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Head Coach: Paul “Bo” Aiello
Entering in to his 26th year as the Pirates Baseball Head Coach, Bo has compiled a record of 604- 428, with a winning percentage of .585. Coach Aiello took over the program in 1982, after serving as an assistant for 3 years under the Hall of Fame Junior College baseball coach Jerry Streeter. Bo attended Grace Davis High School in Modesto and Modesto Junior College before transferring to University of Oregon. Coach Aiello has built the program into one of the elite Community Colleges baseball programs in the state. MJC continuously participates in the state Community College playoffs. In the 26 years of coaching, coach Aiello has sent numerous student-athletes onto 4-year institutions, as well as the professional level. Formers players to reach the “show” are Raymond Lankford, Shawn Boskie, Keith Luuloa, and most recent Eric Threets of the San Francisco Giants.

Modesto Junior College has moved from the Central Valley Conference to the Big 8 starting in the 2008. MJC is looking to compete for the conference title and make a run for the fi nal four. Coach Aiello and the Pirates staff have high hopes for this coming season.

Paul Aiello
Phone: (209)575-6274
Fax: (209)575-6145
E-mail: aiellop@mjc.edu

Assistant Coaches: Zeb Brayton, Joe Costa, Chris Rodriguez

"2008 Pirate Outlook"

“2008 Pirate Outlook” The 2008 Pirates have a big act to follow. The Pirates have made the state playoffs 13 out of the last fourteen years. However, now the Pirates move from the CVC to the Big 8 conference making the task this year a greater challenge. The Pirates are up for the task with key returning players and some very talented first year players. The strength of the team lies with the starting pitching and the strong outfield play. Also the Pirates have three returning all-conference players that give the Pirates a solid foundation. Last season the Pirates made the state playoffs and traveled to Sierra College in Rocklin, CA for a three game series. In a very exciting first game the Pirates came out on top 3-2, however the next day in a wild battle where the lead changed hands four times Pirates fell short in the bottom of the ninth and lost 14-12 leaving two runners in scoring position. Then in the deciding third game, Sierra outlasted the Pirates to advance to the super regional tournament.

After a sophomore dominated team last season, the Pirates had to restock the roster with some very talented freshmen. With some great additions to the infield and outfield the Pirates have a chance to challenge for the Big 8 title. How far the Pirates go will depend upon the strength and depth of their pitching staff. This year’s Pirates should be a very exciting offensive group with a very good combination speed and power. The pitching staff can become one of the best in Pirate history. Based on their performance during the fall games this staff has improved daily. The coaching staff is very anxious to begin the 2008 season, making a legitimate run at the Big 8 title and reaching the final four.

Zeb Brayton
Zeb is entering 4th season as an assistant coach at Modesto Junior College. He
works as the hitting instructor and third base coach. Zeb coached at Johansen
High School as a varsity assistant for two years prior to joining the MJC staff. He
played college baseball at San Jose State University, Delta Community College,
and CSU Stanislaus. Received Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education with
a concentration in Health from CSU Stanislaus, and earned a Master’s Degree
in Education, with a concentration in Cross-Cultural Teaching from National
University. Zeb will be getting married this summer to his fiancée, Bethany
Davis.

Joey Costa
Joey is entering his fifth season as an assistant coach at Modesto Junior College,
working as the pitching coach. During his Tenure, his pitching staff has
consistently progressed towards becoming one of the top pitching programs in
the state. Originally from Squaw Valley, he played college baseball at Reedley
College and CSU Stanislaus. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical
Education from CSU Stanislaus.

Chris Rodriguez
A former Modesto Junior College catcher, Chris is returning for his third season
as an assistant coach for the Pirates. Chris spent two seasons as the starting
catcher in 1995-1996 under Coach Aiello. After the two seasons at Modesto
Junior College, Chris was drafted by the Colorado Rockies and signed after the
1996 season. While playing with Colorado, Chris learned from former Major
Leaguers like Clint Hurdle and Jim Eppard. Chris received his Associates-
Degree from Modesto Junior College and Bachelors degree from CSU Stanislaus
in Physical Education and Health, and is currently enrolled at United Sports
Academy to receive his Masters degree in Sports Coaching.