2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards

HockomockSports.com Baseball Awards

2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards

2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards 2016 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

2016 HockomockSports Baseball Awards
Taunton senior pitcher and outfielder Luke Figueira has been named the 2016 HockomockSports.com Baseball Player of the Year. Figueira led the Tigers to their second Hockomock League Kelley Rex title in the last four seasons. Figueira was also voted as the Hockomock League MVP by the coaches.

“Luke has been one of the top players in the league for the past three years and this year, was at that top of his game,” HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan said. “Figueira was Taunton’s go-to player this year, both on the mound and at the plate. He was someone opponents didn’t want to have to face.”

In nine appearances, Figueira posted a 6-1 record on the mound in the regular season in a league-high 53 innings of work. In those 53 innings, Figueira only allowed seven earned runs which translated into a 0.92 ERA, second lowest in the league. He also struck out 55 batters while allowing just nine batters to reach on balls.

At the dish, Figueira was the league’s top hitter, earning the batting title for the season with a .449 average. He had a league high 31 hits in 69 at-bats and came around to score 16 runs. He knocked in 15 runs for Taunton, which was second on the team.

“In Luke’s three years on varsity, he epitomized everything great about our program,” Taunton head coach Jeff Sylvia said. “His work ethic is second to none; he makes all those around him better. He is a true leader, helping the younger players by setting such a great example through his daily routine. He is one of the most competitive players that I have ever had the pleasure to coach. It has been an honor and privilege being a small part of his high school career; but more importantly I am proud of the young man he has become.”

Figueira becomes the first baseball player that won the HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year award to go on and win the Player of the Year award. He is just the second male athlete to do so, following Canton hockey player Jackson Maffeo.

“Luke Figueira has always had a knack for coming up big during a game’s most pivotal moments,” Franklin head coach Zach Brown said. “As an opposing coach you had to constantly account for his unique skillsets. Luke has a plus arm, can hit for average and power, is a threat on the bases, a polished defender and most importantly a fearless competitor on the mound and in the batter’s box. Luke has been one of the elite pitchers and hitters in the league for a number of years. It’s been a privilege to compete against such a complete baseball player. And I’m confident that Luke will do a tremendous job representing the Hockomock League as he extends his playing career at the collegiate level.”

Figueira, who is headed to Bentley University in the Fall to play baseball, is the first Taunton player to win the award. Oliver Ames’ Brendan Welch won the award in 2015 and David MacKinnon was the inaugural winner in 2013. Attleboro’s Max Lancaster won the award in 2014.

Honorable Mention: Nate Tellier (Attleboro), Jon Rolfe (King Philip), Jake Gibb (Stoughton)


HockomockSports.com First Team

Jake GibbJake Gibb – Stoughton – Catcher
Stoughton senior Jake Gibb capped a terrific career with the Black Knights behind the plate with another stellar season. Regarded as one of the top catchers not only in the league but in the area, Gibb helped lead Stoughton to its first league title since 2001. The Black Knights had a relatively young pitching staff, with their top three pitchers all being juniors. Gibb was a big reason that staff developed into one of the best in the league this year. At the plate, Gibb batted .349, collecting 17 hits in 63 at-bats this season. Gibb also had 17 runs scored and 13 RBI.

 


Jack DiCensoJack DiCenso – King Philip – Infield
King Philip senior Jack DiCenso played a major role in the Warriors’ run to a league title for the first time since 2009. DiCenso was a threat both on the mound and at the plate for the Warriors this season. At the plate during the regular season, DiCenso batted .351 during, with 21 hits in 60 at-bats. He knocked in 11 runs and scored nine runs himself. In six games, five of which were starts, DiCenso posted a 3-2 record in 30 2/3 innings. He struck out 28 batters, walked 11 and allowed just five earned runs. He had a 1.14 ERA for the season.

 


Doug SeamanDoug Seaman – Stoughton – Infield
A year after being limited to just hitting, Stoughton senior Doug Seaman was a top all around player in the Hockomock League this season. Seaman, who patrolled shortstop this season for the Black Knights, played a big role in helping Stoughton claim its first ever Davenport division title and first league title since 2001. Seaman was a rock in the field defensively for Stoughton and was one of the team’s top producers at the plate. In 66 at-bats this season, Seaman belted out 22 hits to bat .333. He scored 23 runs on the season, tied for the most in the Hockomock League.

 


Aidan WildeAidan Wilde – Milford – Infield
Milford sophomore Aidan Wilde continued to impress again this year after bursting on the scene during his rookie campaign last Spring. Last year’s HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year was strong yet again at shortstop and filled in admirably on the mound for the Scarlet Hawks as well. Beyond his strong defense, Wilde was one of Milford’s most reliable hitters. The sophomore batted a team-high .404 – seventh best in the entire league – with 23 hits in 57 at-bats. He scored 14 runs on the season and had a team-high 20 runs batted in.

 


Chris RomeroChris Romero – Oliver Ames – Infield
Oliver Ames senior Chris Romero concluded a strong career patrolling the infield and leading the Tigers at the plate this season. Romero was one of four Tigers that had over 20 hits on the season, a big reason why OA was able to overcome a 2-6 start and earn a second place finish in the Davenport and a playoff berth. Romero had 25 hits in 71 at-bats, posting a .352 average for his senior season. He came around to score 18 runs and had four RBI on the year. Romero is headed to Assumption College in the Fall, committed to play soccer.

 


Ryan HodgkinsRyan Hodgkins – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin junior Ryan Hodgkins had a breakout year for the Panthers, patrolling the outfield as Franklin made a late charge for the league title. Hodgkins was one of the top hitters in the entire league, batting .400 on the season – a team-high with a minimum of 30 ABs. Hodgkins had 26 hits in 65 at-bats and led Franklin with 18 runs scored. He also had 10 RBI on the season, playing in all 22 of the Panthers’ games this season. The junior was also a strong defensive player for Franklin and was named a Hockomock League All Star.

 


Jon RolfeJonathan Rolfe – King Philip – Outfield
King Philip senior Jonathan Rolfe was a big reason why the Warriors were able to claim the program’s first Kelley-Rex title and first league title since 2009. Rolfe shined in all aspects, including on the mound, in the field and at the plate. Rolfe made eight appearances on the mound, five of which were starts, and posted a 6-1 record with 43 1/3 innings pitched. He struck out 18 batters while allowing just four walks all season long, finishing the regular season with a 2.42 ERA. He batted .379 on the season with 25 hits, 11 RBI and 13 runs scored.

 


Matt MachadoMatt Machado – Taunton – Outfield
Taunton junior Matt Machado was one of the most underrated players in the league this year as the offensive catalyst for the Kelley-Rex winning Tigers. Batting out of the lead off spot, it seemed as though almost every time Machado reached, Taunton’s offense would follow suit. Machado had a .515 on-base percentage and tied for a league-best with 23 runs scored. He had 20 hits on the season in 62 at-bats for a .323 batting average, third on the team. He had 16 stolen bases and knocked in eight runs during his junior year.

 


Josh MinuskinJosh Minuskin – Oliver Ames – Designated Hitter
Oliver Ames senior Josh Minuskin was impressive in his senior season, starting behind the plate for the Tigers, who finished second in the division and earned yet another playoff berth this Spring. Besides being one of the better defensive catchers and one of the hardest to run against, Minuskin mashed at the plate as well. He batted .435 on the season, second in the entire Hockomock League. He had a team-high 30 hits in 69 at-bats and led the Hockomock in runs batted in with 29 on the season. He also connected on a league-best two home runs and scored 17 runs.

 


Luke FigueiraLuke Figueira – Taunton – Pitcher
Taunton senior Luke Figueira dominated in all aspects during his senior season, earning Hockomock League MVP and HockomockSports.com Player of the Year honors. He had a 6-1 record on the mound in the regular season in a league-high 53 innings of work. He struck out 55 batters while allowing just nine batters to reach on balls, posting a 0.92 ERA – second lowest in the league. Offensively, Figueira led the league in both hits (31) and average (.449) during his senior season. He knocked in 15 runs and came across home to score 16 runs himself.

 


Nate TellierNate Tellier – Attleboro – Pitcher
Attleboro senior Nate Tellier had a season to remember, leading the Bombardiers to not only a postseason berth, but the deepest run of any of the Kelley-Rex teams. In the regular season, Tellier (3-0) struck out a league-high 65 batters in just 35 innings of work and posted a league-low 0.60 ERA with just three earned runs allowed all year. He tossed a no-hitter with 16 strikeouts in eight innings in a win against rival North Attleboro, which was in the midst of his 24 inning shutout streak. Offensively, Tellier batted .418, recording 24 hits, 16 runs and 15 RBI.

