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| The 17th ranked team in the 2024 Prerseason D3baseball.com/NCBWA Top 25, Wheaton Lyons, fell to Johns Hopkins last year in the Super Regional round and are a favorite to make another deep run in the NCAA Playoffs in 2024. Wheaton (Mass.) athletics photo |
By Joshua Kummins
for D3baseball.com
When you look at the best in Region 1, there are the usual suspects. No. 17 Wheaton (Mass.) Lyons and the Tufts Jumbos. The leaders of these two conferences has dominated the likes of the the GNAC or the NAC. These days, the GNAC is on the up swing, adding Mitchell who needed a home after their conference split up at the end of the 2023 season.
The GNAC is shaping up as a two-man race with conference watchers giving Johnson and Wales the edge over Mitchell. The NAC also added quality and Eastern Nazarene upgrades the conference. The NAC will have their champion reaching the NCAA Playoffs and like last year, will impact who wins the Regional.
New Faces
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| Iam Ratchford is the new head coach for the Albertus Magnus Falcons after three previous stops in the last eight years. Albertus Magnus athletics photo |
Ian Ratchford, Albertus Magnus: Ratchford will take over as the Falcons’ skipper after serving as the head coach at the University of Connecticut-Avery Point for the past four seasons. He posted a .613 winning percentage, three postseason appearances and two Subdistrict titles with the Pointers. He has also amassed additional collegiate experience on the staffs at the University of Bridgeport (2018-19) and Western Connecticut State University (2016-18).
Endy Morales, Dean: Morales joins the Dean family after coaching the 2023 season at Amherst College where he worked with the pitching staff and assisted in recruiting. In the 2022 season, Morales was an assistant at Western New England University. Prior to that, Morales served as a volunteer pitching coach at Elms College for the 2021 season. "I am excited to bring this baseball team a new life and vision," said Morales. My past experiences as a player and coach will allow me to bring the leadership and knowledge needed to build this program and take it to new heights. Many thanks to my past schools for preparing me for this moment."
Josue Basilis, Eastern Nazarene: Basilis was hired as head coach for the Lions, becoming the 15th head coach in program history. A 2019 graduate of Eastern Nazarene College, Basilis takes the reins of the program after serving as an assistant coach with the Lions since 2020 where he was the recruiting coordinator while working primarily with the infielders and outfielder. "My wife and I are blessed to be back at our alma mater and we are looking forward to investing into the ENC community," stated Basilis. "Our coaching staff will work as a unit to create a special experience for our student-athletes on and off the field while helping them grow in their faith. I'm very excited to see what the future holds for the ENC baseball program!"
Lesley, Don Gilbert - Seth Kaplan made the move to Westfield State, leaving the head coaching spot for Lesley open. With the season opening, school officials tabbed Gilber as the interim head coach.
Dan Prigge, Maine-Presque Isle: Prigge arrives in Maine to begin his head coaching stint for the Owls. He is a former assistant at Greensboro College in North Carolina, serving as the catching and bullpen coach last season. "I couldn't be more excited to get to work with these student-athletes and develop this program into a regional and national contender with a hard-nosed, aggressive style of baseball that puts the development of the student-athletes at the forefront," said Prigge. "We will work relentlessly everyday to make our former players, alumni, University and the Presque Isle community proud."
Shawn Gilblair, Mitchell: Gilblair returns to New London, Conn., where he served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for Mitchell in 2019-2022. Most recently he spent a year at his alma mater, Eastern Connecticut State, where he held the role of pitching coach. Gilblair replaces Travis Beausoleil, who compiled a record of 306-131-2 during 12 seasons. "I look forward to building on a great tradition and experience for the student-athletes that has long been established both on and off the field," Gilblair said.
Adam Goss, Saint Joseph (Conn.): Goss is set to lead the newest Bluejays program in their first varsity season in 2023-24. Goss is a Connecticut native, a former baseball student-athlete at Division II powerhouse Franklin Pierce, and has been an assistant coach at Division III Nichols College for the past three seasons. "I cannot wait to start constructing a program driven by championship-caliber student-athletes, both on and off the field," Goss said.
