Babson staked a claim to national contention in 2020, winning two of three agains a Top 5 team. Expect the same for 2021. Babson athletics photo

by Joshua Kummins
for D3baseball.com

March 16, 2020 was the last day of a Division 3 baseball season that nobody will soon forget. 

Two New England programs -- Nichols and Keene State -- met on that day in what turned out to be one of the nation’s last two games during a spring cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few teams in the region never got one chance to take the field.

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There are still many questions about what this 2021 season will look like in New England nearly a year later. Like every year, hope springs eternal. Three teams have taken familiar positions within the D3baseball.com/NCBWA Top 25. Baseball has already been played by a few schools in the region and will continue to, but spring has sprung in a much slower fashion than usual. 

As the month of March moves along, we’ll hope to see more clarity across the region’s conferences -- and then more teams taking the field.

New Faces

Louie Bernardini is starting his second head coaching job after being the head coach at Daniel Webster when the College closed its doors. Rivier athletics photo

Louie Bernardini, Rivier: Bernardini takes over the Raiders from Anthony Perry, who left Rivier after nine years to become the associate athletic director at Boston’s Fisher College. Before moving to Rivier, Bernardini was Daniel Webster’s final head coach in 2017 before the college closed its doors. The Maine native helped Wheaton to four 30-win seasons and three straight NEWMAC championships as a player.

Brian Casey, Coast Guard: Casey returns to New England following eight seasons as the associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Division 1 William & Mary. Two of his Tribe teams made NCAA tournament appearances. He graduated from Tufts as an All-New England player in 2007 and then began his coaching career there for five years. His father, John is in his 39th season as the head coach at Tufts where his brother Brendan is an assistant. Brian's other brother Kevin is the head coach at Johnson & Wales.

Kevin Kelley, Roger Williams: A Suffolk graduate, Kelley has spent his entire career in the Division 3 ranks as he takes his second head coaching job following a two-year stint at Rutgers-Newark. He was both an assistant and associate head coach at UMass Boston for nine years, contributing to three Little East championship teams and two College World Series appearances for the Beacons.

Tom White, Colby-Sawyer: A Colby-Sawyer Hall of Famer for his playing career in baseball and soccer, White spent the last two seasons as the Chargers’ top assistant and takes over for the retiring Jim Broughton who had led the program since its inception in 1995. The Lisbon, N.H., native returned to New London to coach alongside Broughton following a five-year run as Northern Vermont-Lyndon’s head coach.

Conference Previews

(Team records from 2020 and statistics from 2019 in parentheses, unless otherwise noted)

Commonwealth Coast Conference: Defending its third conference title in a four-year span, Salve Regina (4-0-1) was off to another great start in 2020. The Seahawks enter the new season with an excellent duo of returning pitchers in graduate left-hander Patrick Maybach (5-2, 2.59 ERA, 67 K) and senior Michael Mathews (5-3, 3.64 ERA, 84 K). The likes of fifth-year and three-time All-CCC catcher/outfielder Dylan Ketch (.387, 43 R, 31 RBI, 11 SB; 2020: .368, 6 R, 7 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI), senior middle infielders Madden Ward (.290, 38 R, 24 RBI; 2020: .400, 9 R, 6 H, 2 RBI) and Anthony Cieszko (.291, 21 R, 31 RBI; 2020: .417, 5 H, 3 R, 2 RBI), and junior designated hitter Sean O’Malley (.296, 20 R, 31 RBI) make up a great core of returning position players. A pair of key relievers, senior Andrew Roman (0-0, 2.19 ERA, 1 SV, 13 K) and junior Holden Ferrari (1-0, 5.56 ERA, 7 K) both enjoyed strong summers in the Futures Collegiate League.

Kyle Bouchard did not take last summer off, making a name for himself in the Futures League. Nichols athletics photo

The region’s last team to wrap up 2020 was Nichols (8-2). Returning for his fifth year with the Bison is first baseman Kyle Bouchard (.315, 27 R, 29 RBI), this summer’s Futures League Championship Series MVP for the Nashua Silver Knights who enters the spring needing 43 hits and 23 games played to break Nichols records. Third baseman Christian Naccari (.305, 37 R, 41 RBI; 2020: .372, 12 R, 9 RBI) and second baseman Nate Cormier (.294, 24 R, 23 RBI, 17 SB; 2020: .359, 8 R, 10 RBI) were also 2019 All-CCC infielders. Sophomore outfielder Will Kleinhenz (2020: .364, 12 R, 9 RBI) and junior DJ Caron (.283, 26 R, 18 RBI; 2020: .478, 13 R, 12 RBI), both began 2020 on high notes. Two-time All-NESCAC catcher Jack Arend (.356, 24 R, 21 RBI at Bates) will start as a grad transfer. Bouchard’s classmate Jack Dicenso (2020: 2-0, 3.44 ERA, 20 K) tops the pitching rotation, while senior Robert Cobb (5-2, 3.10 ERA, 22 K) and 2019 CCC Rookie of the Year Brendan Duffy (3-2, 2.73 ERA, 43 K) are key relievers.

