Ever since he was in eighth grade, Brian Connolly has been measuring himself against college baseball players – specifically at Bowdoin College, where his father, Mike, is the head coach.
The Brunswick, Maine, native has seemingly surpassed that D3 measuring stick; the 5-foot-10, 180-pound shortstop is committed to play at Wake Forest University once he completes a prep year at Winchendon School.
Connolly represents quite the recruiting score for Winchendon coach John Toffey, who sold the Cheverus High (Maine) three-year starter on the quality of the prep school’s athletic facilities and the college-specific training regiment that has produced many successful D1 prospects. As his Wake Forest commitment suggests, Connolly is one of New England’s top prep prospects in the Class of 2024.
“Brian’s noticeable whenever he’s on the field,” said Ryan Copp, Connolly’s coach with the Maine Lightning showcase team. “He’s still on the incline. The first thing you notice is the fast-twitch reflexes. He’s hyper-explosive with the bat. His arm is well above average for a high school senior. His instincts stand out.”