Key Games
St. Joseph's (Conn.) at Nichols: On February 27 Saint Joseph (Conn.) opens its Division 3 era against Nichols.
Eastern Connecticut at Tufts: On March 9 Eastern Connecticut visits Tufts for an early key regional doubleheader at the newly completed Sol Gittleman Park.
Wheaton (Mass) at Ilinios Wesleyan and Webster: The Lyons take a trip to middle America March 4-15 where they take on the likes of Webster and Illinois Wesleyan.
Mitchell at Johnston & Wales: Last year’s top GNAC and NECC teams meet as conference rivals for the first time on April 20th.
Conference Previews
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| Johnson and Wales was picked to win the GNAC Championship in 2024 in a poll conducted by the conference's baseball head coaches. The Wildcats – who earned 11 of a possible 13 first-place votes – finished atop the poll with 167 points. Last season, JWU won a program-record 30 games and captured its third consecutive GNAC Championship with a 19-13 win over Anna Maria in the conference championship. Johnson and Wales athletics photo |
Great Northeast Athletic Conference: The GNAC has grown to a 13-team field following the addition of former North Atlantic Conference powers Mitchell (33-10) and New England College (16-22). Graduating the likes of former All-American outfielder Dougie DelaCruz leaves room for Mitchell to fill in key positions in the middle of the lineup, but right fielder Owen Robbins (.369, 3 HR, 10 2B, 42 RBI, 2 SB) and shortstop Angel Galindez (.335, 5 2B, 31 RBI, 23 SB) both return as seniors. The Mariners will look to junior Chris Gibbs (5-2, 4.04 ERA, 49.0 IP, 33 K) as a veteran arm, having lost roughly three-quarters of their innings pitched from 2023. Saint Joseph (Conn.) will rely upon several transfers on a largely youthful roster as it debuts as a varsity program in 2024. The Bluejays will have to grow up through the season, but key newcomers include junior catcher/outfielder Nick Hutson, who was previously an All-NAC performer at Thomas (.339, 16 2B, 5 HR). Left-handed pitcher Chase Swain (Pace) and a Division 1 graduate transfer in pitcher/outfielder Luke Fox (Holy Cross) bring high-level experience. Third baseman Ethan Reemsynder hit .442 during the team’s club season.
The newcomers will have to contend with defending champion Johnson & Wales (30-15) to claim a place at the top of the standings. The Wildcats return GNAC Pitcher and Rookie of the Year Aidan Vining (7-2, 2.67 ERA, 97 K, 77.2 IP) and an offensive cast that includes senior shortstop Riley Hasson (.430, 2 HR, 9 2B, 33 RBI). After providing last season’s championship challenge, Anna Maria (22-20) returns the GNAC Players of the Year from 2021 and 2023, respectively, in outfielder Jarrod Marifiote (.407, 8 HR, 10 2B, 51 RBI) and shortstop Kosta Drosidis (.316, 3 HR, 20 2B, 28 RBI). The AMCATS also boast a deep pitching staff with 2022 GNAC Pitcher of the Year and two-time All-New England righty Nick Choate (5-4, 3.08 ERA, 76 K, 52.2 IP) leading the way. Lasell (22-16) and Elms (24-15) are also coming off strong seasons in the win column, with the Lasers bringing back All-GNAC first-team second baseman Tim Callahan (.429, 13 2B, 3 3B, 25 RBI).
Saint Joseph’s (Maine) (18-22) looks to recover from an uncharacteristic down season, its first sub-.500 since 2004. The Monks still have two All-Region honorees back in sophomore outfielder Jared Wilhelm (.371, 4 HR, 10 2B, 3 3B, 26 RBI, 12 SB) and relief pitcher Luke Stephens (3-2, 5 SV, 3.60 ERA, 16 K, 15.0 IP). Rivier (11-25) graduated just one starter from the 2023 team that more than doubled its win total and made its first GNAC playoff appearance since 2016. Shortstop Frank Gulezian (.268, 3 HR, 20 RBI) has been the offensive leader for the young Raider group for multiple years and will be joined in the middle of the order by 2023 NECC Player of the Year JD Normand, who transfers in from New England College. Sophomore Nolan Medeiros (1-4, 9.15 ERA, 20.2 IP, 21 K) and junior Nate Bonacorsi (3-1, 3.35 ERA, 45.2 IP, 40 K) pace the pitching staff.