Looking to continue building under a new skipper, Roger Williams (5-4) has key pieces returning from the club that played Salve for the most recent conference title. Senior Connor Hewlette (7-1, 2.19 ERA, 38 K) was the 2019 CCC Pitcher of the Year and joins fifth-year, former All-CCC Third Team southpaw Justin Garcia (3-0, 3.81 ERA, 46 K) in leading the pitching staff. Two more key grad students are second baseman Danny Roth (.364, 39 R, 10 HR, 30 RBI) and infielder/outfielder Joey Gulino (.268, 30 R, 14 RBI, 12 SB; 2020: .342, 5 R, 2 HR, 7 RBI). Western New England (3-4) was the first-place team during the 2019 regular season and has former All-CCC righty Kevin Hummer (4-2, 3.46 ERA, 35 K) back for his senior year. Outfielder Vincent Caccavale recorded 10 of the team’s 30 RBI as a freshman in 2020.

Suffold is moving to the CCC after dominating the GNAC for the last decade. Suffolk athletics photo

Suffolk (5-6) joins the CCC after winning seven regular-season and eight tournament titles in the GNAC since 2000. All-GNAC First Team outfielder Tim Brigham (.393, 20 R, 22 2B, 42 RBI) and first baseman Blase Cormier (.340, 32 R, 30 RBI) are two key pieces in the middle of the Rams’ lineup, while shortstop Rich Gilbride (.294, 36 R, 24 RBI, 14 SB) was a 2019 All-GNAC Second Team performer. Senior Parker Browne (3-1, 2.51 ERA, 25 K) and junior Steven Rossi (6-1, 3.25, 30 K) are back on the mound. Endicott (4-5) saw senior first baseman/outfielder Kyle Brennan (.290, 29 R, 26 RBI; 2020: .313, 8 R, 2 HR, 9 RBI) and shortstop Matt McKinley (2020: .370, 9 R, 3 RBI) start last season strong. Second baseman Christian Allaire (.238, 24 R, 23 RBI, 17 SB) was a 2019 All-CCC Second Team pick as a freshman for the Gulls. 

The bottom three teams in the league from 2019 all played well before the pandemic halted play last year. The All-CCC Third Team utility man two years ago, Mike Oley (.250, 6 R, 7 RBI; 1-1, 7.42 ERA, 7 K) is one of Gordon’s (8-5) key pieces on both sides of the ball. Third baseman Shane Demers (2020: .364, 11 R, 5 RBI) was one of the Fighting Scots’ offensive catalysts last spring as a freshman. Senior pitcher Joe Pedulla (2020: 0-2, 2.37 ERA, 17 K) was the 2018 CCC Rookie of the Year. Curry (7-2) first baseman Jason Leonard (.279, 19 R, 25 RBI; 2020: .516, 8 R, 7 2B, 2 HR, 14 RBI) was the CCC’s top run producer a year ago. Wentworth (6-4) returns 2019 All-CCC Third Team shortstop Aidan French (.330, 25 R, 2 HR, 14 RBI; 2020: .382, 8 R, 3 RBI).

FAVORITE: Salve Regina

Great Northeast Athletic Conference: The departure of Suffolk makes room for Saint Joseph’s (Maine) (4-7) to continue establishing itself atop this conference, having already won seven of the last 12 championships. The Monks are excited about their mix of veterans and young talent and will have a 2019 All-GNAC First Teamer in junior Matt Bergeron (7-3, 2.53 ERA, 34 K), classmate Matt Poff (2020: 1.80 ERA, 15 IP, 1 BB) and top senior reliever Jon Marchia (3-2, 3.00 ERA, 6 SV, 40 K) leading the way for a strong pitching staff. Setting the tone at the top and middle of the batting order will be outfielder Hunter Richardson (.306, 42 R, 27 RBI) and infielder Drew Healey (.341, 28 R, 24 RBI), who earned All-GNAC Second and Third Team honors, respectively, as key contributors to the 2019 title-winning squad.

