Baseball: Buchowski to Tulane

By Phil Anastasia

St. Augustine Prep catcher Barry Buchowski is looking forward to the warm weather in New Orleans.

"The South is where every baseball player wants to go and wake up when it's 82 degrees out," said Buchowski, a senior who has committed to Tulane University on a baseball scholarship.

Buchowski committed to Tulane after visiting the school in New Orleans last Thursday and Friday. He can sign his letter of intent April 17.

Of his first visit to New Orleans, Buchowski said, "It was an unbelievable experience."

Buchowski, a Moorestown resident, enters his senior season with 82 career hits. He also has 52 RBIs, 20 doubles and 8 HRs.

Buchowski said Tulane coaches project him as a catcher, corner outfielder or first baseman.

"They really like my bat," Buchowski said. "They said they've never seen my power like mine."

Buchowski said he was undecided about his major.

Tulane went 38-20 last season as a member of Conference USA. Tulane is scheduled to join the Big East Conference in 2014.

Buchowski has been a varsity catcher since his freshman season. He started for the Hermits' 2011 Non-Public A state champions as a sophomore.

St. Augustine should be a Top 5 team in South Jersey in 2013 and a strong contender for the N-P A state title.

In addition to Buchowski, other Hermits who have committed to college programs include senior pitcher Chris Oakley (North Carolina), junior infielder Joe Gatto (North Carolina) and senior shortstop Chistian Adorno (Wilmington).

"It relieves a lot of pressure," Buchowski said of making his college commitment. "Now I can focus on the No. 1 goal which is to win the state title again in June."

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com or @PhilAnastasia on Twitter.