After he finished his baseball career at DeSales University last spring, Randel Pacchioli gave his helmet to Roughies’ head coach Steve Bradley.

Since his days at Catasauqua, Pacchioli always seemingly has taken a different approach to success and to express his gratitude.

“He (Bradley) always has been like a second father to me,” said Pacchioli, who was a catcher and graduated last May. “I couldn’t have played college sports without the help of Mr. Bradley.

“He (Bradley) always believed in me, and instilled a good work ethic in me. My confidence grew, and he helped prepare me to play college sports.”

When he graduated from DeSales, Pacchioli received a degree in sport and exercise physiology and had visions of staying with in sport.

Like his past, Pacchioli’s path took a different route. Last year, he accepted a position last fall as a product supervisor with Estee Lauder, the company being based outside of Philadelphia.

“It definitely was a big switch from what I expected and am used to,” said Pacchioli. “It has been working out. That’s how life is. I’m just trying to figure it out.”

In high school, Pacchioli believed he could be a pitcher, shortstop, or outfielder. During his sophomore year, Pacchioli found his niche as a catcher. In his junior season, Pacchioli was named second team all-Colonial League, and was an honorable mention league choice as a senior.

“There was a game where someone needed to go back there,” noted Pacchioli. “I quickly found it very natural. I knew I would like it. It gave me a different perspective about the game, and I also became more of a student of the game. I knew I would have to work with the pitchers and work on my game.

“’I never had good wheels and it gave me an excuse for being slow. I really grew to love the position.”

Bradley didn’t have any hesitations putting him behind the plate.

“He (Pacchioli) is just a great kid,” he said. “He always was willing to do anything to help the team. He could play a number of positions, but he really made a nice transition to catcher.

“He developed as a catcher in all phases. He is the type of player you want on your team.”

Pacchioli wanted to stay local for college, and DeSales was a great fit.

“It was perfect for me,” he said. “I really like the campus and they have the nicest Division III baseball complex in the state and one of the best in the country. Coach (Tim) Neiman has been there a long time, and he has developed a very solid program.”

However, the transition his freshman season wasn’t exactly a smooth one.

“The game was really different, and I don’t know if I was ready for it,” said Pacchioli. “The game was much faster, and I had to adjust. It was a work in progress.”

Yet, Pacchioli again found himself with the help of the Blue Mountain League that summer.

“When I played there, I really became comfortable playing at the college level,” recalled Pacchioli. “Once I knew I could play in the league, I knew I could play at the college level.

“I made the adjustments I needed to make with catching, and it came all together for me. From there, I knew it would be smooth sailing.

“In high school, baseball is one season. When you get to college, it is a lot longer.”

His most solid season was his last when he hit .273 with 17 starts in 26 games. Pacchioli also realized that his baseball life came full circle behind the support of his parents, Randy and Beth and younger sister Bronwyn, who plays basketball and runs cross country and track at Catasauqua.

“I felt really fortunate to be able to play college baseball,” he said. “I really appreciated it, and we did our share of traveling.

“It was great to see my parents come and see me play during my senior season. My sister is a pretty good athlete and probably better than me.”

Pacchioli would like to get back into the game someday and would relish the opportunity to be involved with the Roughies’ program.

“Coach Bradley told me to come back and take over the program when he leaves,” mused Pacchioli. “I do want to try and get back into the game. I do miss all of the talk and the camaraderie.

“It has been good to me, and I would like to give back.”

Chances are, Pacchioli will find a way.