O'Hoppe will likely choose to sign with the Phillies over his commitment to East Carolina. He was discovered by fellow Long Islander Sal Agostinelli, who is the Phillies' director of international scouting and was a minor-league catcher. Reaching the majors as a catcher without playing in college is a challenge. The Phillies have had just three home-grown catchers — Carlos Ruiz, Lou Marson, and Mike Lieberthal — in the last 18 years who did not go to college. O'Hoppe, who was touted for his defense along with his hitting, comes with a stamp of approval.