2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards

HockomockSports.com Baseball Awards

2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards

2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards HockomockSports Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more. TheSunChronicle.com ESPNBoston.com

2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards
Franklin senior infielder Alex Haba has been named the 2019 HockomockSports.com Baseball Player of the Year. Haba had a terrific career with the Panthers, winning over 60 games in his three years as a starter and helping Franklin to a pair of league titles and one state championship.

“Alex has been a steady presence in the Franklin lineup for the past three years and had a terrific senior campaign,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He’s one of the best offensively and is a reliable option at shortstop. And maybe most importantly, not only is Alex one of the best players, he’s a great person off the field and a true leader. I can honestly say I haven’t seen many student-athletes like Alex in my time covering this league.”

Haba, who was also tabbed as Hockomock League MVP by the coaches, earned the league batting title by posting a Hockomock-best 0.455 average during the regular season. He belted out 30 hits, scored 29 runs, and knocked in 21 runs — second in the league to teammate Jake Macchi. Haba and Macchi will be joined by teammate Scott Elliott at Merrimack College for the next four years.

“Alex did it all this year,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “He had over 30 hits and runs and over 20 RBIs and stolen bases offensively all while playing elite defense at shortstop. He was voted as Hockomock League MVP and was a tremendous leader for our program both on and off the field.”

Beyond his talents offensively, Haba was an anchor in the infield for three years. During his tenure, the Panthers won the Kelley-Rex division title in both 2017 and 2019. He also helped Franklin win its first ever Division 1A “Super 8” state championship during his junior season.

“Alex Haba has been outstanding since his sophomore year, but this season he was dominant,” said Oliver Ames head coach Joe Abarr. “He was the best bat in the best lineup we faced all year. Alex delivered big hits against great pitching in important situations. He proved himself to be one of the toughest outs I’ve seen at this level. At shortstop, he was better than consistent and made every play he was supposed to plus the outstanding ones that separated him from most of his peers and showcased why he can play at a high level next year.”

Haba is the first Franklin player to win this award and second straight from the Kelley-Rex division. Former winners include Mansfield’s Tyler Dalton (2018), Stoughton’s Justin Hutchinson (2017), Taunton’s Luke Figueira (2015), Oliver Ames’ Brendan Welch (2015) and David MacKinnon (2013), and Attleboro’s Max Lancaster (2014).

Honorable Mention: Scott Elliott (Franklin), Kyle Moran (Mansfield), Chris Pearsons (Oliver Ames)



Please note that the HockomockSports.com awards are selected by our staff. They are completely separate from the Hockomock League All Stars. Players are listed alphabetically by position.


HockomockSports.com First Team

Jake MacchiJake Macchi – Franklin – Catcher
Franklin senior Jake Macchi had a fantastic year for the Kelley-Rex division winning Panthers. Macchi was stellar behind the plate, catching a relatively inexperienced pitching staff, and he was also one of the most dangerous bats in the league. He hit 0.342 on 26 hits, scored 14 runs and drove in a league-best 29 runs. “Jake Macchi is arguably one of the best catchers in the state,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “He caught every inning and called almost every meaningful pitch this season. Jake also batted clean-up for our team and lead the league in RBIs.”
 


Danny CorsiniDanny Corsini – Milford – Infield
Milford senior Danny Corsini concluded a memorable athletic career for the Hawks with a strong season on the diamond. Corsini hit 0.405 on 32 hits, scored 12 runs and had 15 RBI. He went 3-2 on the mound with a 2.91 ERA, striking out 30 in 45.2 innings. “Danny is one of the most competitive players I have ever coached,” said Milford coach Alex Dion. “He has been our guy on the mound for the past two years and has always given us a chance to win games. He stepped up in a huge way and provided a big bat in the middle of our lineup this year. He has done so much for this program on the field but also from a leadership standpoint as far as setting the standard for how we want players to carry themselves.”


Alex HabaAlex Haba – Franklin – Infield
Franklin senior Alex Haba had another terrific year at shortstop for the Panthers. He was named 2019 HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above) and Hockomock League MVP after hitting 0.418 overall with 33 hits (six doubles), scoring 30 runs, and stealing 27 bases. He stood out defensively as well and, on top of his stats, Haba was one of the best leaders in recent memory. “Alex did it all this year,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “He was voted as Hockomock League MVP and was a tremendous leader for our program both on and off the field.”
 


