NCAA Division III Outfielder/Coach Seeking Overseas Opportunity | Summer League All-Star
Name: Richard Salonia
Height: 5'7/173cm
Weight: 169/77kg
DOB: February 3, 2005
Date Available: August 1, 2026
Bats: L
Throws: L
Positions: OF
Positions (alt): Coach, Youth Coach, RF, CF, LF
College: Western Connecticut State University/SUNY Purchase
Personal
I am a speedy tactical contact hitter with the discipline to reach first base by any means possible. I like to attack early in my zone while having the discipline to not chase pitches. I bring a level swing to the table, that has the ability to go gap to gap with some over the fence pop. I have played RF most of my career and that is because my arm and range in the Outfield has proven such. However, I can play anywhere in the OF and be an asset, I have shown that in college.
I can play first base as I have played it growing up and in my first two years of high school. I have always stayed in the Outfield as of recent however, I have no problem learning and making a shift to first base if that is what is needed to help my team.
As a teammate, I would say I definitely keep everyone loose and always see the game in a positive perspective. I find the good in what most might see as bad while always keeping it realistic with my teammates. However, when needed to hold someone responsible I have no problem trying to guide a teammate in the right direction, even if it is not what they want to hear. I do not talk much about performance or results. I like to think about the process, if I go about a certain action the right way, then evidently the results will be in my favor over a consistent period of time. Yes, I have no problem staying back or showing up to practice early or meet up privately outside of scheduled practice time to help a teammate out individually, without a doubt.
I am bilingual as well so I communicate and interact with my Spanish speaking teammates constantly.
Career highlights
All-Star in Hudson Valley League with the New York Cardinals
Coaching
As a coach, I try to get away from the individualistic way of thinking as a player. The main goal a player should have is to become an asset to the team, did that player help with the result of playing a clean game on that day. I keep it simple, I understand hitting is very difficult and the failures that come with hitting and this is why I put a large emphasis on fielding and throwing along with base running. All of these we have a higher chance to control and being successful at a higher rate. A fielders main priority is to protect his pitcher by making plays on the field. Privately I will train my kids on the mechanics and functions of hitting but most of it is approach. Character is one of the greatest abilities to have as a hitter, that means you have discipline and awareness.
Being bilingual gives me the ability to coach and connect with children who do not speak English or where Spanish is their first language
Overseas Goals
We only get one life, and at the end I want to look back and not regret anything. I have been blessed with the opportunity to play baseball and I want to continue my career at a high competitive life because of the passion I have for the game. The experience will most definitely be unforgettable. Also, I would love to experience a new culture outside of life in New York City because that is all I know. While traveling, I will widen my perspective on my own life and look at life through a different lens after meeting, encountering, and helping others who come from a different part of the world as me.
Current Fitness Level
I still play baseball 2-3 times a week in two different men’s leagues through the summer and fall until I return back to the college season in the spring. I ride my bike around the neighborhood frequently and am very conscious of my diet. In the gym I do not life heavy weights, I do however do a lot of calisthenics. Overall, I am in above average physical shape to play my style of baseball.
Playing Experience
Coaching Experience
| YEAR | ROLE | ORGANIZATION | LEAGUE/DIVISION | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Head Coach | Lewisboro Lightning | Youth | 14U Travel Team- LBA, coached year round from the Winter all through the fall. Worked on building healthy relationships from player to player so the entire team can be on the same page mentally. I focus on how to work as a team and how to go about being a strong passionate teammate. Also changed their perspective individually about the game of baseball while also tuning their physical abilities to perform the functions of hitting, fielding, base running, pitching so they can be on the right track of being the best versions of themselves. |
Stats
College/Amateur Batting
| Years | Team | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | BB | SO | SB | CS | AVG | OBP | SLG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Western Connecticut State | 19 | 40 | 7 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 0 | .325 | .404 | .350 |
| 2025 | Western Connecticut State | 16 | 41 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 3 | 14 | 0 | 0 | .195 | .250 | .220 |
| 2026 | SUNY Purchase | 20 | 30 | 10 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 1 | 0 | .200 | .400 | .333 |
| 2026 | New York Cardinals | 10 | 20 | 8 | 10 | 3 | - | - | 2 | 8 | 2 | 10 | - | .500 | .687 | .650 |
College/Amateur Pitching
| Year | Team | ERA | GS | CG | IP | H | SO | BB | HBP | R | ER | Wins | Losses | SV | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Western Connecticut State | 6.75 | 0 | 0 | 1.1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| 2026 | Western Connecticut State | 21.32 | 0 | 0 | 6.1 | 17 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 18 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
