Via ScarletKnights.com
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (July 17, 2019) – Rutgers baseball head coach Steve Owens has announced the hiring of Brendan Monaghan and Kyle Pettoruto as assistant coaches. Both previously on Owens’ staff at Bryant, Monaghan will work with the pitchers, catchers and serve as the recruiting coordinator, while Pettoruto is set to coach outfielders, baserunning and hitting. In addition, Peter Barron will be the director of baseball operations.
“There is a great comfort level in bringing people that have already been working with me for an extended period of time,” Owens said. “Brendan and Kyle were a big part of the success we had at Bryant and we are excited to hit the ground running at Rutgers. We understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, roles and responsibilities. It is time to get going.”
Brendan Monaghan
A native of Wayne, New Jersey, and alumnus of St. John’s University with professional baseball experience, Monaghan spent the previous three seasons as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Bryant. The Bulldogs won the Northeast Conference regular season, had the NEC Pitcher of the Year and finished first or second in the league in ERA and strikeouts all three seasons. The program saw nine pitchers earn All-NEC honors during that span.
In addition, four hurlers earned a spot at the next level, with Chris Wright drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 12thround and Steve Theetge signing with the Minnesota Twins in 2019, Jack Patterson being selected in the 32nd round by the Chicago Cubs in 2018 and James Karinchak being taken in the ninth round by the Cleveland Indians in 2017.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to come home to New Jersey and work for Rutgers University,” Monaghan said. “The direction and vision of Pat, the athletic department, and the University makes this an exciting time to be a Scarlet Knight. The Big Ten Conference makes for a challenging lineup of opponents and I can't wait to get to work to prepare our players for the season.”
In 2019, Monaghan oversaw one of the most effective pitching staffs in program history as the Bulldogs struck out a program-record 501 batters. The pitching staff played a key role in Bryant's fourth 40-win season in seven seasons, posting a team ERA of 3.79. Under Monaghan's tutelage, Theetge became the first pitcher in NEC history to win multiple pitcher of the year honors after he put together one of the greatest seasons in Bryant history. He went 9-2 with a 1.75 ERA and 96 strikeouts in a program-record 102.2 innings, becoming all-time winningest pitcher along the way.
Bryant featured three First Team All-NEC pitchers last season as Tyler Mattison and Wright joined Theetge. Wright became one of the most dominant closers in the college baseball under Monaghan's watch, registering 13 saves and 64 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. Theetge and Wright both earned All-America honors, while Theetge became the first pitcher in program history to win an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove.
Monaghan took over a pitching staff that did not feature a single senior in 2017 and built it into one of the top staffs in the NEC. The Bulldogs finished second in the NEC in ERA and led the conference in strikeouts. Under his coaching, Theetge was named the NEC Pitcher of the Year. In addition, Theetge was named First Team All-NEC, while Karinchak and Nathan Wrighter were tabbed Second Team All-NEC.
He followed that up by molding one of the most powerful pitching staffs in DI program history in 2018. The group struck out 432 batters, the third-most in DI program history. Bryant finished second in the NEC in ERA and strikeouts, while it led the league with four shutouts. Monaghan's pitching staff was spearheaded by three left-handers. Patterson set a program-record for strikeouts by a lefty, finishing with 101 in 82 innings on his way to pitcher of the year honors. Two more earned All-NEC honors to give Bryant three that campaign.
Monaghan came to Smithfield after spending the 2015-16 season as the pitching coach at George Washington University. He also spent two years as the pitching coach/recruiting coordinator at UMass Lowell and three years as a volunteer assistant at his alma mater, St. John's.
Monaghan coordinated all aspects of the pitching staff and also oversaw the defensive training of the catchers at George Washington. Under his watch, GW closer Eddie Muhl was named to the ABCA All-East Region Second Team after going 3-1 with 11 saves and a 1.76 ERA in 26 appearances.