Kyle MoranKyle Moran – Mansfield – Infield
Mansfield senior Kyle Moran capped a strong career with his best season while wearing Hornet green. He hit 0.300 on 24 hits (nine doubles), drove in 17 runs and scored 14 runs himself. On the mound, he was the Hornets’ ace with an 8-1 record, striking out 69 in 55 innings. “Kyle took over as the ace of our staff pitching against our toughest opponents all season and having incredible success,” said Mansfield coach Joe Breen. “As a senior captain, he consistently came up with clutch hits from his spot in the middle of the order and played a stellar third base when not pitching. In my opinion, Kyle was one of the best two-way players in the league this year.”


Chris PearsonsChris Pearsons – Oliver Ames – Infield
Oliver Ames senior Chris Pearsons capped a tremendous career with yet another stellar season for the Tigers. He was a main reason why the Tigers had a late-season turnaround, qualifying for the state tournament and winning a pair of playoff games. He hit 0.397 on 25 hits this year, with 11 walks, 14 RBI, and 17 runs scored. Along with moving to shortstop this year, he debuted on the mound and became one of OA’s best options with a 1.04 ERA in 27 innings of work, striking out 17. “Chris had a phenomenal season,” said OA head coach Joe Abarr. “He proved to be one of the best defenders in the league, hit for power at the plate, and had to step up and fill a void in our pitching staff, which he absolutely did.”


Michael DevlinMichael Devlin – Foxboro – Outfield
Foxboro junior Michael Devlin had a breakout campaign for the Warriors, emerging as one of the top outfielders in the Hockomock League. He had a team-high 22 hits for a 0.314 average with nine stolen bases. He recorded 14 RBI, 14 runs, and six extra-base hits. He also emerged as a top pitching option for the Warriors, going 1-2 with only four earned runs allowed in 26.1 innings. “Michael made a seamless transition to the outfield and was a catalyst for us on offense,” said Foxboro coach Derek Suess. “He plays the game the right way through his effort and passion for the game. We are excited to have him back to bolster our rotation and lineup next season.”


Scott ElliottScott Elliott – Franklin – Outfield
Not many players can say they had a better senior season than Franklin’s Scott Elliott. His offensive performances were a huge reason Franklin claimed its second league title in the last three years and made a return trip to the Super 8 tournament. He led the league with 33 hits in the regular season, finishing the year with 40 total. He also had 32 runs, 21 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and six home runs. “Scott Elliott was one of the best offensive players in the Hockomock this season,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “He led the league in hits, runs, and home runs. Scott was also one of our senior tri-captains that will continue his playing career at Merrimack College as a Division I commit.”


Dan SaracenoDan Saraceno – Mansfield – Outfield
Mansfield senior Dan Saraceno put together another strong campaign for the Hornets, who qualified for the Super 8 for the second straight year. Saraceno gave Mansfield a reliable offensive option in the heart of its lineup. He hit 0.316 on 24 hits (six doubles) with a pair of home runs. He scored 12 runs and had 11 RBI. He didn’t make a single error this season. “Dan has been a part of the varsity team for four years and we have relied heavily on his presence at the plate and in the outfield over the last two,” said Mansfield coach Joe Breen. “As one of the most feared hitters in the league, Dan still produced at a high rate from the middle of the Hornet lineup while playing a lockdown right field.”


John CarneyJohn Carney – Mansfield – DH/Utility
Mansfield junior John Carney continued to be one of the top players in the league this year after breaking onto the scene last season as a sophomore. He went 5-3 with a 1.66 ERA, striking out 55 batters in 54.2 innings of work, limiting opposing hitters to a .201 batting average. Offensively, he added 22 hits with eight RBI and 15 runs scored, hitting 0.375 with runners in scoring position. “Returning to the team after a breakout sophomore season on the mound, John thrust himself into a two-way role for the Hornets this season as he was a rotational starter on the mound while also hitting in the middle of the order from the DH and first base positions,” said Mansfield coach Joe Breen.