Dean (9-28), Norwich (11-22), Colby-Sawyer (8-25) and Albertus Magnus (9-25) look to keep building in 2024, with two of those programs led by new coaches. Norwich returns All-Rookie member Geffen Franus (.333, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 1 SB) as its offensive catalyst, while Matt Ingraffia (2-3, 3.31, 51.2 IP, 59 K) looks for a strong final season on the mound.
FAVORITE: Johnston & Wales
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| Thomas's offense will be a strength of the Terrier's program. Thomas athletics photo |
North Atlantic Conference: Fresh off earning an NCAA regional victory for the second straight year in 2023, Husson (25-19) returns NAC Rookie of the Year Hunter Curtis (.339, 4 HR, 12 2B, 2 3B, 28 RBI, 7 SB) in the outfield and its other two .300 hitters in senior infielder Jackson Curtis (.364, 4 HR, 8 2B, 26 RBI) and catcher Akira Warren (.331, 1 HR, 7 2B, 1 3B, 22 RBI, 7 SB). Juniors Matt Wallingford (3-1, 3.40 ERA, 45 K, 45.0 IP) and Connor Abood (2-4, 3.26 ERA, 38 K, 49.2 IP) give the Eagles two All-NAC pitchers in their rotation as well. A new challenger, Eastern Nazarene (26-14) enters the NAC with new head coach Josue Basilis and one of the nation’s most prized two-way talents in Preseason All-American and reigning NECC Pitcher of the Year Francis Ferguson (7-2, 2.06 ERA, 90 K, 65.2 IP; .429, 3 HR, 6 2B, 2 3B, 31 RBI, 15 SB). Elvis Rojas (.364, 2 HR, 8 2B, 1 3B, 21 RBI, 26 SB) was the All-NECC second baseman as only a freshman.
Despite falling short in the conference title game, SUNY Cobleskill (22-15) set program records for regular-season and conference victories a season ago and looks to reclaim its place as one of the top offensive teams in the country. The Fighting Tigers return six regulars who topped a .300 average, including junior shortstop David Flora (.403, 6 HR, 12 2B, 40 RBI, 10 SB) who was the 2023 NAC Player of the Year. Center fielder Zach Ducorsky (.381, 2 2B, 18 RBI, 23 SB) and senior designated hitter Matthew Snyder (.322, 1 HR, 5 2B, 24 RBI, 8 SB) were also All-NAC performers. Ducorsky has been the NAC’s leading stolen base threat in consecutive seasons. Senior Wyatt Palmer (4-2, 3.20 ERA, 26 K, 56.1 IP) has a 2022 NAC Pitcher of the Year honor on his resume.
Offense should also be a strength for a Thomas (19-17) team that is also being led by a new coach, Ray Bernier. The Terriers are excited about the return of two-way player Tony Meza (.362, 7 2B, 21 RBI, 3 SB; 3-2, 7.52 ERA, 20.1 IP, 22 K) who will likely break the school’s all-time hits record, but catcher Aaron Young (.374, 2 HR, 2 2B, 21 RBI, 5 SB) and shortstop Elijah Morton (.317, 9 2B, 23 RBI, 16 SB) were tops in the average and RBI categories last season. Garrison Paillet (3-3, 5.12 ERA, 31.2 IP, 34 K) and Jarrad Willette (2-2, 6.96 ERA, 32.1 IP, 31 K) will be the go-to guys on the mound. Cameron Curler believes that his Vermont State-Lyndon (12-23) team should be more talented and experienced this spring as All-NAC graduate shortstop TJ Santaw (.403, 2 HR, 7 3B, 14 2B, 21 RBI, 9 SB) and junior utility player Dale Ostermann (.294, 1 HR, 5 2B, 15 RBI, 4 SB; 4-3, 6.32 ERA, 37 IP, 28 K) will be counted upon in their roles. Junior Carlos Rodriguez (4-3, 6.88 ERA, 52.1 IP, 46 K) joins Ostermann atop the pitching rotation.