Monaghan played a key role in UMass Lowell's transition from Division II to Division I, shaping the recruiting plan, developing practice plans and opponent scouting. He helped the River Hawks win 37 games in his two seasons, including 20 in their first two years as members of the America East. Under his tutelage, Andrew Ryan was named Second Team All-American East and a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American.
In three seasons at St. John's, Monaghan was part of a coaching staff that led the Red Storm to a 2012 Big East regular season and tournament title and two NCAA appearances (2011, 2012). The 2012 team went on to win the Chapel Hill Regional and advance to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in program history.
A 2007 graduate of St. John's, Monaghan helped the Red Storm to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big East regular season championships as a player. He captained the team and was an All-Big East First Team selection as a catcher. Monaghan hit .307 with 20 doubles and 59 RBIs in 125 career games with the Red Storm.
After graduation, Monaghan had a four-year professional career, including three years within the Baltimore Orioles organization. He played for the Bluefield Orioles (Rookie, Appalachian League) and the Delmarva Shorebirds (Class A, South Atlantic League). Monaghan also spent a season playing for the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League and was named an All-Star.
Kyle Pettoruto
A native of Andover, Massachusetts, Pettoruto spent the last six seasons with Owens at Bryant. He was part of six-straight Northeast Conference regular season championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs led the conference in nearly every major offensive category during his tenure in Smithfield.
“I would like to thank Coach Owens and Mr. Hobbs for this opportunity,” Pettoruto said. “It is obvious to me that it is an exciting time to be a part of Rutgers Athletics. I look forward to being a part of this journey and I couldn't be more excited to get to work.
“I would also like to say thank you to Bill Smith, and the entire Bryant University community for my time there. I have countless memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am extremely grateful for everything that Bryant University did for me both professionally and personally.”
Pettoruto played a role in producing 40 All-NEC selections, 46 All-New England selections, six ABCA All-Northeast selections, two NEC and New England Players of the Year, four NEC Rookies of the Year, two New England Rookies of the Year, one Collegiate Baseball Freshman Player of the Year and four Freshman All-Americans in his six seasons. He helped the Bulldogs finish in the top 20 in the country in scoring and slugging percentage in four of his six seasons, and the team finished in the top 25 in a host of other categories over the six years.
Pettoruto helped put together one of the best offenses in program and NEC history in 2019. The Bulldogs set school and NEC records for home runs (81), hits (679), RBIs (455) and runs scored (487). Bryant finished the regular season seventh nationally in batting average (.311), fifth in hits (679), eighth in runs (487) and 10th in scoring (8.1). The Bulldogs placed eight on the All-NEC teams and 10 more on All-New England teams.
The highlight of Pettoruto's tenure occurred in 2018 as he helped Ryan Ward achieve the greatest season in program history. Ward set program records for hits (101), total bases (158) and finished with a .409 average on his way to earning 18 postseason recognitions. He was the first NEC player to earn player and rookie of the year honors and was also named the New England Player/Rookie of the Year and the National Freshman Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball. Ward was named All-American by four outlets, a Freshman All-American by four others and was the first NCBWA District I Player of the Year in program history.
In 2014, the Bulldogs ranked seventh in the country in stolen bases (99) and also finished 14th in batting average (.302), 15th in scoring (6.7), 19th in runs (386), 20th in doubles per game (1.98), 23rd in home runs per game (0.67), ninth in slugging (.436) and 13th in OBP (.391). The team featured the NEC Rookie of the Year in Matt Albanese, five First Team All-NEC selections (Robby Rinn, John Mullen, Carl Anderson, Buck McCarthy, Dan St. George) and two Second Team All-NECers (Albanese, Tom Gavitt). Anderson, one of the top players in Bryant’s DI history, thrived under Pettoruto’s instruction, stealing a Division I-record 31 bases. He became the first player in program history to steal 30 or more bases in a season since 1998. Albanese enjoyed a stellar rookie season, scoring a freshman-record 53 runs while hitting .322 with 16 doubles and 36 RBIs. He went on to earn both NCBWA and Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America honors.
