Profile: Justin Pacchioli ’15

Lehigh baseball star Justin Pacchioli ’15 heads into his senior season as not only the most feared slugger in the Patriot League—he batted .362 last year to lead the league in batting average for the second season in a row—but also one of the region’s top pro prospects. The Easton, Pennsylvania, native spent last summer playing alongside top talent from around the nation in the Texas Collegiate League, and sufficiently impressed the scouts in attendance; in fact, Baseball America called the outfielder “undoubtedly the best all-around hitter in the TCL.” In other words, a pro career isn’t out of the question. In the meantime, though, Pacchioli says he’s focused on just one goal: winning a championship for Lehigh.

MAJOR Journalism

HOMETOWN Easton, Pennsylvania

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BASEBALL I love everything about the game of baseball. You must stay mentally tough, because it is such a mental sport.

WHAT I DON'T LOVE ABOUT IT Watching it isn't always the most exciting thing in the world. I would much rather play ball than watch it.

 
THE PLAYER I MODEL MY GAME AFTER IS Derek Jeter. The way he carries himself on and off the field is amazing. He is such a class act, and one of the greatest players to put on the Yankee pinstripes.

MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT (SO FAR) I was ranked the 53rd best senior in the country by Perfect Game this year.

IF I WASN'T A BALLPLAYER, I WOULD BE If I didn't play baseball, I would love to be a professional skier. Until the last few years, I would spend most of my winters on a mountain skiing with my friends.

MY FAVORITE PRO ATHLETE IN ANOTHER SPORT IS Lebron James (basketball). He is a freak of nature and, in my opinion, the best athlete in all of sports right now.

MY HEROES ARE My parents, because of what they have done for me so far in my life. They are well-rounded people who push their two children to strive for greatness. They inspire me to be the best person I can be in all aspects of life.

MY LEADERSHIP STYLE IS Humble. I'm not very outspoken, but when I do have something to say, it is very meaningful. I get my work done without question and make sure the same happens for my teammates.

THE GREATEST STRENGTH OF OUR TEAM THIS YEAR IS Experience and work ethic. We have a lot of key starters returning and we have guys pushing each other to win positions. Everyone on our team is working hard to get better for each other as well as for themselves.

MY PERSONAL GOALS THIS SEASON ARE All I want to accomplish is a championship. I want a ring on my finger before I graduate.