Pappano confident Xavier is the right place

Luke Pappano LHP / OF / Archbishop Moeller, OH / 2025

CINCINNATI - It was a long recruiting process for Luke Pappano, but the recent Moeller graduate is confident he has found the right place in Xavier.

“It’s always been a dream to play Division I college baseball and I’m thankful for the opportunity,” the third-rated 2025 left-handed pitcher in Ohio related about his commitment to the university located just eight minutes from home. “It’s been crazy with all the new rules, the transfer portal and coming off Covid, but I think things will calm down eventually. I feel I’m in a great spot and super excited about it.”

Pappano initially committed to Kentucky as a 14-year-old, then decommitted and decided on Mississippi before making a decision in the fall of 2024.

“I committed to Ole Miss but at the start of senior year they wanted me to wait to sign,” Pappano explained about his change in plans. “I wanted to be put in a position to flourish as a two-way and thought I’d be better served to reevaluate.”

After all, the 14th-ranked 2025 in Ohio was ready to show what he could do as a pitcher after Tommy John at the end of his sophomore year meant not pitching as a junior.

“I missed pitching a lot,” the southpaw admitted. “Not doing it for a year-and-a-half made me want to get back out there. It fueled my love for the game, a game that has done so many special things for me.”

Xavier is of the belief that the 6-1 170-pounder can be special as part of the Big East Conference program.

“Coach (Billy) O’Conner came to see me at Moeller in March and the pitching coach (Doug Willey) came in April,” noted Pappano, who had never spoken with Xavier during his recruiting process until the decommitment from Mississippi. “I knew it was the right fit from almost the beginning.

“They love me as a two-way. They never saw me pitch before the offer. They love my speed, that I create havoc on the bases and that I’m a gap-to-gap hitter.”

An offer came May 5 and a visit took place in early June.

“Just before solidifying my decision I met with the whole staff in person,” the 18-year-old related. “I really wanted to get to know the people I’m going to be with for the next three or four years. I think it’s the perfect fit.

“I have the ability to be a two-way and contribute in any way I can,” Pappano added. “With the roster cuts, I hope it helps set me up to be on the field as soon as possible. It’s a great place for development with coach O’Conner where we can battle for a league title. It’s the perfect balance of baseball and academics.”

A 4.5 student looking to major in business, Pappano has always been confident he would find the right place.

“I wasn’t too nervous,” he said about the idea of being uncommitted at the end of senior year of high school. “I had trust in myself and knew the right fit would come. I’m glad Xavier came to see me and glad it worked out perfectly.”

Big 10 and Big East schools along with a few Atlantic 10 colleges were also in the mix during the recruiting process that began at a very young age.

“It hasn’t changed much, I’m just an older version of myself,” Pappano explained about the process. “I’ve been blessed to have great coaches and I’m physically stronger and faster. Speed has been a huge thing in my game the past couple of years.”

A left-handed hitting outfielder in addition to his abilities on the mound, Pappano is confident he can be a huge part of the Xavier program.

“My decision came down to going where I can make an impact early and develop and I knew Xavier was right from the beginning,” Pappano said. “Being a two-way with the new rosters (going from 40-man rosters to 34), it’s more important than ever for teams to take two-way players. I believe I can be a great left-handed pitcher and a great outfielder with speed. I feel I’ll be a great teammate, always cheering my guys on. It’s a game of failure, you just have to have a positive attitude and all the work you put in will pay off.”

Pappano points to assistance along the way as vital in his recruitment.

“Prep Baseball has helped a ton,” Pappano explained. “The first event I ever went to was when I was 12-years-old and that’s when my name was put out there. I’ve had tons of coverage. I’ve been with some of the best teammates in the country and played at places loaded with scouts. It’s helped put my name on the board and helped get me where I am today.”

A future at Xavier brings a lot of anticipation.

“When I toured Xavier I knew I could call the place home,” Pappano said. “I’m ready to get there, work on my skills as a hitter and pitcher, and just go out and play. Last year they were snubbed by the NCAA but there’s a strong returning class and a 2025 recruiting class that can make an impact. We have a chance to make a run and I’m just excited about the college baseball experience.”

There is also the goal of becoming a professional player.

“Division I has been the dream since I was a little kid and I think Xavier is a great place to develop and call home,” Pappano concluded. “My goal is to be an MLB player and Hall of Famer and Xavier is a great path toward that. The coaching there is phenomenal and I think it’s a great blessing to be going there.”