The trend continued in 2015 as Bryant finished in the top 25 in the country in doubles (25th, 121), doubles per game (12th, 2.24), scoring (19th, 6.9), slugging percentage (11th, .462), triples (seventh, 25) and triples per game (seventh, 0.46). Bryant had four players named First Team All-NEC and a fifth garnered second team honors.
In 2016, Pettoruto oversaw one of the best offenses in program history as the team earned a No. 2 seed at NCAA Regionals. The Bulldogs established program records for runs and RBIs in a season, while also setting DI program records for slugging percentage, home runs, hits and batting average. Bryant finished first in the country in sacrifice flies (41), fifth in OBP (.414), ninth in scoring (7.9), 10th in batting average (.318), 12th in slugging (.482), 13th in runs (465), 18th in doubles per game (2.19) and 20th in doubles (129).
That team earned a league-record 11 all-conference selections and 10 All-New England selections. Rinn was named the NEC and New England Player of the Year and, along with Albanese, earned All-America honors at the end of the season. Both players were drafted following the year. Under Pettoruto’s guidance, Albanese did not commit an error in center field over his final two seasons and finished his career with 11 outfield assists. Pettoruto also watched as Nick Angelini earned NEC Rookie of the Year honors and Freshman All-America honors.
The 2017 season saw Pettoruto work with one of the youngest rosters in DI program history. Under his guidance, Jimmy Titus put together one of the best rookie seasons in team history on his way to NEC Rookie of the Year honors and Freshman All-America status. Titus hit a freshman program record eight home runs and became just the second rookie in DI program history to have 40+ RBIs and 40+ runs scored.
Bryant's offensive success continued in 2018 as it led the NEC and finished 10th nationally in batting average (.303). The Bulldogs also led the NEC in hits (585), doubles (106), triples (18), home runs (45), RBIs (334), slugging (.446) and OBP (.390). In addition to Ward, the Bulldogs placed five on All-NEC teams and four more on All-New England teams in 2018.
Prior to Bryant, Pettoruto worked as an assistant coach with the North Shore Navigators in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League in the summer of the 2012, helping with the hitters and outfielders. Following the summer, Pettoruto was hired as an assistant coach at Merrimack. He worked with the outfielders and the hitters, helping the Warriors set a school record for wins in the spring of 2013.
Pettoruto was a four-year letterwinner at the University of New Haven and helped the Chargers earn a spot in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. He also played for the Joplin Outlaws of the MINK League and the Rome Thunderbolts during the summer.
Pettoruto earned a degree in communication from New Haven in the fall of 2012.
Peter Barron
Barron enters his third year on the Rutgers baseball staff. The director of baseball operations for the Scarlet Knights, Barron assists the coaching staff with on campus recruiting, opponent analysis, game preparation, practice reviews and team travel among other duties. He also helps with fundraising and is the liaison to departments within athletics.
Before arriving in Piscataway, Barron spent two seasons as the director of baseball operations at St. John's. He helped with all aspects of the program, including apparel, equipment, team travel, meals, video, statistics and game charts. Barron also oversaw a staff of five student managers, assisted with team community service and served as the liaison between the coaching staff and departments within athletics.
Barron started off as a student manager for the Red Storm in Sept. 2012 and served three seasons before joining the staff as a graduate assistant. He managed equipment and player development video among other duties, working as the head manager in 2014 and 2015.
In addition to working in operations, Barron has coaching experience with summer teams and camps. He most recently has been an assistant coach for the Shelter Island Bucks in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League the last two summers, handling roster construction, community outreach and mentoring the position players. He also coached American Legion from 2012 to 2014 and worked as an instructor at Red Storm Baseball Camps for four years.
Originally from Long Valley, New Jersey, Barron owns two degrees from St. John's. He earned his master's in sports management in 2017 and his bachelor’s in marketing in 2015.