SUNY Canton (11-23) and SUNY Poly (12-23) round out the West side of the league after Cazenovia (9-28) closed its doors last season. SUNY Poly junior Don Vento (.333, 4 2B, 2 3B, 16 RBI, 13 SB) was the top utility player in the league this season. Lesley (13-25), Maine-Farmington (7-31) and Maine-Presque Isle (2-33) are all looking up to the top of the East. Farmington returns All-NAC second baseman Nate Coombs (.301, 9 2B, 4 3B, 21 RBI, 7 SB) in his junior campaign.
FAVOTITE: Husson
New England Small College Athletic Conference: The NESCAC is chock full of returning stars who will be looking to dethrone perennial power Tufts (31-11) atop the standings. The Jumbos boast a strong positional group that is led by two athletic outfielders in junior Ben Leonard (.276, 4 HR, 10 2B, 27 RBI, 21 SB) and senior Henry Fleckner (.273, 3 HR, 10 2B, 24 RBI, 25 SB). Senior shortstop Ozzie Fleischer (.270, 5 2B, 19 RBI, 18 SB) and third baseman Patrick Solomon (.261, 8 2B, 20 RBI, 23 SB) were both well into double digits in stolen bases as well, while senior first baseman Connor Flavin (.214, 5 HR, 5 2B, 30 RBI, 7 SB) topped all of the returnees in run production. Senior Silas Reed (6-1, 3.36, 70 K, 56.1 IP) and junior Connor Podeszwa (6-3, 3.77, 57.1 IP, 53 K) form the 1-2 punch on the mound. Transfer outfielder Cooper Smith (.406, 2 HR, 44 RBI, 21 SB at Northern Essex Community College) is one member of an exciting incoming class for NESCAC Coach of the Year Paul Svagdis.
The 2023 runner-up to Tufts and a co-leader in the West Division, Middlebury (27-13) returns several key players with experience on both sides of the ball while positional battles are also in place to replace important production that was lost due to graduation and players that moved on to Division 1 opportunities. The Panthers have the NESCAC Player of the Year and a reigning All-American back in outfielder/first baseman Kyle McCausland (.429, 11 HR, 14 2B, 2 3B, 60 RBI, 9 SB), while fellow seniors Mitchell Schroeder (.337, 4 HR, 6 2B, 24 RBI, 3 SB) and Beau Root (.364, 2 2B, 6 3B, 8 RBI, 6 SB) were also high on the batting average charts. Juniors Justin Lessing (4-0, 4.22 ERA, 32.0 IP, 42 K) and Sawyer Duarte (5-0, 7.00 ERA, 36.0 IP, 27 K) were both undefeated a year ago and should anchor the rotation. Wesleyan (17-19) tied for tops in the West with the help of now-sophomore infielder Ernie Little (.368, 1 HR, 4 2B, 1 3B, 19 RBI, 24 SB) and senior pitcher Patrick Murphy (5-2, 3.34 ERA, 49 K, 59.1 IP), who were both All-NESCAC honorees. Little was the lone first-team honoree as a freshman.
Colby (25-12) provided Tufts with the greatest challenge in the East Division. The Mules return a three-time All-NESCAC pick in senior infielder Brady O’Brien (.274, 7 HR, 10 2B, 35 RBI, 13 SB) and junior designated hitter Cole Palmeri (.313, 8 HR, 12 2B, 32 RBI, 6 SB), the latter who was also selected as the 2022 NESCAC Defensive Player of the Year at catcher. Junior first baseman Ryan Grace (.350, 4 HR, 14 2B, 33 RBI, 4 SB) is also looking to build upon previous league honors. Senior Nicholas Thompson (4-1, 4.21 ERA, 41 K, 51.1 IP) returns as a regular starting pitcher. Trinity (Conn.) (21-14) should also count upon some of the league’s best for another year with senior infielder Sean Meth (.344, 1 HR, 7 2B, 4 3B, 30 RBI) and catcher Jack Ryan (.324, 2 HR, 7 2B, 21 RBI, 15 SB) back as lineup stalwarts.