Reid LathamReid Latham – Oliver Ames – Pitcher
Oliver Ames senior Reid Latham had a terrific season on the mound as the Tigers’ ace. Latham had a strong junior campaign but really impressed throughout the 2019 season and was a huge reason why OA qualified for the state tournament and pulled off a pair of upsets. He went 6-2 with a 1.80 ERA, striking out 63 in 78 innings of work. He also hit 0.308 at the plate. “Reid was a team captain and clearly the ace of our program and one of the most competitive pitchers in the league,” said OA coach Joe Abarr. “Reid converted from catcher to pitcher two years ago and has fully embraced the opportunity, giving us a chance to with every single time he stepped on the mound. 


Jack MoynihanJack Moynihan – Taunton – Pitcher
Taunton senior Jack Moynihan capped a great career with the Tigers with the ultimate prize: a D1 State Championship. Moynihan was Taunton’s ace yet again this season and had some of his best performances during the playoff run with a pair of complete game shutouts. In his career, Moynihan won 16 games on the mound, striking out 149 batters with just 33 earned runs allowing in 152.1 innings of work. His ability to pitch under pressure made him one of the best in the league. “Jack has had a tremendous career at THS, he’s been a consistent and reliable arm year in and year out, he’s a great competitor and his leadership will be missed on and off the field,” said Taunton coach Blair Bourque.


Brennan RiveraBrennan Rivera – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin junior Brennan Rivera had a breakout season, emerging as one of the top pitchers in the Hockomock League. After the Panthers graduated the majority of its pitching staff, Rivera stepped in and took over as the ace of the staff, delivering strong performances every game. He was 6-2 with one save, striking out 65 with just seven walks in 69.1 innings, posting a minuscule 0.71 ERA. “Brennan was our Monday starter all season long,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “He was one of the best pitchers in the league in terms of innings, wins/losses, strikeout/walks ratio and earned runs allowed. Brennan had a breakout season this year and we are excited to have him back next year in his senior season.”






HockomockSports.com Second Team


Jake ErlichJake Erlich – Oliver Ames – Catcher
Oliver Ames senior Jake Erlich concluded a strong career with a great final season for the Tigers. One of the top defensive catchers in the area, Erlich provided the Tigers with stability and was a true leader. He caught 162 innings and threw out 15 attempted stolen base runners. Offensively, he his 0.342 with 26 hits, including even extra base hits. He scored 12 runs and had six RBI. “Jake did a tremendous job handling a pitching staff,” said OA coach Joe Abarr. “He came into his own as a defensive catcher, blocking almost everything that came his way. He also was a consistent threat at the plate as one of the best hitting catchers in the league.”


Justin ApplebeeJustin Applebee – Milford – Infield
Milford senior Justin Applebee emerged as one of the top infielders with a monster final season with the Scarlet Hawks. He was one of the top hitters, posting a 0.446 average on 29 hits, 19 runs scored, 17 RBI, and nine stolen bases while playing strong defense. “Hitting out of the nine-hole in the lineup he was our second leadoff hitter, was always on base, drove in runs, scored runs, stole bases, was a versatile defender and one of the leaders on our team,” said Milford coach Alex Dion. “Apps loved the big moments and it seemed like every time he came up in a situation where we needed a big hit or to drive in some runs he got the job done for us. He had a huge impact on this team and we will certainly miss him.”


Nathan QuanNathan Quan – Canton – Infield
Canton junior Nathan Quan had a standout season for the Bulldogs, who had one of the best starts to a season in recent program history. Quan hit 0.381 this season with 24 hits, scored 15 runs and was one of the most dangerous base runners with 20 stolen bases. He was also a reliable option defensively for the Bulldogs. “Nathan Quan is everything you want in a hitter and a shortstop,” said Canton coach Ben Shuffain. “He has a strong arm, excellent glove, great game awareness, and when he gets on base he can cause havoc because of the speed he possesses.”

 


Cooper RossCooper Ross – Franklin – Infield
Franklin senior Cooper Ross was one the most dangerous players over the past two seasons, helping the Panthers to a Super 8 title a year ago and a Kelley-Rex division title this season. He hit 0.350 with 28 hits, including three doubles. He scored 16 runs and drove in 13 more for the Panthers. “Cooper Ross had a tremendous senior season both defensively at third base and hitting in the middle of our line-up,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “He is also one of the hardest workers in our program and an outstanding student-athlete that graduated in the top 10% of his class.”

