PITTSFIELD - Originally brought in as a fill-in, Pittsfield native David Glass has made it a Berkshire County trifecta on the Pittsfield American Defenders roster.
Glass, a junior at Westfield State College, came into Wahconah Park to help the Defenders out because they were three pitchers short to start the NECBL season, but has found himself a home in the Defenders bullpen.
"I would say we're beyond just a short look-see and to fill a temporary roster spot," Defenders manager Carroll Land said before Saturday's home opener against New Bedford. "He's got a chance to make this club."
Glass was 0-1 with a 7.94 earned-run average as a reliever for the MASCAC champion Owls. He was second on the team with 14 appearances.
Right now, Glass joins Brendan Norton of Lanesborough and Nate Sermini of Lee on the Defenders' roster. Norton, a former St. Joseph's High School standout, just finished his freshman year at Division I LaSalle - and has a fellow Explorer on the Defenders in shortstop Brian Meagher. Sermini, who pitched at Monument Mountain, wrapped his freshman year at Division II Franklin Pierce.
"What we learned about David is he still has things to learn," said Land. "But he picked up on them in a hurry. When he was low on the knees in the strike zone, his ball moved well and he was very, very effective."
Glass pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in Wednesday's exhibition game and didn't allow a run to score.
"At this point, we're anxious to see if he can keep going," said Land. "That's one of the great things about sports. Sometimes, kids are passed over. Occasionally, kids when they get a chance, they've worked hard enough to get a break."