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| Ryan McIntyre was at his best in conference games in 2023. He will be counted upon to continue his success in 2024 and 2025. Amherst athletics photo |
Amherst (21-14-1) put a quartet of sophomores and juniors on All-NESCAC teams a year ago. The first-team roster included now-junior Ryan McIntyre (.389, 2 HR, 8 2B, 5 3B, 30 RBI, 15 SB) and senior Luke Padian (.364, 3 HR, 10 2B, 1 3B, 49 RBI) on the infield and a utility player in Jack Sampedro (.413, 3 HR, 9 2B, 36 RBI, 8 SB; 0-1, 4 SV, 4.86 ERA, 24 K, 16.2 IP). Fellow infielder Jack McDermott (.348, 1 HR, 17 2B, 5 3B, 26 RB, 6 SB) landed a second-team position. Hamilton (18-15) is looking to improve upon a disappointing 2023 while relying on stronger team defense, a deeper pitching staff and key veterans at the top of the lineup. The Continentals have a key two-way player in center fielder/closer Jackson Sattinger (.340, 2 HR, 12 2B, 3 3B, 24 RBI, 7 SB; 3-3, 1 SV, 2.70 ERA, 10 K), while Jack Eshleman (3-0, 1.14 ERA, 51 K, 31.2 IP) brings outstanding numbers to the top of the rotation. Senior catcher Shane Dux (.318, 4 HR, 1 2B, 3 3B, 20 RBI, 4 SB), junior second baseman Greg Kopp (.361, 3 2B, 2 3B, 24 RBI, 5 SB), and sophomores first baseman Michael Tallarida (.310, 6 HR, 4 2B, 3 3B, 22 RBI, 4 SB) and left fielder Taylor Kaufman (.340 1 HR, 6 2B, 3 3B, 27 RBI, 9 SB) are all key offensive players.
Bowdoin (18-16) returns one of the conference’s top arms in senior Jack Mullen (6-2, 3.52 ERA, 43 K, 53.2 IP) who threw four complete games last year, but reigning first-team outfielder Kevin Murray (.407, 7 HR, 8 2B, 30 RBI, 2 SB) is a junior. Second-team designated hitter Stephen Simoes (.313, 4 HR, 5 2B, 15 RBI, 4 SB) looks to finish on a high note as a senior for the Polar Bears. Simoes shared that honor with junior Henry Juan (.382, 4 HR, 13 2B, 13 RBI, 22 SB) of Williams (13-17). The Ephs also have senior Nick Skiera (1-1, 4.86 ERA, 33.1 IP, 24 K) back in their rotation and look forward to the debut of freshman pitcher/shortstop Owen McHugh, who was the Massachusetts Player of the Year for Division 1 champ Milton in 2023. Bates (16-15) had just one NESCAC win despite its record above .500 overall last spring, but junior catcher Brandon Biggane (.319, 5 HR, 5 2B, 30 RBI, 9 SB) was a key run manufacturer.
FAVORITE: Tufts
New England Women’s & Men’s Athletic Conference: After coming up just a win short of a Super Regional upset of No. 1 Johns Hopkins last season, Wheaton (Mass.) (42-9) returns the NEWMAC Pitcher of the Year in Ryan McCarroll (10-1, 1.89 ERA, 82 K, 76.1 IP) and one of its top power threats in outfielder Kevin Matos (.325, 13 HR, 13 2B, 48 RBI). The Lyons also have first-team All-NEWMAC outfielder AJ Guindon (.373, 12 2B, 5 3B, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 19 SB). However, three-time defending champions will have a new challenger as Salve Regina (39-10-1) joins the fold following a successful run in the CCC which concluded with a second straight regional championship appearance. The Seahawks have All-American Christian Homa (.472, 5 HR, 14 2B, 59 RBI) back at the helm of an lineup that is deep and experienced, including the likes of graduate outfielder Matt D’Amato (.374, 13 2B, 32 RBI, 13 SB), third baseman Wil McCarthy (.339, 3 HR, 7 2B, 48 RBI), senior center fielder Brandon Grover (.422, 2 HR, 9 2B, 15 RBI, 10 SB) and shortstop Michael Breen (.302, 1 HR, 8 2B, 29 RBI, 15 SB). Seniors Brayden Clark (10-2, 3.24 ERA, 85 K, 80.2 IP), Sean Mulligan (4-0, 2.58 ERA, 50 K, 52.1 IP) and junior Nick Callano (5-0, 3.65 ERA, 45 K, 44.1 IP) anchor the pitching staff. Junior Jason Arrigo (4-1, 5 SV, 0.82 ERA, 56 K, 43.2 IP) dominates out of the bullpen.
