Waterloo, IA – The Waterloo Bucks have announced the signing of outfielder Peter Leonello to their roster for the 2012 season. Leonello (pronounced lee-oh-NELL-oh), a sophomore at Long Island University-Brooklyn, is the 10th player to be named to Waterloo’s roster for the team’s 18th season.
 
Last year, Leonello hit .328 with 21 RBI in 50 games at LIU. The Commack, New York native started 49 games for the Blackbirds finishing with a .439 slugging percentage, a .425 on-base percentage, and 19 stolen bases. Leonello was named the Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week on two occasions and tallied 18 multi-game hits.

"Leonello is another product from Long Island University, which has been good to us in the last few years with Drew Walsh and James Jones," said Waterloo field manager Travis Kiewiet. "Pete had an outstanding freshman campaign at the plate and will be a player that we’ll count on to be a table-setter for us. His ability to put the ball in play, being a left-handed hitter, and having good speed will all help Pete be successful in our league."

Last summer, the 5’10", 170-pounder played for the Long Island Collegians of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League where he hit .253 in 27 games. Leonello finished the summer with six RBI and 10 stolen bases in 95 at bats.

Born May 3, 1992, Leonello attended Commack High School where he was named All-County in 2009 and 2010. Peter is the son of Bill and Dianne Leonello.