Atlantic Cape Community College is proud to announce the hiring of Cherry Hill, NJ native and former Bishop Eustace Preparatory School all-star center fielder Alex Tafaro as head coach of the Buccaneers baseball program.
“We are excited to welcome Alex Tafaro to our Atlantic Cape Athletics Program. Coach Tafaro brings enthusiasm, energy and an unbridled desire to create something special here,” said Athletic Director Jamal Edwards. “I am anxious to see what he and assistant coach Joe Schipsi can bring to our baseball program. I look forward to watching our coaches prepare our student athletes for the next level and I am confident that they will lead the program in the right direction.”
Tafaro, 30, starred as Bishop Eustace’s starting center fielder in 2012 where he was named a Camden County All-Star while helping lead the Crusaders to victory in the South Jersey Diamond Classic championship. Tafaro also played two years for Eustace’s then summer Under-19 Pennsauken American Legion team. He graduated from Gettysburg College in 2016 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.
Leading the Buccaneers baseball program back to prominence is a challenge that Tafaro is more than ready, willing and able to accept.
“I welcome the challenge of a rebuild. However, I see this less of a challenge and more of an opportunity,” said Tafaro. “This is an opportunity for everyone involved to be part of something special. We have the opportunity to rebuild and advance this program. There will be challenges, but I am not intimidated by challenges.”
The Buccaneers are set to open its new, state-of-the-art baseball field on the Mays Landing campus this spring. Tafaro expects his players to bring their best day-in and day-out both on the field and in the classroom.
“We expect to compete, so we are going to need to outwork everyone we play. In the classroom, in the weight room, on the practice field and on game day. I want them to embrace the challenge and embrace the opportunity we have to build something together,” said Tafaro, who has been actively recruiting for additional student athletes to join the team. “We have roster spots and playing time available. If you are looking for a real opportunity to play college ball, this is it.”
That work ethic, positivity and determination are foundational facets that Tafaro believes will manifest itself into a style of play that will breed success.
“I like aggression at the plate. I like aggression on the base paths. I like aggression on the mound. Players who will step into the box looking to make contact, pitchers who are unafraid to challenge opposing batters, and base runners who will pounce on any opportunity to steal a bag. We will play fast, we will play aggressive, and we will work hard every single day.”
The baseball program will hold interest meetings on Monday, January 27 and Wednesday, January 29, 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the STEM S-Building lobby. Indoor practices will begin February 1 in Jonathan Pitney Gymnasium with throwing, fielding, batting cage hitting, conditioning and speed development drills.
If you are interested in becoming a Buccaneer baseball student athlete in 2025, please fill out an athletics interest form by visiting atlanticcape.edu/baseball.
Learn more about Atlantic Cape athletics at atlanticcape.edu/athletics.