh: 
Big East Co-Pitcher of the Year 2004
2^nd Team All-American 2004
First of three Pitt players to be drafted in 2004 MLB Draft
SR year: 8-3, 3.50 ERA, 15 appearances, Team High 70 K, 27 BB. 2 shutouts  

Drafted: Selected by Toronto Blue Jays in 24^th Round (710 Overall) of 2003 amateur draft
JR year (2003): 8-5, 3.32 ERA, 14 app, Team High 76 K, 20 BB, 1 shutout, 89.1 Inn, .258 OPP BA

Berkshire Red Sox Pitcher of the Year in 2001, 2002, 2003 (summer league)

Louisburg College: Louisburg College Most Outstanding Male Athlete 2001, 2002
1^st Team Rawlings All-American Junior College Division I
3^rd Team All-American, 2 x All-Regional, All-District
21-3, 0.69 ERA during his sophomore year
Graduated from Louisburg with a 3.9 GPA.

High School: 
2x All-State Baseball Player
Member of 4x baseball, basketball and golf Berks County Division II championships squads
3x Berks County Division II Basketball All-Star team
All-State in basketball and golf

For more information or inquires contact ed@edmain.com

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©2005 EdMain.com