PISCATAWAY, N.J. (July 17, 2019) – Rutgers baseball head coach Steve Owens has announced the hiring of Brendan Monaghan and Kyle Pettoruto as assistant coaches. Both previously on Owens’ staff at Bryant, Monaghan will work with the pitchers, catchers and serve as the recruiting coordinator, while Pettoruto is set to coach outfielders, baserunning and hitting. In addition, Peter Barron will be the director of baseball operations.
“There is a great comfort level in bringing people that have already been working with me for an extended period of time,” Owens said. “Brendan and Kyle were a big part of the success we had at Bryant and we are excited to hit the ground running at Rutgers. We understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, roles and responsibilities. It is time to get going.”
Brendan Monaghan
A native of Wayne, New Jersey, and alumnus of St. John’s University with professional baseball experience, Monaghan spent the previous three seasons as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Bryant. The Bulldogs won the Northeast Conference regular season, had the NEC Pitcher of the Year and finished first or second in the league in ERA and strikeouts all three seasons. The program saw nine pitchers earn All-NEC honors during that span.
In addition, four hurlers earned a spot at the next level, with Chris Wright drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 12thround and Steve Theetge signing with the Minnesota Twins in 2019, Jack Patterson being selected in the 32nd round by the Chicago Cubs in 2018 and James Karinchak being taken in the ninth round by the Cleveland Indians in 2017.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to come home to New Jersey and work for Rutgers University,” Monaghan said. “The direction and vision of Pat, the athletic department, and the University makes this an exciting time to be a Scarlet Knight. The Big Ten Conference makes for a challenging lineup of opponents and I can't wait to get to work to prepare our players for the season.”
In 2019, Monaghan oversaw one of the most effective pitching staffs in program history as the Bulldogs struck out a program-record 501 batters. The pitching staff played a key role in Bryant's fourth 40-win season in seven seasons, posting a team ERA of 3.79. Under Monaghan's tutelage, Theetge became the first pitcher in NEC history to win multiple pitcher of the year honors after he put together one of the greatest seasons in Bryant history. He went 9-2 with a 1.75 ERA and 96 strikeouts in a program-record 102.2 innings, becoming all-time winningest pitcher along the way.
Bryant featured three First Team All-NEC pitchers last season as Tyler Mattison and Wright joined Theetge. Wright became one of the most dominant closers in the college baseball under Monaghan's watch, registering 13 saves and 64 strikeouts in 34.1 innings. Theetge and Wright both earned All-America honors, while Theetge became the first pitcher in program history to win an ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove.
Monaghan took over a pitching staff that did not feature a single senior in 2017 and built it into one of the top staffs in the NEC. The Bulldogs finished second in the NEC in ERA and led the conference in strikeouts. Under his coaching, Theetge was named the NEC Pitcher of the Year. In addition, Theetge was named First Team All-NEC, while Karinchak and Nathan Wrighter were tabbed Second Team All-NEC.
He followed that up by molding one of the most powerful pitching staffs in DI program history in 2018. The group struck out 432 batters, the third-most in DI program history. Bryant finished second in the NEC in ERA and strikeouts, while it led the league with four shutouts. Monaghan's pitching staff was spearheaded by three left-handers. Patterson set a program-record for strikeouts by a lefty, finishing with 101 in 82 innings on his way to pitcher of the year honors. Two more earned All-NEC honors to give Bryant three that campaign.
Monaghan came to Smithfield after spending the 2015-16 season as the pitching coach at George Washington University. He also spent two years as the pitching coach/recruiting coordinator at UMass Lowell and three years as a volunteer assistant at his alma mater, St. John's.
Monaghan coordinated all aspects of the pitching staff and also oversaw the defensive training of the catchers at George Washington. Under his watch, GW closer Eddie Muhl was named to the ABCA All-East Region Second Team after going 3-1 with 11 saves and a 1.76 ERA in 26 appearances.
Monaghan played a key role in UMass Lowell's transition from Division II to Division I, shaping the recruiting plan, developing practice plans and opponent scouting. He helped the River Hawks win 37 games in his two seasons, including 20 in their first two years as members of the America East. Under his tutelage, Andrew Ryan was named Second Team All-American East and a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American.
In three seasons at St. John's, Monaghan was part of a coaching staff that led the Red Storm to a 2012 Big East regular season and tournament title and two NCAA appearances (2011, 2012). The 2012 team went on to win the Chapel Hill Regional and advance to the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time in program history.
A 2007 graduate of St. John's, Monaghan helped the Red Storm to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big East regular season championships as a player. He captained the team and was an All-Big East First Team selection as a catcher. Monaghan hit .307 with 20 doubles and 59 RBIs in 125 career games with the Red Storm.
After graduation, Monaghan had a four-year professional career, including three years within the Baltimore Orioles organization. He played for the Bluefield Orioles (Rookie, Appalachian League) and the Delmarva Shorebirds (Class A, South Atlantic League). Monaghan also spent a season playing for the Long Island Ducks in the independent Atlantic League and was named an All-Star.
Kyle Pettoruto
A native of Andover, Massachusetts, Pettoruto spent the last six seasons with Owens at Bryant. He was part of six-straight Northeast Conference regular season championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. The Bulldogs led the conference in nearly every major offensive category during his tenure in Smithfield.
“I would like to thank Coach Owens and Mr. Hobbs for this opportunity,” Pettoruto said. “It is obvious to me that it is an exciting time to be a part of Rutgers Athletics. I look forward to being a part of this journey and I couldn't be more excited to get to work.
“I would also like to say thank you to Bill Smith, and the entire Bryant University community for my time there. I have countless memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am extremely grateful for everything that Bryant University did for me both professionally and personally.”
Pettoruto played a role in producing 40 All-NEC selections, 46 All-New England selections, six ABCA All-Northeast selections, two NEC and New England Players of the Year, four NEC Rookies of the Year, two New England Rookies of the Year, one Collegiate Baseball Freshman Player of the Year and four Freshman All-Americans in his six seasons. He helped the Bulldogs finish in the top 20 in the country in scoring and slugging percentage in four of his six seasons, and the team finished in the top 25 in a host of other categories over the six years.
Pettoruto helped put together one of the best offenses in program and NEC history in 2019. The Bulldogs set school and NEC records for home runs (81), hits (679), RBIs (455) and runs scored (487). Bryant finished the regular season seventh nationally in batting average (.311), fifth in hits (679), eighth in runs (487) and 10th in scoring (8.1). The Bulldogs placed eight on the All-NEC teams and 10 more on All-New England teams.
The highlight of Pettoruto's tenure occurred in 2018 as he helped Ryan Ward achieve the greatest season in program history. Ward set program records for hits (101), total bases (158) and finished with a .409 average on his way to earning 18 postseason recognitions. He was the first NEC player to earn player and rookie of the year honors and was also named the New England Player/Rookie of the Year and the National Freshman Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball. Ward was named All-American by four outlets, a Freshman All-American by four others and was the first NCBWA District I Player of the Year in program history.
In 2014, the Bulldogs ranked seventh in the country in stolen bases (99) and also finished 14th in batting average (.302), 15th in scoring (6.7), 19th in runs (386), 20th in doubles per game (1.98), 23rd in home runs per game (0.67), ninth in slugging (.436) and 13th in OBP (.391). The team featured the NEC Rookie of the Year in Matt Albanese, five First Team All-NEC selections (Robby Rinn, John Mullen, Carl Anderson, Buck McCarthy, Dan St. George) and two Second Team All-NECers (Albanese, Tom Gavitt). Anderson, one of the top players in Bryant’s DI history, thrived under Pettoruto’s instruction, stealing a Division I-record 31 bases. He became the first player in program history to steal 30 or more bases in a season since 1998. Albanese enjoyed a stellar rookie season, scoring a freshman-record 53 runs while hitting .322 with 16 doubles and 36 RBIs. He went on to earn both NCBWA and Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America honors.