 


Robbie SeamanRobbie Seaman – Stoughton – Infield
Stoughton senior Robbie Seaman had a strong season patrolling the infield for the Davenport division winning Black Knights. Seaman helped guide the Black Knights to their third title in the last four years and played a big role in getting the team to the D2 South Semifinals. This season, he hit 0.367 with 22 hits, 15 runs, 14 stolen bases, and 10 RBI. “Robbie loves the game of baseball, and led by example every time he set foot on the field for the Black Knights,” said Stoughton coach Mike Armour. “The two-time Hockomock League all-star leaves big shoes to fill at the shortstop position.”


Joe CavaleriJoe Cavaleri – Foxboro – Outfield
Foxboro junior Joe Cavaleri had a breakout year patrolling left field and on the mound for Foxboro, who came within a win of qualifying for the D3 state tournament. A versatile player, Cavaleri was a dangerous bat in the Warriors’ lineup and a reliable pitching option. He had a team-best 0.357 average with 20 hits (six extra-base), 15 RBI, and 13 runs scored. He went 2-1 with a 1.42 ERA in 19.2 innings. “Joe played six different positions for us at an extremely high level,” said Foxboro coach Derek Suess. “On the mound he was efficient, mixing three different pitches for strikes, and he had a breakout season offensively in the cleanup spot. We are fortunate to have him back next year for his third varsity season.”


Alvaro EspinalAlvaro Espinal – Attleboro – Outfield
Attleboro junior Alvaro Espinal was a difference maker for the 2019 Bombardiers, who made a run to the D1 South Final. Espinal could change the game at the plate, with his defense in center field, or running the bases with his speed. A Bryant-commit, Espinal hit 0.279 with three triples, 19 walks, and was hit by a pitch four times. He scored 18 runs, stole 13 bases, and drove in 10 runs. “Alvaro Espinal is a complete player,” said Attleboro coach Steve Dunlea. “Not only is he one of the most talented players I have ever coached he is also one of the hardest working. He works on all aspects of his game and takes great pride in what he does. That attitude is what makes him successful now and will bring continued success at the next level.”


Jared PentaJared Penta – North Attleboro – Outfield
North Attleboro sophomore Jared Penta had a breakout year in the Rocketeers’ outfield. After a slow start to the season, the Big Red had a big turnaround and Penta played in a big role in that, helping the Rocketeers qualify for the state tournament. A spark at the top of the lineup, Penta hit 0.352 with 19 hits, scoring 11 runs and driving in nine runs. “Jared got into the lineup for the first time in the third game of the season and never left, being the most consistent offensive player we had,” said North Attleboro coach Mike Hart. “His ability to hit and run made him a threat whenever he came up to the plate. He is a big time competitor who never backs down. Looking forward to seeing him keep improving over the next two seasons.”


Todd RobinsonTodd Robinson – North Attleboro – DH/Utility
North Attleboro senior Todd Robinson gave the Rocketeers a huge push as they turned their season around and qualified for the state tournament. A team-first player, Robinson became one of the top offensive players in the league. He finished in the top 10 with a 0.381 average in the regular season, with 16 hits, 17 runs scored, 13 RBI and three home runs. “Todd was our offensive leader the second half and a major reason why we were able to finish off the season on a seven-game win streak,” said North Attleboro coach Mike Hart. “We were missing that guy who was going to come up with the big hit, and Todd stepped up to be that player. He is a tough, selfless player who made the most of his senior year.”


Liam DaileyLiam Dailey – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin junior Liam Dailey stepped into the Panthers’ rotation and gave the Kelley-Rex division champs a huge boost. After Franklin graduated nearly its entire staff from last season, Dailey was a big piece to the puzzle this year and helped the Panthers earn a return to the Super 8 tournament. He went a perfect 9-0 (league-high in wins) with a 1.71 ERA, striking out 33 in 57.1 innings of work, also recording a pair of saves. “Liam Dailey was a workhorse this season,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “He was also one of the best pitchers in the league in terms of innings and earned runs allowed. Liam had a really strong junior season and we are excited to have him back next year in his senior season.”


