Nick Evangelista

"Investigating Nick Evangelista"Philadelphia Phillies Minor Leaguer, Nick Evangelista,works as a Private Investigator in the off-season.

Investigating Phillies' Nick Evangelista
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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.
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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.
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"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.
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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 26th 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.
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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.

So, opponents beware; don't try stealing a base when Evangelista is on the mound.He may not only catch you but also pull up your record and see what other kinds of trouble you have tried to get away with."Knowing who and what you are up against, whether it is a legal case or an opposing batter" he said.
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What's On ... Nick Evangelista's Resume?
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What's On ... Nick Evangelista's Resume: