2022 HockomockSports Baseball Awards

Taunton junior infielder and pitcher Ryan MacDougall has been named the 2022 HockomockSports.com Baseball Player of the Year. MacDougall was a vital member of the Tigers this season, earning Hockomock League MVP honors while guiding Taunton to the 2022 Division 1 State Championship.

“Ryan was one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league this season and then really separated himself with his pitching as well,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “The numbers he put up at the plate proved he’s one of the best hitters in the state, and then his performances on the mound this season made him the best all-around player in the league.”

MacDougall, who patrolled first base for the Tigers when he wasn’t on the mound, finished second for the league’s batting title with a 0.476, which was just behind teammate Braden Sullivan’s 0.482 during the regular season. MacDougall registered a league-best 30 hits, scoring 17 runs with 11 walks and 19 RBI in the regular season. He dominated in the postseason as well, going 9-for-15 (0.600) with the game-winning solo home run in the top of the sixth inning of the D1 State Championship against rival Franklin.

“As a dominate two-way player this season, Ryan earned Hockomock League MVP [too],” said Taunton head coach Blair Bourque. “He backed up his title in the postseason with his clutch hitting…including the game-winning home run in the state finals game against Franklin and solid pitching in the game against Catholic Memorial, when he earned the win.”

On the mound, MacDougall tossed a team-high 36 innings for the Tigers and posted a 7-1 record. He struck out 28 and issued 11 walks, posting an impressive 1.94 ERA. He held opposing batters to a 0.221 average. In the postseason, he came on in relief and closed the door against Catholic Memorial to earn the win and send the Tigers to the state final.

MacDougall is the first junior to win the award in the eight seasons it has been handed out. He’s the second Taunton player to earn the honor, joining Luke Figueira in 2015. Other former winners include Franklin’s Alex Haba (2019), Mansfield’s Tyler Dalton (2018), Stoughton’s Justin Hutchinson (2017), Oliver Ames’ Brendan Welch (2015), David MacKinnon (2013), and Attleboro’s Max Lancaster (2014).

Honorable Mention: Sean O’Leary (Foxboro), Jacob Jette (Franklin), Shawn Legere (King Philip)

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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.

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HockomockSports.com First Team

Tyler DeMattio – North Attleboro – Catcher
North Attleboro senior Tyler DeMattio returned to the Rocketeers and emerged as the best catcher in the Hockomock League this season. He was tremendous at the plate with a 0.411 batting average (0.478 OBP) with 30 hits (13 extra-base hits), 26 RBI, 25 runs, and 16 stolen bases, and was also stellar defensively behind the plate. “Tyler was our offensive leader throughout the season,” said North Attleboro head coach Mike Hart. “His consistency to put the ball in play and not only hit for average but for power always gave us a chance to score a run. His toughness was also shown behind the plate, giving our pitching staff confidence in his pitch calling and blocking abilities. The team leaned on him during tough times this season and Tyler consistently came through in those big moments.”
 

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Tyler Bannon – North Attleboro – Infield
North Attleboro senior Tyler Bannon did it all for the Rocketeers. Whether it was at the plate, in the field, or on the mound, Bannon had a knack for coming up with a big play for the Big Red. Offensively, he hit 0.363 on 29 hits (five doubles, one triple, one home run), drove in 11 runs and scored 19 runs, and stole 22 bases. On the mound, he posted a 6-1 record with just 28 hits allowed in 47 innings. He struck out 64 (34 looking) and posted a 2.68 ERA (.166 opposing batting average. “Tyler was as clutch as they come,” said North Attleboro head coach Mike Hart. “Whenever there was a big play needed out in the field, Tyler Bannon was usually involved. He was dominant on the mound mixing in a high-level curveball to keep hitters off balance. He was a threat on the baseball path and set the tone for our aggressive style of play. As tough a competitor as they come.”
 

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Shawn Legere – King Philip – Infield
King Philip senior Shawn Legere was once again one of the best offensive players around, helping the Warriors reach the Division 2 State Championship. After tying for second in hits last season, Legere finished this year third in the batting title hunt with an impressive 0.471 average. He continued to rake in the playoffs and finished the whole season at 0.478 with a team-high 31 hits (nine extra-base hits), adding 13 walks, 30 runs, and 24 RBI. He posted 0.643 OBP and struck out only three times all year. “Shawn is one of the best hitters to come through the KP Baseball program,” said King Philip head coach Jeff Plympton. “He had a tremendous approach at the plate. We knew whenever Shawn was at the plate that something was going to happen. A great team leader with endless energy.”
 

