Thomas White (Rowley, Mass.) is the No. 1 prospect in the nation in the Class of 2023. (Courtesy photo)Two days before checking into his dorm room for the first time at Phillips Andover, Thomas White was pitching on national television. Two days after reporting for the start of his freshman year of … [Read more...]
The Choice: Keane caps whirlwind journey with decision on future
North Andover's Sebastian Keane pitches in the Super 8 — hours after being drafted. (Dave Arnold/New England Baseball Journal)Tuesday, June 18 — 8:52 p.m. It’s the middle of the seventh inning of the Massachusetts Super 8 championship game. North Andover is protecting a slim 2-0 lead over St. John’s … [Read more...]
Q&A with new Bryant head coach Ryan Klosterman
Ryan Klosterman takes over as head coach at Bryant after eight years as assistant at Central Florida. (D. Bradley Helton/UCFAA)During an eight-year minor-league career, Ryan Klosterman played parts of three seasons with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats. But it was a road trip to Norwich, … [Read more...]
MLB NinE: Memorable debut for Isan Diaz — and his dad
Isan Diaz (Springfield, Mass.) crosses the plate after homering in his MLB debut. (Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)A month ago, a determined and focused Isan Diaz allowed himself a glimpse to the future. The Springfield, Mass., native told New England Baseball Journal what it would mean to … [Read more...]
‘It’s crazy’: Keegan, Hajjar reflect on unlikely College World Series reunion
Dom Keegan (center, Methuen, Mass.) won the College World Series as a freshman at Vanderbilt. (Don Feria)The craziest thing about Dom Keegan winning the College World Series as a freshman at Vanderbilt probably wasn’t the national title itself. Instead, it was a familiar voice yelling at him from … [Read more...]
MLB NinE: New England’s All-Time All-Star Team
George Springer reacts to his 10th-inning home run in the 2018 All-Star Game. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)George Springer will represent all of New England tonight at the MLB All-Star Game in Cleveland. The New Britain, Conn., native and product of both Avon Old Farms and UConn is leading off for the … [Read more...]
Springfield’s Isan Diaz charges toward dream debut in bigs
Isan Diaz (Springfield, Mass.) is en route to a pair of high-profile All-Star events in the coming week. (Parker Waters)Growing up in Springfield, Mass., even as one of the top players for his age, Isan Diaz didn’t always believe he had what it took to be a major-leaguer. He didn’t even believe his … [Read more...]
Mass. native Chris Lanzilli armed for College Home Run Derby
Chris Lanzilli of Wake ForestCountless times over the years, Cam Lanzilli would throw batting practice to his younger brother, Chris, while growing up in Stoneham, Mass. Cam, a lefty pitcher, would pitch to Chris, a righty hitter — over and over. And the routine hatched a dream: Wouldn’t it be … [Read more...]
BC honors Pete Frates, who inspires Eagles to reach new heights
Pete Frates (center) surrounded by family, BC coach Mike Gambino and AD Martin Jarmond. (Eric Beato/NEBJ)Pete Frates’ inspiration and influence know no bounds. The former Boston College baseball captain who inspired the Ice Bucket Challenge in his quest to strike out ALS — the disease that he has … [Read more...]
Bryant coach Steve Owens departs for Rutgers
After nine seasons and 327 victories, Bryant head coach Steve Owens is departing for Rutgers. (Cynthia Ramirez Herrick)Bryant University — a prime Division 1 destination for many of New England’s top players — is beginning a national search for a new baseball leader after head coach Steve Owens was … [Read more...]
MLB NinE: Aaron Civale’s dominant debut vs. Detroit
Aaron Civale (East Windsor, Conn./Northeastern) collects congrats during his major-league debut. (Jason Miller/Getty Images)Every player's MLB debut is memorable, but not every debut is truly unforgettable. Aaron Civale's first major-league appearance June 22 with the Indians is one nobody will soon … [Read more...]
BC’s Mason Pelio shrugs off expectations after USA Baseball invitation
Boston College's Mason Pelio went 4-3 with a 3.62 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 72 innings as a freshman. (Andy Mead/BC Athletics)Expectations continue to build for Boston College pitcher Mason Pelio. But the New Hampshire-born, Southern California-raised right-hander isn’t buying in to any of … [Read more...]