Anna Maria (8-3) continued its positive trajectory as the conference’s winningest team in 2020 and now looks to compete for its first championship. The AMCATS boast several 2019 All-GNAC honorees, including hard-throwing Pitcher of the Year Jack Marzec (4-3, 3.39 ERA, 72 K; 2020: 3-1, 2.25 ERA, 28 K). Key players in the positional lineup are 2019 Rookie of the Year and Marzec’s fellow First Team selection Kosta Drosidis (.363, 28 R, 37 RBI; 2020: .409, 13 R, 13 RBI) at shortstop, Second Team utility player Adam Twitchell (.308, 20 R, 21 RBI; 2-5, 4.76 ERA, 25 K) in the outfield, and Third Team and All-Defensive Team catcher Greg Gehring (.247, 8 R, 16 RBI). Junior outfielder/first baseman Jarrod Marifiote (2020: .520, 5 R, 9 RBI) was the team’s leading hitter in 2020.

J&W had a 3-1 edge on their opponents in stolen bases but was caught at the same rate. Johnston and Wales athletics photo

The 2019 playoff race saw St. Joe’s edge past Johnson & Wales (3-3-1) in an extra-innings title game. The Wildcats will benefit from the services of All-New England backstop Colby Greenhalgh (.397, 51 R, 31 RBI) for another year, while outfielder Armani Henderson (.273, 23 R, 27 RBI) and infielder Joe Maracic (.358, 32 R, 32 RBI) look to build off of their respective All-GNAC Second and Third Team honors from the last complete season. Albertus Magnus (6-4) keeps two of its best players around the infield in senior Matt Warren (.303, 27 R, 43 RBI) and Elijah Spataj (.349, 17 R, 41 RBI), the latter whose All-GNAC Third Team selection came as a freshman in 2019. 

Greenhalgh isn’t the only top catcher returning to the league for a fifth year as Lasell (2-3) has Joe Sullivan (.354, 21 R, 29 RBI) back. Senior infielders Wyatt Sihvonen (2020: .462, 10 R, 4 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 10 RBI), Harrison Silva (2020: .471, 5 R, 2 2B, 1 3B, 3 RBI) and two-way player Sean Doris (2020: .389, 6 R, 1 HR, 6 RBI; 1 SV) are other veterans. Norwich (6-6) received great contributions from outfielder Koby Foster (.382, 5 R, 12 RBI) and middle infielder Jacob Parizo (.364, 7 R, 10 RBI) as juniors during the shortened season. Colby-Sawyer (3-8) and Rivier (2-8) enter 2021 with new coaches. Rivier senior outfielder Fred Kazalski (.324, 24 R, 30 RBI) looks to build upon his 2019 All-GNAC Third Team honor and a .333 start to last spring.

The GNAC welcomes new member Dean (3-6) to replace the departed Suffolk squad. The Bulldogs are a senior-heavy team with 2019 All-NECC Second Team outfielder Brian Hadden (.412, 28 R, 23 RBI) and catcher/first baseman Jeff Sharnick (.373, 15 R, 30 RBI) among the returnees.

FAVORITE: Saint Joseph (Maine)

Little East Conference: The first of two Little East representatives inside the national rankings at the end of the shortened 2020 season played just one game, but Southern Maine (0-1) will look to run it back with its entire roster returning. Leading the way is still-reigning New England Pitcher of the Year Ben Lambert, the region’s lone 10-game winner (10-1, 1.38 ERA, 67 K) during the last full campaign. The Huskies also return two All-Conference infielders in shortstop Andrew Olszak (.337, 43 R, 24 RBI) and first baseman Andrew Hillier (.394, 40 R, 40 RBI), while Sam Troiano (.310, 46 R, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 10 SB) and Dylan Hapworth (.303, 30 R, 33 RBI) will be key contributors in the outfield once again. Following Lambert in the stellar rotation are classmate Gage Feeney (7-2, 3.59 ERA, 35 K) and juniors Josh Joy (5-1, 3.60 ERA, 27 K) and James Sinclair (4-0, 3.38 ERA, 27 K). Last year’s freshman class is one of the best in Ed Flaherty’s 34-year coaching career, including infielders Janek Luksza, Lucas Francis and outfielder Donato Tocci.

