ECU Lands Saint Joseph’s Friday Starter Frank Ciccone

East Carolina has added another veteran arm to its 2026 rotation, securing a commitment from Frank Ciccone, a weekend starter from Saint Joseph’s. The right-hander spent the 2025 season as the Hawks’ Friday night ace, logging a career-high workload in the Atlantic 10 and showcasing durability across the entire year.

Ciccone made 14 starts, going 5-5 with a 4.70 ERA across 74.2 innings. He struck out 69 batters, walked 35, and allowed 74 hits, emerging as one of the most dependable arms in the Saint Joseph’s rotation. He pitched at least into the sixth inning in seven of his 14 outings, giving his team consistent length and a chance to win on most weekends.

The New Jersey native enters his final year of eligibility and considered multiple programs before committing to ECU. He also received interest from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and Virginia Tech, but ultimately decided to close his college career in Greenville.

Ciccone brings a deep pitch arsenal, highlighted by a four-seam fastball in the 91–93 mph range, with the ability to touch 96. He also mixes in a two-seamer/sinker at 89–92, a changeup, slider, and curveball, giving him the tools to navigate lineups multiple times through the order.

His addition provides the Pirates with another starting-caliber arm as the staff continues to retool following the departures of several key contributors. With ECU already securing relievers like Joseph Webb, Thomas Paxton, and Gavin Marley through the portal, Ciccone adds both experience and versatility as a potential top-three rotation piece for 2026.