By Christian Heimall, Staff Writer
When Ricky Caputo graduated in 2006 as the all-time hits leader at Hofstra, he remembered watching a Hofstra recruit considering playing his college ball in Hempstead. “I knew this kid was the real deal,” said Caputo. “After his freshman year when he hit over .400 and was a freshman All-American I said ‘uh-oh my records are in trouble”. On Sunday, almost four years after the record was set, senior Matt Prokopowicz eclipsed Caputo with a double in the second inning of a 13-7 Hofstra Pride win over the Towson Tigers.
“When I got close I started thinking about it and stressing out after my first hit went right to a fielder,” said Prokopowicz. “Then I told myself if it’s going to happen it will happen. Then I got a hanging curveball and there it was.”
What may make the record-breaking feat more important to the program is that a local product did it. “That’s one thing that I wish my coach [Chris Dotolo] did more of,” remarked Caputo. “I’m happy that Pat [Anderson] is looking to Long Island. The talent is awesome here and Hofstra is a great school.”
“It means a bit more because my family comes to every home game and my friends come to watch,” said Prokopowicz of going to a local university. “It’s awesome to have that kind of local support.”
Before coming to Hofstra, Prokopowicz helped Massapequa High School to a state title in 2006 and has continued his strong presence at University Field even breaking the single season hits mark, also originally held by Caputo. “He’s consistent, he’s hit .300 plus every year,” said Head Coach Patrick Anderson. “He’s been a great player for us and a great role model in what he does on and off the field.”
For Caputo though, breaking a record is part of the game. “Records are meant to be broken. That’s the bottom line,” said Caputo. “To be honest I didn’t even know I had the career hits record. I’m really happy for (Matt). He deserves it.”
Anderson has used Prokopowicz in a number of roles since arriving in 2009 including time at catcher. Prokopowicz has found a home at second base and his contact numbers have shown the comfort the senior has discovered there. “His swing is so powerful and his head is on straight,” said Caputo. “His attitude is what it takes and on top of that his athletic ability and his swing is a thing of beauty. I expect him to get drafted.”
Looking back into the record books, Caputo’s mark is one of nostalgia for today’s Hofstra fans. Before Matt Prokopowicz came on the scene, the top three numbers in hits were all owned by teammates. Caputo had 248, while Josh Stern had 231 and Andy Campana at 211 who all played together from 2003-2006 (Campana graduated in 2007). Now, a player who came in after the record was originally set stands alone.
Prokopowicz currently has 253 career hits wearing the Hofstra blue and gold. Batting a higher percentage than his CAA Rookie of the Year campaign in 2007, he hit .416 that season and is currently hitting .425, the senior is looking to lead his team to the playoffs for the first time since Caputo’s senior season. Hofstra sits a half game out of the playoffs with 9 left to play and travel to Delaware this weekend.
(Sean M. Gates/The Chronicle)
