After returning to the Northeast Conference postseason a year ago, the Pioneers have gone from an ultra-experienced team including 17 seniors and graduate students to one with 16 incoming freshmen and transfers ahead of Egan’s second season at the helm in 2024.
Several newcomers and previous part-time players should jump into regular roles this season, especially with conference Player of the Year and Los Angeles Dodgers draftee Sam Mongelli exiting after hitting .402 with 20 homers, 54 RBI, 81 runs scored and 179 total bases as a senior.
“That (experience) was a blessing in disguise from when I walked in. Five or six guys played four or five years, so dealing with older kids that had been around the block made the transition (from Quinnipiac) easier,” said second-year Sacred Heart coach Pat Egan. “Obviously, we’re on the opposite side this year. It’s a completely new group.”
As Egan put it, even some of the team’s “experienced” players haven’t had a full chance to play in their careers yet, but a veteran presence does return with the likes of second-team All-NEC righty Jake Babuschak, fellow seniors Jack Kramer and Mike Boyian (Norwalk, Conn.), and junior relief ace Charlie Costello on the pitching staff.
