Podcast: Putnam Science Academy’s Bob Hetu on team-building

Putnam Science Academy coach Bob Hetu talked about recruiting international players on The Base Path Podcast. (PSA Athletics)

The latest guest on The Base Path Podcast has quickly turned Putnam Science Academy into one of the top prep programs in Connecticut.

Bob Hetu restarted a dormant baseball program at Putnam Science Academy last spring, recruiting players from all over the world en route to a 13-9 record. Hetu previously led a similar rebuilding effort during a three-year stint (2019-2021) with St. Thomas More before the school cut its baseball program.

Hetu made sure to fill the PSA schedule with difficult opponents in 2023, and he has done the same for 2024.

“The programs are loaded,” said Bob Hetu to host Dan Guttenplan. “You mentioned Austin Prep, Winchendon, and Salisbury School. Throw in a bunch of other powerhouses like Avon Old Farms. It’s just fantastic programs, schools, opportunities for kids, and the rosters are so deep.

“We had success because our pitchers threw strikes. We made routine plays, and then we hit the ball really well. We found ourselves winning some of those games and being competitive and still building great relationships with these schools that play us. I love going to their facilities, being on their fields, and playing against that competition. Our guys just rolled out of the bus and kept it simple. Hopefully, they played the game the way it’s supposed to be played.”

The Mustangs’ 2023 roster consisted of 17 players, 10 of whom hailed from other countries including the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama, and China. Hetu says players from those countries, especially ones from the Dominican Republic, have kids being drafted as early as 16 years old. Major League Baseball has pumped a lot of money into baseball academies in other countries so that they can develop these kids at an early age.

“I think when Major League Baseball eliminated 51 teams at the minor league level across the country, it certainly limited the rounds in the draft,” Hetu said. “So, the international players are eligible for the draft at 16 years old, and when they’re not drafted, they seem to think their academic and baseball careers have ended.

“I have a lot of relationships and contacts at the international academies, and now they have an an affordable option as a family to send a player to the United States so that they can work on their academics and then have an opportunity to continue as student-athletes and play at the college level.”

Listen to the podcast with Bob Hetu.

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