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Ryan MacDougall – Taunton – Infield
Taunton junior Ryan MacDougall was a top performer both offensive and on the mound, propelling the Tigers to their second Division 1 State Championship in the past three seasons. He was one of the most feared hitters in the league, posting a 0.476 average during the regular season with a Hock-best 30 hits. He added 19 RBI, 11 walks, and 17 runs scored. He posted a 7-1 record on the mound with a 1.94 ERA in 36 innings of work. “As a dominate two-way player this season, Ryan earned Hockomock League MVP [too],” said Taunton head coach Blair Bourque. “He backed up his title in the postseason with his clutch hitting…including the game-winning home run in the state finals game against Franklin and solid pitching in the game against Catholic Memorial, when he earned the win.”
 

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Braden Sullivan – Taunton – Infield
Taunton junior Braden Sullivan emerged as a key piece for the Tigers this season as well as one of the best all-around players in the Hockomock League. Patrolling the hot corner for the Division 1 State Champions, Sullivan won the Hockomock League batting title with a 0.482 average during the regular season. He added a team-high 21 RBI and scored 22 runs and also tied for the league lead with 14 walks. He only struck out twice all regular season in 73 plate appearances and stole 10 bases. “A dynamic player, Braden is a coach’s dream come true, he’s extremely talented, hardworking, and coachable,” said Taunton head coach Blair Bourque. “He once again played gold-glove caliber defense at third base and was a major contributor offensively, finishing top three in virtually every offensive category.”
 

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Danny Curran – North Attleboro – Outfield
North Attleboro senior Danny Curran was a key versatile piece for the Davenport division-winning Rocketeers yet again this season. As the clean up hitter for the Big Red, Curran delivered time and time again this year to help North reach the Division 2 State semifinals. He recorded a team-high 27 RBI, and finished third in the Hock in that category during the regular season, along with a .408 average. He had 29 hits (five doubles), recorded 15 stolen bases, and scored 19 runs. On the mound, he was 4-2 with a 3.19 ERA, striking out 33 in 37.1 innings. “When there was a runner in scoring position, Danny was going to get him in,” said North Attleboro head coach Mike Hart. “He led the team with 27 RBI, and many of these RBI were in tough situations in close games. He has been one of our go-to guys at the plate and on the mound the last two seasons.”
 

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Chris Goode – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin senior Chris Goode capped his career with another stellar season with the Panthers, leading the squad to another Kelley-Rex division title and an appearance in the D1 State Championship game. During the season, Goode hit 0.383 and was among the league leaders with 31 hits. He was also among the league leaders in runs scored (23) and finished second in the Hock in the regular season with 24 RBI. “Chris has arguably been one of the most complete players in our league the last two years,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “He can impact a game in so many ways. Defensively he is outstanding and offensively he is dynamic. He can hit for average, power, steal bases, drive in runs, and score runs. We are going to miss Chris and his countless contributions, Merrimack College is getting a good one.”
 

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Daniel Okstein – Sharon – Outfield
Sharon senior outfielder Daniel Okstein had a terrific season for the Eagles, emerging as one of the most consistent and dangerous bats in the league. Okstein led the Eagles with a team-best 0.381 average with a third of his 24 hits going for extra bases. He also drove in 14 runs and struck out just four times in 70 plate appearances this season. “Dan had a phenomenal senior season as our best offensive player and one of our two team captains,” said Sharon head coach Andrew Poliferno. “He cares deeply about his gameplay and always pushed himself to be better than yesterday.”
 

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Sean O’Leary – Foxboro – DH/Utility
Foxboro junior Sean O’Leary did it all this season for the Warriors, who had one of the best seasons in program history with a trip to the Division 3 State semifinals. O’Leary was masterful on the mound and punished pitchers at the plate. He posted a 6-2 record with a pair of saves, tossing 40.1 innings with a 2.25 ERA, limiting opponents to a .208 batting average. He also struck out 45 with 16 walks. Offensively, he was one of the best hitters in the league with a 0.443 average on 31 hits (10 doubles) with 25 RBI, 13 runs scored, and five walks. “Sean is the ultimate competitor and an outstanding leader who makes those around him better,” said Foxboro head coach Derek Suess. “Now a two-time league all-star, he is one of the best two-way players this league has seen.”
 