 


Jake CavanaghJake Cavanagh – King Philip – Pitcher
King Philip senior Jake Cavanagh was the Warriors go-to guy on the mound this season. The right handed pitcher made a team-high 10 appearances, half of which were starts. He posted a 3-0 record in the regular season and tied for the league high with a pair of saves. In 39 1/3 innings of work, Cavanagh finished with a 1.42 ERA and struck out a team-high 43 batters and issued just 10 walks. Cavanagh was called upon multiple times to help the Warriors escape jams. Cavanagh is headed to Utica College in New York in the Fall to play baseball.

 


HockomockSports.com Second Team


Max BowdenMax Bowden – Taunton – Catcher
Taunton senior catcher Max Bowden had another solid year behind the plate but was also a key piece of the Tigers’ offense and pitching staff. Bowden was his normal self with his strong defense and emerged this season as one of Taunton’s leaders at the plate. Bowden had 21 hits in 67 at-bats for a .313 average. He knocked in 11 runs and came across to score eight runs in 20 games played during the regular season. Bowden, who was 3-0 with two saves, was also an option on the mound, posting an impressive 1.27 ERA with eight strikeouts in 11 innings of work.

 


Jack ConnellyJack Connelly – Stoughton – Infield
Stoughton junior Jack Connelly had a superb year while manning first base for the Black Knights. Connelly was a reliable defensive player and emerged as one of the top offensive threats in the league. He had 23 hits in 65 at-bats in the regular season for the Davenport division champs, the program’s first league title since 2001. His .354 average was a team-high and also led the Black Knights with 19 RBI on the season. Connelly also came around to score 12 runs on his own. Connelly is one of many key pieces returning for the Black Knights, who will try to go back-to-back.

 


Darren KellyDarren Kelly – Foxboro – Infield
Foxboro senior Darren Kelly capped a strong career with the Warriors with a strong senior season. Kelly, who resides at the shortstop position for the Warriors, became one of the toughest at-bats this season. The senior finished with a team-best .414 average, sixth highest in the Hockomock League. Kelly’s hot streak put him over .500 for a good portion of the season and he finished with 24 hits in 58 at-bats. The senior knocked in 15 runs at the plate and scored 16 runs for the Warriors. Kelly was also named a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches.

 


Brian PoillucciBrian Poillucci – North Attleboro – Infield
North Attleboro senior Brian Poillucci shined during his final season for Big Red. Poillucci was one of, if not the best, second baseman in the league this season and was named a Hockomock League All Star by the coaches. At the plate, the senior had 20 hits in 55 at-bats, which translated into a team-best .364 batting average. Poillucci was one of a handful of players that hit a homerun, with his shot coming in a 4-4 performance against Mansfield. For the season, Poillucci finished with 11 runs batted in and came across to score 13 runs.

 


Will WeirWill Weir – King Philip – Infield
King Philip junior Will Weir had a stellar season and was a big piece of the puzzle that helped the Warriors claim their first league title since 2009. Weir, who started at shortstop for King Philip, was very reliable defensively and anchored the infield defense. Offensively, Weir was counted upon and delivered time after time. Weir hit a team-best .389 on the season, third among all juniors. He had 21 hits in 54 at-bats and smashed his lone home run of the year – a three run shot – in a 6-5 win over North Attleboro in April. He finished with 12 RBI and 15 runs scored.

 


Mike SkazaMike Skaza – Franklin – Outfield
Franklin senior Mike Skaza was an important piece for Zach Brown’s Panthers squad, who rattled of a seven game win streak in May to earn a playoff berth. Skaza was a key cog in the league’s top offense, as Franklin finished with the year with a Hockomock best 138 runs scored. The senior was a big reason for that, batting .373 on the season, which was third on the team. He had 22 hits in 59 at-bats and came around to score 12 runs and had 13 RBI. Skaza had a big game with two hits and two RBI when the Panthers upset St. Peter Marian in May.

 


Ryan AdamsRyan Adams – Oliver Ames – Outfield
Oliver Ames senior Ryan Adams finished his career as a Tiger with a memorable final season. Adams was one of four players on Oliver Ames that had over 20 hits this Spring, helping the Tigers to a second place finish in the Davenport and yet another playoff berth. While his defense in the outfield was always reliable, he continued to be a threat at the plate. He batted .397 on the season, second on the team and top 10 in the entire league. He had 27 hits in 68 at-bats, drove in 20 runs during the season and came around to score 10 runs himself.

