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 high school, he was ranked the No. 1 baseball player in the country for the Class of 2023 by Perfect … [Read more...]
The Choice: Keane caps whirlwind journey with decision on future
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 Prep. Survivor’s seminal 1980s Rocky-inspired anthem, “Eye of the Tiger,” begins to blare over the speakers of Trinity … [Read more...]
Q&A with new Bryant head coach Ryan Klosterman
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, Conn., more than a decade ago that ultimately would bring Klosterman back to New England as the new head coach at Bryant … [Read more...]
MLB NinE: Memorable debut for Isan Diaz — and his dad
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 fulfill his father's dream and make his major-league debut. “It’ll mean a lot. It will be a tremendous moment for both of … [Read more...]
‘It’s crazy’: Keegan, Hajjar reflect on unlikely College World Series reunion
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 the opposing dugout during batting practice of the first game of the championship series: “What are you … [Read more...]
MLB NinE: New England’s All-Time All-Star Team
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 American League, the lone New Englander active for the game. This is Springer’s third All-Star … [Read more...]
Springfield’s Isan Diaz charges toward dream debut in bigs
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 own father. “He had this vision that he says he always saw of success, (even the) big leagues,” Diaz recently told New … [Read more...]
Mass. native Chris Lanzilli armed for College Home Run Derby
Countless 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 amazing to do this in an actual … [Read more...]
BC honors Pete Frates, who inspires Eagles to reach new heights
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 fought against the past seven years — now will have a lasting legacy on the campus he and his family call … [Read more...]
Bryant coach Steve Owens departs for Rutgers
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 named head coach at Rutgers University. Owens — whom New England Baseball Journal named one of the Most Influential … [Read more...]
MLB NinE: Aaron Civale’s dominant debut vs. Detroit
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 forget, especially family members who traveled to Cleveland from Hawaii, Oklahoma and, of course, New England. The East … [Read more...]
BC’s Mason Pelio shrugs off expectations after USA Baseball invitation
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 them. Instead, the rising sophomore is trying to remain focused on his own game and on enjoying the moment — no matter how big or … [Read more...]