The trend continued in 2015 as Bryant finished in the top 25 in the country in doubles (25th, 121), doubles per game (12th, 2.24), scoring (19th, 6.9), slugging percentage (11th, .462), triples (seventh, 25) and triples per game (seventh, 0.46). Bryant had four players named First Team All-NEC and a fifth garnered second team honors.
In 2016, Pettoruto oversaw one of the best offenses in program history as the team earned a No. 2 seed at NCAA Regionals. The Bulldogs established program records for runs and RBIs in a season, while also setting DI program records for slugging percentage, home runs, hits and batting average. Bryant finished first in the country in sacrifice flies (41), fifth in OBP (.414), ninth in scoring (7.9), 10th in batting average (.318), 12th in slugging (.482), 13th in runs (465), 18th in doubles per game (2.19) and 20th in doubles (129).
That team earned a league-record 11 all-conference selections and 10 All-New England selections. Rinn was named the NEC and New England Player of the Year and, along with Albanese, earned All-America honors at the end of the season. Both players were drafted following the year. Under Pettoruto’s guidance, Albanese did not commit an error in center field over his final two seasons and finished his career with 11 outfield assists. Pettoruto also watched as Nick Angelini earned NEC Rookie of the Year honors and Freshman All-America honors.
The 2017 season saw Pettoruto work with one of the youngest rosters in DI program history. Under his guidance, Jimmy Titus put together one of the best rookie seasons in team history on his way to NEC Rookie of the Year honors and Freshman All-America status. Titus hit a freshman program record eight home runs and became just the second rookie in DI program history to have 40+ RBIs and 40+ runs scored.
Bryant's offensive success continued in 2018 as it led the NEC and finished 10th nationally in batting average (.303). The Bulldogs also led the NEC in hits (585), doubles (106), triples (18), home runs (45), RBIs (334), slugging (.446) and OBP (.390). In addition to Ward, the Bulldogs placed five on All-NEC teams and four more on All-New England teams in 2018.
Prior to Bryant, Pettoruto worked as an assistant coach with the North Shore Navigators in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League in the summer of the 2012, helping with the hitters and outfielders. Following the summer, Pettoruto was hired as an assistant coach at Merrimack. He worked with the outfielders and the hitters, helping the Warriors set a school record for wins in the spring of 2013.
Pettoruto was a four-year letterwinner at the University of New Haven and helped the Chargers earn a spot in the 2010 NCAA Tournament. He also played for the Joplin Outlaws of the MINK League and the Rome Thunderbolts during the summer.
Pettoruto earned a degree in communication from New Haven in the fall of 2012.
Peter Barron
Barron enters his third year on the Rutgers baseball staff. The director of baseball operations for the Scarlet Knights, Barron assists the coaching staff with on campus recruiting, opponent analysis, game preparation, practice reviews and team travel among other duties. He also helps with fundraising and is the liaison to departments within athletics.
Before arriving in Piscataway, Barron spent two seasons as the director of baseball operations at St. John's. He helped with all aspects of the program, including apparel, equipment, team travel, meals, video, statistics and game charts. Barron also oversaw a staff of five student managers, assisted with team community service and served as the liaison between the coaching staff and departments within athletics.
Barron started off as a student manager for the Red Storm in Sept. 2012 and served three seasons before joining the staff as a graduate assistant. He managed equipment and player development video among other duties, working as the head manager in 2014 and 2015.
In addition to working in operations, Barron has coaching experience with summer teams and camps. He most recently has been an assistant coach for the Shelter Island Bucks in the Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League the last two summers, handling roster construction, community outreach and mentoring the position players. He also coached American Legion from 2012 to 2014 and worked as an instructor at Red Storm Baseball Camps for four years.
Originally from Long Valley, New Jersey, Barron owns two degrees from St. John's. He earned his master's in sports management in 2017 and his bachelor’s in marketing in 2015.
