Rutgers-Newark Athletics

By Jim Hague

When Joe Furnaguera arrived at Rutgers-Newark three years ago from Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield, N.J., he was basically a baseball player without a true position. 

“Coming in, I was an all-around player in high school,” Furnaguera said. “I played all the infield positions in high school. I never had a set position.” 

But with his size, his power and his range, Scarlet Raiders head coach Mark Rizzi knew one thing about Furnaguera — that he was made to play the hot corner, namely third base. 

“He’s a long, big kid with long arms,” Rizzi said. “We knew that he could be a good hitter, but I think he put a lot of work into becoming a better third baseman. There was definitely a sense of pride there.” 

Furnaguera has become entrenched as the Scarlet Raiders’ third sacker and over his career, he’s gone from an unsure fielder and erratic thrower to a slick performer with the glove, one who consistently makes plays of highlight reel material. 

“I think a lot of it was mental,” Furnaguera said. “I just needed confidence. Coach Rizzi gave me a book to read about playing Heads Up Baseball and it really helped to give me confidence playing third base and becoming a better all-around player.” 

The research definitely worked last season, when Furnaguera had a phenomenal season offensively, hitting 10 homers (tied for team honors with Anthony Yeswita), second to Yeswita in RBI with 37 and batted .290, earning honorable mention All-New Jersey Athletic Conference honors. He had one game against Rowan last April 18 where he and Yeswita both belted three homers each -- an amazing feat. 

“That game was crazy,” Furnaguera said. “We kept falling behind and coming back. It’s a shame we didn’t win that game. It’s awesome batting behind Yeswita, because he gives me good pitches to hit. Yeswita and I always talk about hitting together.” 

Furnaguera also improved immensely defensively as well. 

“When you play in a stadium (Bears & Eagles Riverfront Stadium) like we do, we want our third baseman to complement our other infielders,” Rizzi said. “It’s very important. He’s worked very hard on his defense, but there’s still room for improvement.” 

As Furnaguera begins his senior season with the Scarlet Raiders, the expectations have definitely been raised. 

“I think he could be an even better hitter,” Rizzi said. “He should be hitting in the .330, .340 range. He’s worked hard on taking the ball to the opposite field. There are not too many places where you can throw to him to get him out. He’s worked hard on extending his arms and hitting the ball the other way. He’s concentrated on that a lot and he’s doing that.” 

Furnaguera said that he did a lot of work improving his overall game. 

“I’ve worked to physically improve myself,” Furnaguera said. “I made a lot of strides toward getting stronger. I took the extra step both mentally and physically. Going the opposite way is something I work on all the time. Last year, I definitely struck out too many times, so I’ve been working to cut down on those. I have been working on my approach at the plate. I know that I can hit the ball hard and sometimes far, but I want to be more selective and be a better all-around hitter.” 

Rizzi knows that Furnaguera has incredible strength at the plate. 

“His power is freak power,” Rizzi said. “He hits the ball harder than you expect him to hit it. In some aspects, he’s still a little raw as a hitter. But he’s bulked himself up a little and he’s a stronger player now.” 

Rizzi believes that Furnaguera still has a bright future. 

“This is the kind of potential that the professionals should be looking for,” Rizzi said. “They have to take a look at him. With his size, power, his ability to run, Joe is someone that someone has to take a chance on. His power is ridiculous. It hits it hard and far.” 

Rizzi said that he was happy the team elected Furnaguera as one of the Scarlet Raiders’ captains this season. 

“I think it’s helped him to take a leadership role, because I know he’s expecting a lot from himself this season,” Rizzi said. “He wants to take this as far as he can. He’s pretty down to earth. He’s a good student who always does the right thing. He’s worked very hard to get where he is. I think last year, he realized just how good he could be and he knew he had a chance to play after college.” 

“That’s my personal goal,” Furnaguera said. “My focus is on baseball. I hope something comes out of it.” 

Furnaguera is a double major at Rutgers-Newark, majoring in both philosophy and criminal justice. 

“I originally planned to go to law school,” Furnaguera said. “I have a good GPA (grade point average), so it’s always an option. I’m not too sure what I’m going to do yet.” 

However, Furnaguera is certain about one thing. 

“My goal right now is to get a ring on my finger before I leave,” said Furnaguera, who was referring to an NJAC championship. “We all want to take it to the next level.”