Division 3 insider: Top Little East Conference Players to Watch in 2021

UMass Dartmouth third baseman Mike Knell had three home runs in 10 games last season. (UMD Athletics)

New England’s Division 3 schools had the most baseball left to play when the 2020 season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic in March. Many teams played just a handful of games, some had their spring trips shortened or canceled, and a select few hadn’t played a game.

As the spring draws closer, we’re here to highlight some of the players to watch in each of the region’s conferences. These lists include key returnees, players who were off to hot starts or didn’t get to see the field in 2020, and standouts from the summer action that did take place. Last week, we started with the top NESCAC players to watch in 2021.

Our latest D3 watch list shines light on the Little East Conference, which is led by powerhouse UMass Boston and Southern Maine programs that contend annually for championships and NCAA tournament berths. Rhode Island College and UMass Dartmouth are both in the midst of strong runs that have added further depth to the conference as well.

We’ll hope to see these returning players and many more back on the field in 2021.