The three-time defending conference champions from UMass Boston (3-1) return 15 combined wins from 2019 between Tylor Arruda (8-2, 2.78 ERA, 54 K) and Dylan Fashempour (8-2, 2.78 ERA, 54 K) at the top of the rotation. The Beacons are fairly young on the position player side, but junior catcher Nico Kydes (.220, 21 R, 7 2B, 1 HR, 23 RBI) and second baseman Ryan Leung (.250, 15 R, 7 RBI) have both played for the Beacons in multiple seasons. Several recent Division 1 transfers have helped UMass fill out its roster as outfielder Steve Brookwell (Villanova) joined last year and outfielder Ben Irvine (Maryland) and catcher/designated hitter Craig Corliss (Siena) are newcomers for 2021. First baseman Michael Comeau (.500, 7 R, 7 H, 4 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI) is a senior looking to impact the lineup for the first time.

UMass Dartmouth (9-1) returns a key power threat in third baseman Mike Knell (.356, 43 R, 12 HR, 38 RBI), whose three homers last spring ran his New England-leading career total to 25, as well as shortstop JR DiSarcina (2020: .386, 12 R, 9 RBI). Tucker Hetherman (2020: 2-0, 0.64 ERA, 14 K) tops the pitching staff for a team that was off to its best start in a quarter-century. After matching a program’s record win total with 26 in 2019, Rhode Island College (7-1) was another one of New England’s hottest teams when 2020 came to an end and now returns former All-New England second baseman Nate Vigeant (.374, 47 R, 28 RBI) to the heart of an incredibly deep lineup. First baseman John Willette (2020: .348, 12 R, 4 HR, 8 RBI) hit all but one of the Anchormen’s home runs in 2020 as one of several promising transfers in recent years, coming from the University of Rhode Island and New England College. 

Eastern Connecticut State (4-1) welcomes back two 2019 All-LEC Second Team performers in New England Rookie of the Year-winning catcher Matt Malcom (.360, 43 R, 20 RBI) and outfielder Luke Broadhurst (.319, 27 R, 26 RBI). Though newcomers will contribute in key roles, Plymouth State (7-5) has plenty of experience on its 2021 roster. Second baseman Drew Metzdorf (2020: .425, 5 2B, 1 3B, 16 RBI) began last season hot after transferring from Division 1 UMass and remains alongside senior James Salta (2020: .370, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI) on the infield. RPI transfer Eric Zecha is expected to be the Panthers’ ace, joining sophomore Richie Marique (2020: 2-0, 0.75 ERA, 19 K) and juniors Noah Wachter (2020: 0-1, 5.02 ERA, 14 K) and Derek Walker (2020: 0-1, 4.32 ERA, 13 K) in the starting rotation.

Keene State was the last team to swing a bat in 2020 as they played in what proved to be the final game of the aborted 2020 season. Keene State athletics photo

Keene State (1-9), Castleton (7-4) and Western Connecticut (0-0) round out the conference. Outfielder Evan Keegan (2020: .432, 13 R, 6 RBI), second baseman Reece DeCastro (2020: .290, 6 R, 1 HR, 8 RBI) and ace Max Olmsted (2020: 2-0, 1.08 ERA, 12 K) will all be leaders for a youthful Castleton squad after strong starts to 2020. Third baseman Jake Babon (.281, 16 R, 5 2B, 9 RBI), shortstop Logan Terry (.292, 29 R, 7 2B, 13 RBI), outfielder Mo Echevarria (.239, 14 R, 20 RBI) are Colonials seniors.

FAVORITE: Southern Maine

Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference: Still defending its fifth-ever conference championship from 2019, Westfield State (1-5) returns a strong nucleus that includes grad students and former All-MASCAC infielders Casey Boudreau (.345, 26 R, 21 RBI), Brett Dooley (.259, 24 R, 21 RBI), and speedy senior outfielder Nick Martin (.331, 33 R, 20 RBI, 17 SB; 2020: .455, 6 R, 10 H, 5 2B, 2 RBI). Catcher Bryant Dana (2020: .300, 1 R, 3 H, 5 RBI), first baseman Sean Moorhouse (2020: .389, 4 R, 7 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI) and outfielder Steve Saucier (2020: .474, 4 R, 9 H, 2 2B, 2 RBI) are all expected to play starting roles as seniors. Seniors Shane Bogli (8-3, 2.83 ERA, 45 K) and Patrick Jordan (2-3, 4.97 ERA, 12 K) are the top two pitchers for the Owls.