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Jimmy Gilleran – Mansfield – Pitcher
Mansfield senior Jimmy Gilleran was one of the best all-around players in the Hockomock League this season, getting it done both at the plate and with his pitching for the Hornets, who reached the Division 2 State Semifinals. He was a go-to guy for head coach Chris Hall, posting a 0.324 batting average with four home runs, along with 20 RBI and 14 runs scored. On the mound, he went 5-3 with a 1.92 ERA in 43.2 innings of work, striking out 46.  “Jimmy really turned a corner this year on the field,” Hall said. “He dominated the off-season and became one of the best two-way players in the Hockomock League. He is the epitome of a true leader and has a bright future ahead of him at Framingham State University.”
 

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Jacob Jette – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin senior Jacob Jette was once again one of the best pitchers not only in the Hockomock League but in the entire state, helping the Panthers win another Kelley-Rex division title and reach the Division 1 State Championship game. During the regular season, the left-hander dominated opponents this season with an 8-2 record, posting a 0.98 ERA in 57.1 innings, striking out 62 with just eight earned runs allowed all season. “Jacob has been our “ace” for the last two seasons and has been the model of consistency,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “Just a tremendous leader and ultimate competitor. The bigger the games the better Jacob performed. Excited to follow Jacob as he continues his career at UMass-Lowell.”
 

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Alfred Mucciarone – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin junior Alfred Mucciarone had another stellar season on the bump, leading the Panthers to another Kelley-Rex division title and an appearance in the Division 1 State Championship game. Coming off an impressive sophomore season, Mucciarone established himself as one of the best pitchers in the Hockomock League this year. During the season, the right-hander went 6-1 with a 2.05 ERA, walking just six batters while striking out 56 in 54.2 innings of work. “Alfred has been at the top of our rotation the last two seasons but really elevated his game this season,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “He really has explosive stuff and is only getting better. We cannot be more excited to have Fredo back for one more season. Alfred really emerged this year as a team leader. He is a fierce competitor on the mound the really enjoys the bright lights! Thrilled to have him back for one more season before he heads off to UMass Lowell.”
 

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HockomockSports.com Second Team

Colby DeCouta – Taunton – Catcher
Taunton senior Colby DeCouta was a rock behind the plate and a leader both on and off the field for the Division 1 State Champion Tigers. On top of his stellar defense behind the plate, DeCouta was a calming influence for a relatively inexperienced pitching staff. He was also a key part of the lineup, hitting 0.367 during the regular season with 18 hits, 18 RBI, eight walks, and eight runs scored. “Colby stepped-up as a leader this year both on and off the field, especially behind the plate where he had his biggest impact,” said Taunton head coach Blair Bourque. “He also had great season offensively, with many key hits throughout the season, including the playoffs.”
 

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Dawson Bryce – Taunton – Infield
Taunton junior Dawson Bryce had a standout season at shortstop for the Division 1 State Champions. After emerging on the scene as a top hitter last season, Bryce was even better during his junior campaign for the Tigers. He was one of the most consistent hitters in the league and he was stellar defensively against some of the toughest competition in the state. During the regular season, Bryce hit 0.444 and had a team-high 77 plate appearances, recording 28 hits (11 extra-base hits) and scoring a team-best 30 runs. He added 11 walks and drove in 15 runs with only three strikeouts. “Dawson is a dynamic 5-tool player, who can do it all,” said Taunton head coach Blair Bourque. “Offensively, Dawson hit for power and average, and defensively, he not only can make the routine plays look routine but he makes the extraordinary play look routine. His ability to impact a game was on full display during the postseason with his incredible defense at shortstop as well as clutch hits.”
 

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Jack Digirolamo – Canton – Infield
Canton junior Jack Digirolamo was a force for the Bulldogs this season, emerging as one of the toughest outs in the league. On top of his terrific season offensively, Digirolamo was very steady defensively at first base with just one error in 21 games. He finished the regular season fourth in the batting title race and ended the year with a 0.435 average with 30 hits. He added eight doubles and drove in 15 runs for the Bulldogs. “Jack had an outstanding season both at the plate and in the field,” said Canton head coach Ben Shuffain. “He was the heart and soul of our lineup and had a terrific year maturing into one of the leaders of our program.”
 

