ROME, Ga. — In a remarkable turn of events, Jonathan Pintaro, former Shorter Hawks standout pitcher, has been signed by the New York Mets. This announcement came mid-game on Sunday, June 2nd, after Pintaro delivered two scoreless innings for the Glacier Range Riders before being pulled off the mound to receive the best news of his career thus far. The signing marks a significant milestone in Pintaro's career, as he transitions from the Pioneer Baseball League, an MLB Partner League, to a professional baseball career with the New York Mets organization.

Pintaro's journey to the Mets has been a testament to his talent and perseverance. He began making waves in the MLB Draft League, playing for the Frederick Keys in 2021 and 2022, before moving to independent ball with the Glacier Range Riders. His exceptional performance with the Range Riders over the past two seasons undoubtedly caught the attention of MLB scouts.

During his collegiate career, Pintaro was a dominant force on the mound. He earned back-to-back Gulf South Conference Pitcher of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022 and was a First Team All-GSC selection both years. His accolades didn't stop there; he was named the 2021 All-Region Pitcher of the Year and received First Team All-Region honors from D2CCA, NCBWA, and ABCA. In 2022, he continued to impress, securing a First Team All-Region selection from ABCA and Second Team All-Region honors from both D2CCA and NCBWA.

Pintaro's national recognition is equally impressive, as a five-time All-American. In 2021, he was a NCBWA First Team All-America selection, as well as D2CCA and ABCA Second Team All-America selections. The following year in 2022, he was named NCBWA Second Team All-America and ABCA Third Team All-America.

Over his career at Shorter, Pintaro recorded a 3.37 ERA, striking out 411 batters, with a 31-15 record, four saves, and 13 complete games. His consistency and skill on the mound have been a cornerstone of his teams' successes and have now earned him an opportunity at the highest level of professional baseball.

Head baseball coach for the Hawks, Wes Timmons says "By far, the best arm I've ever coached. But not because of his talents, because of who he is as a person and as a competitor! When the lights came on, there weren't many better than Jonathan Pintaro. I and everyone else knew that when it was his day to pitch, he was throwing 100+ pitches. And he if didn't get to throw at least 100, he felt robbed and would beg me to let him throw the next day. There were even times after he'd throw 120+ pitches, where we'd have a real conversation of whether I was going to allow him to throw another 30 pitches or so to close the game if we were winning the following day. You just don't find many like him these days. I will always appreciate that about him and God bless the Mets for giving him the opportunity to compete at the higher level! There won't be a time in that kid's professional career where he'll make an excuse for a bad outing or not take the ball in any situation they hand him. He's a special one!"

The Glacier Range Riders and the Pioneer Baseball League can take pride in seeing one of their own make it to the big stage, a testament to the talent and hard work fostered within these leagues. As he joins the Mets, Shorter and the baseball world will be watching with great anticipation, rooting for his continued success.