After finishing just shy of Westfield at the top of the 2019 standings, Fitchburg State (3-6) saw more action last spring than any other MASCAC team. Senior Nicholas Cordeau (.381, 46 R, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 19 SB) returns to the Falcons as one of the region’s top outfielders, while two other conference performers will be by his side in the lineup in fellow outfielder Brendan Ferrell (.320, 30 R, 19 RBI, 11 SB) and junior designated hitter Vincent Eramo (.325, 28 R, 34 RBI). Framingham State (2-2) has second baseman Robert Higgins (.270, 25 R, 22 RBI) back in the leadoff spot and Josh Jezouit (0-1, 1.74 ERA, 11 K) atop the pitching rotation.

Worcester State (1-1) is hungry to return to the field after playing just twice last year. Leading the way offensively is senior first baseman Jake Breton (.364, 22 R, 18 RBI), who was the 2019 All-MASCAC First Team utility player. The Lancers have senior Pat Galvin (.271, 7 R, 8 RBI) and junior Sean Devin (.333, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI) back in the outfield and Mike Chaves Jr. (.220, 15 R, 9 RBI) behind the plate, while the pitching staff is filled with seniors like Sean Mahan (2-4, 3.18 ERA, 27 K), Kyle Gray (6-3, 4.42 ERA, 20 K) and Chris Elliott (3-0, 6.44 ERA, 16 K).

No player in all of college baseball had a higher batting average than Salem State (1-3) first baseman first baseman Traverse Briana (.528, 31 R, 22 RBI, 12 SB) during the last full season of play. Briana will be back to lead the Vikings’ lineup in 2021. The Bridgewater State (1-7) lineup is shaping up to be very young with a plethora of freshmen, but seniors David Kerns (3-1, 2.66 ERA, 18 K) and Matt Josselyn (2-4, 5.51 ERA, 30 K) will top the pitching rotation. 

Mass Maritime hopes to carry the momentum it gained entering last season into a new spring. Mass-Maritime athletics photo

Mass Maritime (2-2) hopes to carry the momentum it gained entering last season into a new spring. Though the Buccaneers were a young team, they have unquestioned leaders like seniors John Teehan (3-4, 4.27 ERA, 60 K) and Mason Ashburn (3-6, 7.29 ERA, 57 K) at the top of the rotation and Dylan Sullo (.286, 15 R, 16 RBI) at shortstop. Senior utility player Ben Paine (.158, 8 R, 12 RBI) was off to a career-best start with eight hits in 2020 and has been a standout defender throughout his career, while infielder/pitcher Zach Sylvia (2020: .438, 4 R, 7 H, 3 RBI) made an immediate impact as a freshman. MCLA (3-3) was a .347-hitting team in 2020 thanks in large part to junior outfielder Austin Rachiele (.265, 19 R, 12 RBI, 14 SB), who posted a .524 average with two homers and six steals during the shortened schedule.

FAVORITE:Westfield State

New England Collegiate Conference: Mitchell (5-3) has plenty of veteran talent returning from a 2019 club that clinched first place in the NECC by five games. The Mariners still boast all three of the league’s major award winners from that year in Player of the Year Dougie DelaCruz (.379, 44 R, 48 RBI; 2020: .417, 5 R, 8 RBI), Pitcher of the Year Roland Thivierge (8-1, 2.24 ERA, 57 K; 2020: 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 11 K) and Rookie of the Year Ryan Solimine (9-2, 2.28 ERA, 70 K; 2020: 1-1, 3.86 ERA, 11 K). The team also has Central Connecticut State transfer infielder Jeremy Sagun (2020: .310, 4 R, 5 RBI) as one of 14 seniors listed on the roster. That group benefits from the return of several “COVID seniors” including two-time All-NECC southpaw Jakari Pellegrini (6-1, 4.29 ERA, 59 K; 2020: 1-1, 3.72 ERA, 7 K).

A 2019 Super Regional qualifier, New England College (5-5) will look to lean on a handful of seniors to lead a young team overall. First baseman Connor Morin (.341, 32 R, 7 HR, 44 RBI; 2020: .229, 9 R, 9 RBI) and outfielder BJ Minarcin (2020: .348, 6 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI) are offensive leaders for the Pilgrims, while veterans Joe Pascucci (4-4, 5.30 ERA, 24 K) and Shaun Cormier (2-1, 3.38 ERA, 23 K; 2020: 1-1, 4.00 ERA, 14 K) will deal at the top of the rotation. Eastern Nazarene (8-3) has revamped its roster with over 20 new transfers and freshmen over the past year including former Pilgrim two-way players Jamie Carey (.244, 18 R, 13 RBI; 2-2, 2.17, 30 K at New England College) and Shane McNamara (2020: .375, 8 R, 4 HR, 10 RBI at New England College), as well as second baseman Mike Griffin (2020: .364, 12 R, 3 HR, 13 RBI at New England College). The Lions also return 2019 All-NECC Second Team infielder Steven Pesce (.351, 20 R, 35 RBI) and Third Team starting pitcher Briley Seiter (3-2, 4.73 ERA, 25 K).