Eoin KelleherEoin Kelleher – Attleboro – Pitcher
Attleboro senior Eoin Kelleher capped a memorable career with the Bombardiers with a very strong final season. He has been one of Attleboro’s top pitchers for the past three seasons, playing a big role in the Bombardiers making a run to the D1 South Final this year. This season, Kelleher was 6-3 with a 2.10 ERA in 53.1 innings. He had a win and a save in the postseason without giving up an earned run. “Eoin Kelleher is one of the most competitive players I have ever coached,” said Attleboro coach Steve Dunlea. “He is a gamer who competes from the first pitch to the final out. Outside of his undeniable talent what has impressed me most is Eoin’s leadership skills and his willingness to mentor the younger players on the team.”


Zak PaquetteZak Paquette – Stoughton – Pitcher
Stoughton senior Zak Paquette was a workhorse for the Black Knights once again this season. The staff ace again this season, he was a big reason Stoughton won its third Davenport title in the last three years, pitching 56.1 innings this season with just 14 earned runs allowed, posting a 1.74 ERA. He had seven complete games this year, including a three-hit, one-walk, five strikeout shutout over Greater New Bedford in the state tournament. “Zak has been the ace of our pitching staff the last two seasons,” said Stoughton coach Mike Armour. “It was a certainty that Zak would go deep into every game he pitched, always playing at a high compete level and intensity that made it a pleasure to coach him.”






2019 HockomockSports Baseball Awards
North Attleboro sophomore Jared Penta has been named the 2019 HockomockSports.com Baseball Underclassman of the Year after emerging as one of the top offensive options for the Rocketeers this season. He was also selected as a Hockomock League all-star by the coaches.

Penta was inserted into the starting lineup early on in the season and never relinquished his spot, setting the table for North Attleboro’s offense from the leadoff spot. His ability to get the offense going played a big part in the Rocketeers winning their final seven games and qualifying for the state tournament.

“Jared became a spark plug for the Rocketeers’ offense this season,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “He was able to get on base in a variety of ways and showed off his wheels when he did reach. He was also a reliable defensive option for North.”

For the regular season, Penta hit 0.352 with a team-high 19 hits, including four doubles. He scored 11 runs and drove in nine runs for the Rocketeers.

“Jared got into the lineup for the first time in the third game of the season and never left, being the most consistent offensive player we had,” said North Attleboro coach Mike Hart. “His ability to hit and run made him a threat whenever he came up to the plate. He is a big time competitor who never backs down. Looking forward to seeing him keep improving over the next two seasons.”

Penta is the fifth sophomore to win this award, joining Stoughton’s George Currier (2018), Attleboro’s Eoin Kelleher (2017), Oliver Ames’ Matt Muir (2016) and Taunton’s Luke Figueira (2014). Other previous winners include Milford freshman Aidan Wilde (2015) and Franklin freshman Nick Santucci (2013).

Honorable Mention: Dennis Colleran (North Attleboro), Danny MacDougall (Taunton), Carter Scudo (Milford)


Coach of the Year – Zach Brown, Franklin

Coach of the Year

Zach Brown
Zach Brown

Franklin head coach Zach Brown has been selected as the 2019 HockomockSports.com Baseball Coach of the Year after guiding the Panthers to a league title and their second straight Super 8 tournament appearance.

Brown, who took over the program in 2014, has turned Franklin into one of the premier programs in the state. Last year, he coached the Panthers to a Super 8 state championship. This year, despite losing nearly the entire pitching staff that included two D1 arms, Brown led Franklin to a 21-1 record in the regular season and the #1 seed in the Super 8 tournament.

“After graduating so much talent from the Super 8 team, I’m not sure many outside of the program expected another Super 8 appearance, let alone the top seed,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “But Coach Brown has set expectations very high and the players delivered. Brown got the absolute best out of this group and they found ways to win throughout the season.”

Brown is the first baseball coach to become a two-time Coach of the Year recipient after being selected in 2017 as well. Previous winners include North Attleboro’s Mike Hart (2018), Stoughton’s Mike Armour (2016), Mansfield’s Joe Breen (2015), Oliver Ames’ Leo Duggan (2014) and Taunton’s Jeff Sylvia (2013).

Honorable Mention: Blair Bourque (Taunton), Joe Breen (Mansfield), Steve Dunlea (Attleboro)