Having advanced to six of the last seven conference finals, Babson (24-18) looks to maintain its place as another NEWMAC constant. The Beavers welcome back All-NEWMAC third baseman Brant Savage (.327, 11 HR, 9 2B, 46 RBI, 5 SB) and two other key run producers in sophomore right fielder Ryan Hvozdovic (.313, 2 HR, 5 2B, 26 RBI) and sophomore first baseman Chris Basile (.313, 1 HR, 2 2B, 2 3B, 26 RBI, 13 SB). Second baseman Tanner Santos (.267, 1 HR, 3 2B, 13 RBI, 23 SB) and catcher Ike Kiely (.309, 1 HR, 5 2B, 11 RBI, 8 SB) are two senior leaders. While All-NEWMAC southpaw Tim Noone graduated to Duke, senior Tristen Spalter (3-2, 3.50 ERA, 53 K, 69.1 IP) will lead the way on the mound. MIT (16-21) returns several key hitters from a year ago, two of whom were lost in 2023 due to injuries. Senior center fielder Teddy Schoenfeld (.373, 5 HR, 7 2B, 24 RBI, 22 SB) is the Engineers’ catalyst, but first baseman Tyler Godfrey (.307, 2 2B, 17 RBI, 6 SB) and second baseman Kyle Sonandres (.327, 2 HR, 10 2B, 30 RBI, 3 SB) are both coming off seasons above the .300 mark. Center fielder Zev Moore (.297, 4 HR, 5 2B, 19 RBI, 5 SB) had a strong freshman year. Senior Karl Meyer (4-2, 5.98 ERA, 48 K, 46 IP) tops the pitching rotation.
Clark (18-21) has reigning All-NEWMAC performers at three different positions in senior left-hander and reigning first-teamer Maxwell Gitlin (6-2, 1.84 ERA, 69 K, 73.1 IP), graduate outfielder Ryan Caulfield (.357, 6 2B, 18 RBI, 21 SB) and infielder Tyler Jones (.393, 2 HR, 3 2B, 19 RBI, 7 SB). Coast Guard (14-18) looks to take the next step with its young roster, returning just three seniors alongside 21 freshmen and sophomores. Reigning NEWMAC Rookie of the Year RJ Priddy (4-3, 4.25 ERA, 36 K, 42.1 IP) and fellow sophomore Harrison Milbert (2-3, 4.93 ERA, 26 K, 49.1 IP are both important pitchers. Junior center fielder Jack Steel (.324, 6 2B, 19 RBI, 5 SB) was the top hitter a year ago and is back a part of what should be a more dynamic offense. The Bears also get a major boost with two-way player and 2022 closer Wyatt Duthu (1-2, 3.00 ERA, 3.0 IP; .324, 1 HR, 3 2B, 6 RBI) healthy.
Emerson (17-21), WPI (16-22) and Springfield (14-20-1) look to continue climbing up the standings. Emerson is coming off its winningest season in program history in 2023 and returns top contributors on both sides of the ball in junior infielder Briggs Loveland (.293, 2 HR, 5 2B, 30 RBI, 4 SB) and senior pitcher Chris Lowe (2-5, 6.44 ERA, 53 K, 57.1 IP). WPI has an athletic positional group and good leadership on the mound. Senior shortstop Jacob Hand (.383, 5 HR, 15 2B, 18 RBI, 19 SB) leads the Engineers offensively, while Owen Radcliffe (4-4, 5.15 ERA, 42 K, 57.2 IP) is the top pitcher.
FAVORITE: Wheaton (Mass.)