Another team boasting some experienced talent is Lesley (0-8). Senior third baseman Javi Martinez (.328, 18 R, 3 HR, 23 RBI; 2020: .367, 2 R, 3 RBI), pitcher/outfielder Steve DePalma (2020: .308, 5 R, 3 RBI, 5 SB; 0-1, 5.25 ERA, 13 K) and junior catcher Ronnie James (.364, 1 R) are all returning to the Lynx after leading the team last spring. Becker (2-9-1) will be led by 2019 All-NECC Third Team shortstop Coby Hussey (.344, 28 R, 15 RBI; 2020: .273, 7 R, 6 RBI), as well as fellow infielder Noah Rivera (.314, 25 R, 16 2B, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 2020: .273, 8 R, 7 RBI) and junior pitcher Tevon Johnson (2-3, 4.76 ERA, 38 K). Elms (3-5) returns a former All-NECC performer of its own in senior catcher Nathan Ayala (.364, 14 R, 23 RBI; 2020: .360, 3 R, 5 RBI).

FAVORITE: Mitchell

New England Small College Athletic Conference: The NESCAC is the one New England conference that made an official announcement about potential spring plans before the end of February, stating that, “if conference competition proves feasible, regular season conference play would likely not start until late March or early April, and would necessarily be limited in scope and duration.”

Two of the top three teams in the East Division qualified for NCAA regional play in 2019, but Tufts (0-0) did not get to take the field last spring to defend its third conference title in four seasons. The Jumbos will have veteran Brad Marchetti returning to the rotation for the first time since 2017 following injury, but Aidan Tucker (7-1, 3.94 ERA, 50 K) finished his freshman year of 2019 as the team’s leader on the mound. At the plate, junior first baseman Peter DeMaria (.361, 37 R, 18 2B, 40 RBI) and senior designated hitter Kyle Cortese (.298, 26 R, 7 HR, 27 RBI) will again sit in the middle of the lineup as power threats. DeMaria was the lone freshman named to the 2019 All-NESCAC First Team.

Trinity (3-0) was the other 30-win team in the NESCAC during the last complete season and returns two-time All-NESCAC catcher Alex Rodriguez (.295, 20 R, 33 RBI) to the lineup. Second baseman Robbie Cronin (.264, 19 R, 12 RBI; 2020: .455, 4 R, 2 RBI) is the returning offensive leader from the team’s strong start to last spring, while fellow infielder Mike Guanci (.246, 15 R, 20 RBI) also drove in 20 runs two years ago as a freshman. On the mound, junior Cameron Crowley (8-2, 2.42 ERA, 28 K) will be the top returnee for the Bantams.

Wesleyan and Tufts never made it on the field in 2020. Wesleyan athletics photo by Jonas Powell

Before playing more games early in 2020 than any other NESCAC team, Bates (2-7) finished between Tufts and Trinity in the East standings. The Bobcats have an All-NESCAC First Team outfielder in senior Christian Beal (.370, 32 R, 17 RBI, 15 SB). Senior infielder Zach Avila (2020: .323, 2 R, 6 RBI) and sophomore catcher John Nowak (2020: .227, 4 R, 2 HR, 6 RBI) were the team’s top run producers last spring.

Colby (1-0) is excited about the continued growth of its recruiting classes and should have many underclassmen competing for playing time, but junior outfielder Dylan Nastri (.267, 9 R, 9 RBI) and senior pitcher Frank Driscoll (0-2, 3.29 ERA, 31 K) are key returnees for the Mules. Bowdoin (4-2) had both senior first baseman Brendan O’Neill (2020: .591, 9 R, 3 HR, 12 RBI) and sophomore catcher Stephen Simoes (2020: .556, 4 R, 5 RBI) hit above .500 during the shortened 2020. Senior Ryan Winn (2020: 0-1, 2.08 ERA, 10 K) is the top pitching veteran.