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Evan Raider – Franklin – Infield
Franklin senior Evan Raider might have been the ‘Breakout Player of the Year’ after a stellar season for the Kelley-Rex champions and Division 1 State finalists. Raider jumped right into the heart of the Panthers’ lineup and delivered all season long, He finished the season hitting 0.357 with 99 plate appearances, and almost half (13) of his 30 hits were extra bases. He had a team-high 28 RBI, drew nine walks, and scored 14 runs. “Evan had a breakout senior season and became one of the top run producers in the league,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. “Evan batted cleanup for our lineup the entire season and really lengthened our lineup. Evan was another player that really elevated his game against tough competition and was another great leader for our program. “
 

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Brendan Sencaj – King Philip – Infield
King Philip junior Brendan Sencaj had a standout season for the Warriors, emerging as a top hitter in the Hockomock League as well as a top defender. His 0.390 batting average was good for second on King Philip, who reached the Division 2 State Championship game. He had 30 hits, including nine for extra bases, and recorded a team-high 25 RBI. He also had 26 runs scored. “Brendan did a great job for us at the plate this year,” said King Philip head coach Jeff Plympton. “One of the better swings I’ve seen at the high school level. Brendan came up with the best play in the championship game, throwing out a tagging runner from 2nd base from right field in a clutch situation.”
 

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Evan Cali – Taunton – Outfield
Taunton senior Evan Cali had a memorable final season this spring, guiding the Tigers to a Division 1 State Championship. Cali did it all for the Tigers, patrolling both corners of the outfield, hitting as the leadoff man at times, and as seen in the state final, throwing strong outings as a starting pitcher. Offensively, he hit 0.306 with 19 hits, including a pair of doubles, a triple, and a home run, with 19 runs scored, eight walks, and 11 RBI. He was 3-0 on the mound in the regular season, striking out 10 with a 1.56 ERA. He earned the win in the state final as well, allowing one run in a complete game effort against Franklin. “Evan’s versatility, competitiveness, and leadership were instrumental to the success of our season,” said Taunton head coach Blair Bourque. “His ability to play every position at a high level, coupled with being an offensive threat, proved to be the difference maker this season. This includes his postseason dominance, where he won all three games he started, including two complete game gems, and only allowing two earned runs in 19 innings.”
 

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Ryan Gerety – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin junior Ryan Gerety was once again one of the best outfielders in the Hockomock League and continued to pace the best offense in the league from the leadoff spot. He was among the best in the league with 25 hits, finishing second during the regular season in runs scored. He hit 0.296 for the year with 10 extra-base hits, walked 14 times, drove in 12 runs, and scored 28 times. He was also stellar in the outfield with just two errors all year. “Ryan is an extremely gifted athlete that has a drive and passion for the game of baseball,” said Franklin head coach Zach Brown. ” A very dynamic player, Ryan is very gifted defensively and is a very good table setter in our lineup. Ryan was near the tops in the league in multiple offensive categories. We are very excited to welcome Ryan back for one more season before he departs for Northeastern University where he will continue his athletic career.”
 

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Derek Maceda – North Attleboro – Outfield
North Attleboro junior Derek Maceda was a vital member of the Davenport division winning Rocketeers for the second straight season. After being one of the best hitters in the Hock as a sophomore, Maceda continued to rake at the top of the lineup for the Big Red this season. For the season, he hit 0.402 with 33 hits (seven extra-base hits), drove in 12 runs, and scored a team-high 31 runs. “Derek has continued to be a strong top of the lineup hitter,” said North Attleboro head coach Mike Hart. “His speed and instincts on the base paths have him as a top run-scoring threat. Derek has a steady and calm presence at the plate, hitting for a high average for the second year in a row. He was voted one of our captains for next season and look forward to his return as a leader in the program.”
 

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Rudy Gately – King Philip – DH/Utility
King Philip junior Rudy Gately was one of the best two-way players in the Hock this season, getting it done offensively and on the mound for the Division 2 state finalists. He emerged as the ace of the staff for KP, starting the season with a nine-strikeout win and kept rolling all the way to a start in the state championship. He went 5-1 with a 2.73 ERA, striking out 50 in a team-high 56.1 innings of work. Offensively, he hit 0.329 with 25 hits (six doubles) and 12 walks, recording 21 RBI and scoring 21 runs. “Rudy is a top-notch competitor, especially when he is on the mound. He carried the bulk of this year’s work with 56.1 innings. He pitched against some of the state’s best teams: Franklin, Taunton, Foxboro, Milton, and Mansfield twice (all final four or better). Rudy does a great job mixing in his four pitches and keeping batters off balance.”
 

