A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Riverview’s Eli DeVita

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, April 7, 2025 | 10:08 AM

It can be challenging to switch between the different positions on a baseball field.

Each spot has its own intricacies, and it can take players a while to adapt to a new position.

But for Riverview senior shortstop Eli DeVita, changing spots on the diamond was the only way he was going to start for the Raiders.

“I wanted to switch so I could get reps, get in the lineup, any way I could,” he said.

Playing mainly second and third base all his life, DeVita made the change to outfield when he was a freshman because the infield was solidified with plenty of upperclassmen.

He didn’t have to wait long before he was back on the infield dirt.

The next year, the Raiders lost a lot of those upperclassmen to graduation, and with the outfield depth chart filling up, DeVita took the initiative to make sure he nabbed one of those infield spots.

“He asked if he could get some reps at second base,” coach Bill Gras said. “He knew he wasn’t going to play, and he wanted to play right away. He moved into second base and hasn’t come out of the lineup since.”

Then, over the summer, DeVita’s summer team asked him to play shortstop, and he enjoyed playing the position. With Riverview’s starting shortstop having graduated last year, he again approached his coach about a switch.

“I told Coach Gras in the fall that I had started to play short,” DeVita said. “We didn’t have positions set in stone coming in because of how young we are. I got reps at short, and now I’m playing the position for only the second time ever, but I feel pretty comfortable there.”

With shortstop being one of the de facto captain spots of the infield, DeVita was able to develop his leadership skills.

“I lead not just by words but by actions,” DeVita said. “Obviously, I can’t force my teammates to listen to what I have to say, but I think I’ve gained their respect by being a good role model and doing the correct things.”

DeVita also found out quickly that being in the leadership role, he will have all eyes on him.

“It matures you really fast,” DeVita acknowledged. “It teaches you how to deal with problems and baseball relations. Like, if I struggle at the plate, I can’t respond in a negative way because it not only brings me down but it brings the whole team down. It changes your decision making and how you present yourself.”

Offensively, DeVita is the Raiders’ cleanup hitter and is hitting .583 with three doubles and four stolen bases as Riverview opened the season 4-0 and 2-0 in Section 3-2A. The Raiders hadn’t allowed a run until their first defeat, an 8-2 loss to Class 4A Highlands on March 27.

DeVita took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What were these first few games of the season like, with the team not allowing a run?

I had high hopes coming into the year, and I knew our pitching staff would be really good with Johnny Bertucci and Lukas Duncan being our top guys. It gives us a good feeling as hitters as well, knowing we only need to score three runs a game.

What part of your game are you looking to improve on this season?

I wanted to improve my fielding and my leadership. My hitting’s always been something I enjoy working on, and sometimes that takes away from the work on my fielding. Plus I knew I would have to improve with the position change, so I put in a lot of work in the offseason.

What are your goals for the season?

The first three years, we were knocked out of the second round in the WPIAL playoffs. I’ve always wanted to leave a mark at this school, and I think the best way to do that was to get a section championship for our baseball banner that hasn’t had one of those in a while, as well as a WPIAL championship.

Any hobbies?

I enjoy golfing in my free time. I played on the golf team this past season. I also picked up the guitar this summer, so I’ve been working on that when I get the chance. Running has also become a hobby. It’s just nice to go for a nice jog for a couple miles to clear my head.

You’re off to Point Park in the fall. What made them the right fit for you?

Playing college baseball has always been a dream of mine, and I had previous knowledge that they were a pretty good baseball school and there are a lot of opportunities around the city for academics and internships, so I thought it a great opportunity.

What do you plan on studying?

I’m going to major in sports management.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

Don’t let the game be more than a game. It’s a time you only get for so long, so you want to enjoy it, not sulk on the bad moments, which should be learning opportunities.

Tags: Riverview