In the West, Middlebury (2-1) won a division-high 26 games back in 2019 and still has outfielder Henry Strmecki (.341, 39 R, 28 RBI, 23 SB) back as its senior stalwart. Junior Andrew Gough (.313, 23 R, 19 RBI) started last season with two homers in three games. The Panthers also have an outstanding trio of veteran pitchers back in the fold in juniors Alex Price (5-2, 2.44 ERA, 30 K), Alex Rosario (3-1, 2.19 ERA, 38 K) and senior Michael Farinelli (2-1, 1.99 ERA, 26 K). Williams (0-3) actually won the 2019 crown thanks in large part to the contributions of now-senior 2020 Honorable Mention Preseason All-American second baseman Eric Pappas (.410, 39 R, 22 RBI). Senior outfielder Erik Mini (.276, 23 R, 23 RBI) and junior pitcher Sam Rohrer (3-2, 3.57 ERA, 20 K) should be two other key contributors for the Ephs.

A team returning plenty of experience from the most recent full season is the Ephs’ nearby rivals, Amherst (3-0). Now-senior Joe Palmo (.339, 37 R, 27 RBI) was a 2019 All-NESCAC Second Team outfielder, while shortstop Stephen Burke (.322, 20 R, 24 RBI; 2020: .571, 7 R, 11 RBI) and outfielder Kai Terada-Herzer (.324, 30 R, 9 RBI) also have been key hitters for multiple seasons. On the mound, the Mammoths have a key senior in lefty Andrew Nagel (4-1, 4.19 ERA, 29 K).

Hamilton (3-0) followed an even .500 season in 2019 with a strong three-game start to last spring. Seniors Matt Zaffino (.302, 22 R, 19 RBI) and Ethan Wallis (.359, 24 R, 16 RBI, 12 SB) are both former All-NESCAC players in the Continentals’ lineup. Gavin Schaefer-Hood (7-2, 2.84, 27 K) is the top arm. Like Tufts, Wesleyan (0-0) was unable to take the field before 2020 came to an end. Junior infielder Adam Geibel (.291, 15 R, 12 RBI) and senior relief pitcher Joe Mescall (1-1, 3.57 ERA, 12 K) are veterans for the Cardinals.

FAVORITE: Trinity

New England Women’s & Men’s Athletic Conference: Despite playing just three games last season, Babson (2-1) made them count with a series win at Trinity (Texas) in its first action since advancing to the 2019 College World Series. The Beavers have an incredibly deep pitching staff that includes senior starters Tyler Bell (4-0, 2.47 ERA, 37 K), Jordy Allard (8-1, 4.13 ERA, 45 K) and grad student Michael Nocchi (3-2, 3.45, 45 K). Alex Luka missed two consecutive seasons due to injury and rejoins the rotation alongside junior Riley Teevens and sophomore Tim Noone, who both made their first college appearances in 2020. Henry Leake (0-0, 1.98 ERA, 37 K) and Will Gallagher (1-0, 2.67 ERA, 1 SV, 39 K) lead an experienced bullpen. Fifth-year first baseman Matthew Valente (.280, 48 R, 28 RBI) is the biggest threat in the offensive lineup, returning with the likes of fellow infielders Jack Ward (2020: .500, 2 R, 6 H, 3 RBI) and Thomas Lapham (.292, 26 R, 21 RBI). Outfielder A.J. DiFillipo (Columbia) and pitcher Ben Gottesman (5-0, 1.95 ERA at UMass Boston) look to be key transfers.

Wheaton (Mass.) will miss 2020 co-captain and catcher Nick Raposo who has signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Cardinals last June. Wheaton (Mass.) athletics photo

A veteran pitching staff helped the Beavers’ rivals from Wheaton (7-1) start 2020 on an excellent note. The Lyons return last year’s top six contributors in the innings category including two-way junior Andrew Manni (.330, 21 R, 28 RBI; 2-1, 3.52 ERA, 1 SV, 15 K; 2020: 2-0, 0.67 ERA, 14 K) and seniors Gavin Reily (2020: 2-0, 2.08 ERA, 16 K), Josh Roberge (2020: 1-0, 1.64 ERA, 16 K) and John Mikosz (5-1, 3.12 ERA, 51 K; 2020: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 9 K). Junior Griffin Young (6-1, 1.87 ERA, 63 K) was an ace as a freshman in 2019. Catcher Nick Raposo graduated and signed with the St. Louis Cardinals, but outfielder Jacob Studley (.423, 31 R, 19 RBI; 2020: .258, 9 R, 8 RBI) will again be an offensive leader for Wheaton after earning 2019 NEWMAC Rookie of the Year honors. Second baseman George Mulcahey (.331, 26 R, 27 RBI, 11 SB) was on the All-NEWMAC Second Team as a sophomore that year.

