Greencastle's Nick Schreiber pitches in professional ranks

Nick Schreiber of Greencastle has made a solid impression at the start of his professional baseball career.

Schreiber is 5-0 in 15 relief appearances with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.

Schreiber is making his professional debut for the Saltdogs in 2011 after signing with the club in the offseason. In his senior season at California University of Pennyslvania, he led the Vulcans in games pitched, going 6-4 with two saves in 17 appearances, including 10 starts. Schreiber registered three complete games while striking out 51 in 64 innings, with a 6.89 ERA.

Schreiber, a Greencastle-Antrim High School alumni, is one of three Cal Vulcans from the 2010 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Championship team who are currently playing professional baseball. Former All-American outfielder Sam DiMatteo (Center, Pa./Center) is batting .423 (11-for-26) with the Ruidoso Osos of the Pecos League and former pitcher Randy Sturgill recently earned his first professional win with the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League.

Schreiber has thrown 24.1 innings for the Saltdogs this season en route to the 5-0 mark. He has allowed 29 hits, 15 earned runs and 19 walks, while registering 17 strikeouts. He currently carries an ERA of 5.55.

The American Association has been around since 1902, formed as an independent minor league for larger cities in the midwestern area. Over the years the organization has come and gone and most recently was revived in 2005 as a “super” independent league.

Lincoln won the league title in 2009.