Spirit's Take: Here's what Northwestern transfer infielder Anthony Calarco brings to Ole Miss
On the heels of Ole Miss adding Ethan Groff to their reigning national champion roster, Northwestern infielder Anthony Calarco decided to get in on the action and announced he, too, would be transferring to play for Mike Bianco and Co.
The Wilmette, Ill., native played in 51 games in 2022, hitting a team-high 13 home runs and swinging it at a .325 clip. He also led the team with a 1.051 OPS, 48 runs scored, 34 walks, and 54 runs batted in, all career-highs for the former Big 10 prospect.
The 6-foot-3, 215 pounder played at New Trier High School in Illinois and was selected to the JWC All-Area First Team in 2018.
The All-Big 10 first baseman was a force for the Wildcats, slugging at a .619 clip and finishing his senior season with a 1.051 OPS. Like Groff, the Rebels have added another multi-faceted hitter to their roster. Calarco has big fly power to all fields and will do his damndest to fill the gigantic shoes left down first base line.
Calarco was mostly a right-handed pitcher and catcher out of high school. Here’s what Perfect Game thought of the newest Rebel four years ago:
Anthony Calarco is a 2018 C/RHP with a 6-0 160 lb. frame from Wilmette, IL who attends New Trier Township HS. Young slender athletic build, tall for his age, very projectable physically. Switch-hitter, similar approach from both sides, deep hand load with a long, loose swing, swings hard and creates some bat speed, has a bit more effort and head movement from the right side, calmer and smoother from the left at present, legit switch-hitter who projects power. Athletic actions behind the plate, has some quickness in his exchange, good arm strength with some carry. Also pitched, smooth delivery with a loose arm, 3/4’s arm slot, stays on line well. Fastball topped out at 77 mph, sweeping curveball with some depth, threw strikes and showed some feel for pitching. Very projectable young freshman who has a chance to be pretty good with normal development.
As mentioned above, Calarco should give the Rebels a ton of flexibility when it comes to righty/lefty matchups. Most expect Kemp Alderman to take on a leadership role next year as well as compete for time at first base. Calarco should be right there with him.
