Baseball Standout Justin Robarge to Play at the University of Hartford

The 2012 baseball season hasn’t started yet, but already standout Justin Robarge is looking to the future.

The 17-year-old Robarge has pitched just 20 innings at the varsity level, but his combination of skill and size attracted coaches at the University of Hartford and on Tuesday, Robarge officially signed his letter of intent to play for the Hawks.

“It was the last school I visited, but I liked the campus and I felt the coaching staff was committed to me and to the team’s success,” Robarge said. “I was debating whether or not to sign (before the season) but it takes the stress off and let’s me focus on the season ahead.”

The letter of intent marks the second straight season that a Blue Knights senior has signed on with a division 1 university. Earlier this year, Sal Romano had committed to the University of Tennessee before .

But unlike Romano, who had created some fanfare before signing, Robarge has had little opportunity to prove himself at the varsity level.

Blue Knights Head Coach Charlie Lembo, who coached Robarge at the junior varsity level since he joined as a freshman, said Tuesday that Robarge’s work ethic and raw talent have made him a commodity and his frame and weight training program this off-season helped draw attention to the 6 foot, six inch senior.

Robarge, who will study architecture and engineering at the University of Hartford, has played well in his limited time with the Blue Knights varsity club, but as a junior during the 2011 season, he took a backseat to and Joseph Sullivan and their excellent seasons.

“The limited innings last season had nothing to do with Justin,” Lembo said. “Sal and Joe were ahead of him in the rotation and they each had great seasons.”

Now it’s Robarge’s time to shine.

With a “plus fastball” and commitment made this offseason to continue developing a second and third pitch, Lembo said Robarge has all the tools to succeed in 2012 and beyond. He is already a leader, Lembo said, and as he continues to mature physically, he will only get better on the mound.

Mike and Melissa Robarge, Justin’s parents, said they have always enjoyed watching their son play and are confident that he will continue to find ways to succeed as he finishes up his high school career and moves on to bigger challenges.

Playing behind his brother Jonathan Robarge, 19, he has been holding a ball since they can remember. He started playing tee ball at age 5 and has played ever since, winning multiple championships at the district and state level.

“This day, it’s been very rewarding for us,” said Melissa Robarge. “Watching him play, you are always biased as a parent, but it always seemed to us that he was a level above those he was playing with. He’s always had the ability to rise to the occasion.”

Mike Robarge said he thinks back to a game his son played against Bridgeport a few years ago. Down early, Justin Robarge continued to battle and reduced his pitch count each inning on his way to a stellar game and a win.

“It’s been fun to see him grow. This is an exciting ne step for him,” Mike Robarge said.

Although his future is certain beyond 2012, Robarge said he is still focused on the season ahead and wants to contribute to the and hopefully avenge the loss to Newington in 2011.

“I still want to improve. There’s still a lot of work to be done,” Robarge said. “There’s always something left to prove. The only way to succeed in to realize that you will never reach a plateau if you continue to work at it.”