You could say Niagara County Community College baseball coach Matt Clingersmith has scouted Andrew DeWitt since little league.

On Saturday, the effort finally paid off. DeWitt, a Niagara Falls senior, was one of 10 players who signed a National Letter of Intent to play for Clingersmith’s Thunderwolves next year.

“It’s always been my dream to play after high school,” DeWitt said. “To get the chance to play at NCCC is great. Coach Clingersmith has brought the program a long way over the last few years.”

Clingersmith, a Falls native and Niagara Catholic graduate, has known the Cataract City lefty for years.

“I actually started coaching LaSalle Little League when I was 12, that was the first time I ran into Andrew DeWitt,” Clingersmith said.

Clingersmith went on to play ball at Canisius College. He said whenever he helped out at a clinic or camp, he’d see DeWitt working on his game.

“Every time I ran a camp,” he said. “Whether it was in Lewiston at Washuta Park, Hyde Park, wherever; Andrew DeWitt was always there. I’ve known him and watched him grow. I would see him all the time.”

DeWitt said he works in the winter months with an assistant on the NCCC staff and knows Clingersmith well.

“We’ve always been in touch and always worked together,” DeWitt said. “I’ve always wanted to go there just because it was close to home. It was a really good fit for me there. By the end of the summer I was kind of set.”

Clingersmith said he likes the speed on DeWitt’s developing fastball, as well as his work ethic. Calling the senior a “gym rat,” he said there’s plenty of potential in the local left-handed hurler.

“Lefties are dying in baseball in general and I think we have a pretty good one in our backyard, which makes me excited,” Clingersmith said. “I think he’s one of the top lefties in the area out of high school.”

Niagara Falls baseball coach Joe Contento thinks the Thunderwolves are a perfect match for his southpaw.

“It’s fantastic for him,” Contento said. “I think it’s a perfect fit. Matt does such a nice job, especially with his pitchers. It will be a great experience for Andrew.”