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Aaron Blinn – Mansfield – Pitcher
Mansfield senior Aaron Blinn was a workhorse in his final year for the Hornets, helping guide the team to the Division 2 State semifinals. Pitching against some of the best competition in the state, Blinn went 3-3 with a 3.42 ERA and struck out 55 in a team-high 47.1 innings of work. He was masterful in the state tournament, posting a 0.70 ERA. “Aaron has some of the best stuff I have ever seen,” said Mansfield head coach Chris Hall. “He faced the best competition on our schedule and dominated. Specifically, in the playoffs, he bolstered a .7 ERA. Aaron led the Hockomock League in strikeouts this season and continues to eat, sleep, and breathe baseball. In the fall, Aaron will continue his baseball career at Endicott.”
 

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Evan Cornelius – Milford – Pitcher
Milford junior Evan Cornelius had a standout season for the Scarlet Hawks, leading the way both offensively and on the mound. He was one of Milford’s best offensive players with a 0.294 average, recording 15 hits (five doubles) along with 15 walks. He added eight runs and seven RBI for the Hawks. On the mound, he tossed a team-high 34.2 innings and earned a 4-3 record. He struck out 49 with 21 walks, posting a 4.04 ERA.
 

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Nolan Gordon – Foxboro – Pitcher
Foxboro freshman Nolan Gordon had a breakout campaign for the Warriors, making a big splash in his debut season. After making his varsity debut in relief in the season opener, Gordon started nine games and went 8-0 on the year. He struck out 51 batters with just 21 walks issued in a team-high 54 innings of work, holding opposing batters to a 0.240 average with a 2.46 ERA. “It may be hard to find a more impactful freshman season than Nolan had,” said Foxboro head coach Derek Suess. “He earned eight wins against quality competition, bringing a ton of confidence with him every time he stepped on the mound.”
 

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King Philip sophomore Travis Crawford has been named the 2022 HockomockSports.com Baseball Underclassman of the Year after emerging as one of the top offensive players for both the Warriors and in the Hockomock League this season.

Crawford played in a variety of roles for the Warriors this season but his constant was his presence at the plate. Whether it was as a catcher, outfielder, or designated hitter, Crawford was a consistent force at the plate for KP, which finished second in the league with an average of 7.6 runs scored per game. Crawford often set the table for the Warriors and was a reliable offensive option from his leadoff spot in the order.

“Travis was very confident at the dish and looked like a veteran out there, not someone who was in his first full varsity season,” said HockomockSports Editor Ryan Lanigan. “He was very aggressive at the plate and when he got on, he was someone that could cause a lot of problems for the opposing team. He will be someone to keep an eye on over the next two seasons.”

He finished third on KP with a 0.349 batting average and a team-high 86 at-bats. He scattered 30 hits on the season, including seven for extra bases. He drew six walks, had 13 RBI, scored 24 runs, and stole 12 bases this season.

“We knew coming into the season Travis was going to contribute to the team as a sophomore,” said King Philip head coach Jeff Plympton. “His bat came alive early on and helped jumpstart our offense. Having a 30-hit season as a sophomore is very impressive and we look forward to seeing him improve in his upcoming seasons.”

Crawford is the sixth sophomore to win this award and the first player from King Philip to earn this honor. Previous winners include North Attleboro’s Jared Penta (2019), Stoughton’s George Currier (2018), Attleboro’s Eoin Kelleher (2017), Oliver Ames’ Matt Muir (2016), Milford’s Aidan Wilde (2015), Taunton’s Luke Figueira (2014), and Franklin’s Nick Santucci (2013).

Honorable Mention: Matt DeShiro (Mansfield), Henry DiGiorgio (Franklin), Nolan Gordon (Foxboro)

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Foxboro head coach Derek Suess has been selected as the 2022 HockomockSports.com Baseball Coach of the Year after leading the Warriors to one of their best seasons in program history and a trip to the Division 3 State semifinals.

Suess, an FHS graduate and former player, guided the Warriors to a 16-win season and a second-place finish in the Davenport division. In his fourth season at the helm, Foxboro picked up 11 Hock wins in a league that had six teams reach the state semifinals. He rallied a relatively inexperienced team that had less than a half dozen seniors and featured a lot of underclassmen, including a handful of freshmen, to one of the best seasons in program history.

“Coach Suess did a great job of getting his players to buy in and believe they could compete in such a deep league,” HockomockSports.com Editor Ryan Lanigan said. “He managed his arms very strategically and got the most out of all of his players, ranging from his seniors down to his freshmen. And it always looked like the Warriors were having fun too.”

It’s the first time Suess has earned Coach of the Year honors. Previous winners include Franklin’s Zach Brown (2019, 2017), 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), Zach Brown (Franklin), Jeff Plympton (King Philip)