Becomes First LPG Prospect in Company History to Sign Professionally

Austin Mettica, a member of the LPG Class of 2017, has become the first Luce Prospect to sign a professional baseball contract. The left-handed hitting catcher from the small town of Prosper, Texas has signed with the Florence Y’alls of the Frontier League. “I want to do what I can to make them better,” Mettica said. “Whether that is catching, behind the plate, or up at the plate.” While attending Prosper High School, Mettica dabbled in every sport but one. His tenacious attitude towards baseball, wanting to win, and contribute to his team were apparent from a young age.

Earlier this year Mettica attended the California Winter League, which is a month-long showcase league that offers free-agent baseball players the opportunity to play games in front of MLB scouts and managers. The CWL is hosted in Palm Springs, CA. Mettica says it was ideal for winter baseball. “The weather was phenomenal, and it was nice being able to be around such good competition.” Some players playing in the CWL have seen time in the Big Leagues, while others are looking to earn their first professional contract before Spring Training begins. It was during the CWL where Mettica signed his pro contract.

Mettica also has the same attitude towards his college recruiting experience with Luce Prospect Group and becoming the first Prospect to sign a professional contract since the company began in 2014. “I feel really blessed, and Jake helped me along the way to get where I’m at,” Mettica says. “I feel accomplished because of the opportunities I had with LPG. I knew I wanted to work with LPG when I first met Jake and saw his passion for baseball and helping athletes make it to the next level.” He says that his next big step is to play for “an MLB franchise at the next level.” Mettica may be from a small Texas town, but his athletic and life goals are certainly big.