Emerson (3-8) rounds out the East Division in 2021 as MIT (2-1) already announced in February that it will not compete this spring. Junior outfielder Quinton Copeland (2020: .325, 7 R, 2 HR, 11 RBI) and sophomore catcher Matt Nachamie (2020: .371, 6 R, 3 HR, 5 RBI) led the Lions’ four .300-hitting regulars last spring.

In the West Division, Springfield (5-0) was off to an undefeated start last spring. Senior outfielder Jack Cooney (.331, 21 R, 23 RBI, 25 SB; 2020: .556, 8 R, 6 RBI) is a vital leader for the Pride and one of the region’s top stolen base threats. A four-game winner on the mound during his sophomore year, now-senior Noah Bleakley (.264, 17 R, 20 RBI; 4-0, 4.62 ERA, 38 K) contributes on both sides of the ball. Clark (3-7) returns eight, fifth-year players and all of its 2019 starters. Outfielder Collin Porter (2020: .387, 13 R, 3 HR, 11 RBI) led the offense to start last spring after two-way senior Chris Radovic (.321, 23 R, 7 HR, 23 RBI; 2020: .267, 7 R, 5 RBI; 11 K, 9 IP) did so in 2019. The Cougars have lefty Nick Guarino (2020: 1-2, 5.89 ERA, 16 K) atop their rotation following a First Team All-Futures League summer during which he won five games for Nashua.

The NEWMAC’s West Division champion from 2019, WPI (4-6) lost former All-American two-way player David Larson to graduation, but outfielder Jordan DeDonato (.305, 20 R, 25 RBI; 2020: .310, 5 R, 11 RBI) has been a key contributor for the Engineers over his first two college seasons. Junior Alexander Mondro (2020: 1-0, 1.13 ERA, 8 K) will be a key man on the mound. Coast Guard (4-3) looks to continue its early momentum from last year under a new head coach, Brian Casey. Now-sophomore Blake Carroll (2020: .522, 11 R, 6 RBI), junior Nolan Johnson (2020: .500, 6 R, 6 RBI) and senior PJ Gravalec (2020: 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 17 K) are three of the Bears’ returning leaders.

FAVORITE: Babson

A top moment for Husson last spring was when senior pitcher Jake Gauvin made his 49th career appearance on the mound, setting a new standatd for the Eagles. He would finish with 51 appearances in his career. Husson athletics photo

North Atlantic Conference: A young, talented Husson (4-6) team continued to make strides during the shortened season and returns key players to each position on the field. Shortstop Kobe Rogerson (.364, 35 R, 24 RBI), the 2019 NAC Rookie of the Year, and first baseman Ethan Stoddard (.307, 37 R, 29 RBI) were both rookie standouts during the school’s first championship season since 2013. The Eagles also return their top two pitchers from that squad in Jesse Colford (7-3, 3.47 ERA, 55 K) and Brandon Brunell (5-0, 0.94 ERA, 21 K). Outfielder David LeBlanc (.299, 21 R, 27 RBI) is back after a .394 start to his sophomore spring of 2020.

Maine-Farmington (1-1) still has 2019 All-NAC utility player and single-season program hit king Derek Bowen (.343, 17 R, 29 RBI) in the fold. Northern Vermont-Lyndon’s (0-10) top veteran is outfielder Caleb Laroche (.326, 29 R, 24 RBI). Thomas (0-0) looks to get back on the field this spring after Greg King was named 2019 NAC Coach of the Year for bringing the Terriers to the title game.

The NAC has also gained Cazenovia (3-6), SUNY Cobleskill (8-5) and SUNY Poly (0-0). The trio of former NEAC schools joins SUNY Canton (1-9) to form a new West Division within the conference.

FAVORITE: Husson

University Athletic Association: While Brandeis (6-4) won’t have a traditional UAA schedule this spring, the Judges await competition against local foes. Senior Mike Khoury (.370, 47 R, 41 RBI) earned 2019 All-New England and All-UAA infield honors before hitting three early home runs last season. Catcher Luke Hall (2020: .471, 17 R, 3 HR, 11 RBI) and first baseman Isaac Fossas (.306, 29 R, 36 RBI) hit above .400 with double-digit RBI to begin 2020. Lefty ace Greg Tobin (4-3, 3.83 ERA, 45 K) returns to the mound.

Joshua Kummins is a contributing writer for New England Baseball Journal, primarily covering the region’s college scene. Follow him @JoshuaKummins on Twitter and at baseballjournal.com.