 


Blake HillBlake Hill – Milford – Outfield
Milford junior Blake Hill continued to mash the ball for the Scarlet Hawks this season. With plenty of varsity experience under his belt, Hill batted in the cleanup spot for Paul Pellegrini’s squad again this Spring. While Hill was a solid outfielder, he really made his mark at the plate. He had 24 hits in 64 at-bats, posting a .375 batting average, good for second on the team and top 15 in the league. He knocked in 19 runs, had one home run and came around to score 15 runs. Pellegrini said Hill “hits the ball further than anybody I’ve ever seen.”

 


Josh MacchiJosh Macchi – Franklin – Designated Hitter
Franklin junior Josh Macchi played a clutch role in the Panthers’ push for the playoffs in 2016. Franklin had the league’s best offense, scoring 138 runs in 23 games – an average of six per game – and Macchi was a big reason for that. Macchi was second on the team in batting averaging, finishing the regular season at .381. He had 24 hits in 63 at-bats for the Panthers, who earned a postseason berth. Macchi drove in a team-high 16 RBI for the powerful Franklin offense and scored 13 runs. He was also selected as a Hockomock League Honorable Mention by the coaches.

 


Justin HutchinsonJustin Hutchinson – Stoughton – Pitcher
Stoughton’s Justin Hutchinson emerged as one of the top pitchers in the entire Hockomock League during his junior year. Hutchinson was a big reason that the Black Knights were able to claim their first Davenport title and first league title since 2001. The junior right handed pitcher made eight appearances and posted a 4-2 record during the regular season. He struck out 43 batters in 42 innings of work while issuing just 16 walks. In his 42 innings of work, he only allowed nine earned runs, which translated into an ERA of 1.50

 


Tyler DaltonTyler Dalton – Mansfield – Pitcher
Mansfield sophomore Tyler Dalton made the most of his first full year on varsity with the Hornets. The right handed pitcher emerged as the Hornets’ ace on the season, posting a 6-2 record. His six wins tied for the league lead with HockomockSports.com Player of the Year Luke Figueir and KP’s Jon Rolfe. Dalton was also second with 47 1/3 innings tossed, striking out 35 batters in that span. He issued just 12 walks for the Hornets, who had a great second half of the season and just missed out on the playoffs. Dalton’s ERA for his sophomore year was 1.78.

 


Aaron WentlingAaron Wentling – Foxboro – Pitcher
Foxboro junior pitcher Aaron Wentling had an impressive year on the mound for the Warriors, who earned a playoff berth in the Division 3 South tournament. In seven starts, Wentling posted a 5-2 record in the regular season – accounting for over half of the Warriors’ wins in 2016. In 39 innings of work, Wentling struck out 36 batters compared to 18 walks issued. He allowed just 12 earned runs for a 2.15 ERA. At the plate, Wentling became one of Foxboro’s top hitters. He was second on the team with a .396 batting average, with 21 hits and eight RBI.

 


UnderclassmanoftheYear_MattMuir
Oliver Ames sophomore Matt Muir has been named the fourth annual HockomockSports.com Baseball Underclassman of the Year after a solid all-around season for the Tigers.

Muir was impressive in multiple aspects of the game, including at the plate, in the field and on the mound for Oliver Ames. The sophomore was one of four Tigers that had over 20 hits this season, finishing with 26 hits in 74 at-bats for a .351 batting average. He knocked in nine runs and came around to score 19 runs while helping to set the pace for OA’s offense from the two hole.

“Not many young players have such a complete game but Matt looked like a seasoned veteran in everything that he did,” HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan said. “He came up big time and time again at the plate, was a rock in the field and made difficult plays look routine. He also filled in admirably on the mound for Oliver Ames.”

Muir is the first Oliver Ames player to win the award, following Milford’s Aidan Wilde (2015), Taunton’s Luke Figueira (2014) and Franklin’s Nick Santucci (2013).

Honorable Mention: Jake Noviello (Franklin), Tyler Dalton (Mansfield), Aidan Wilde (Milford)


Coach of the Year – Mike Armour, Stoughton

Mike ArmourStoughton head coach Mike Armour has been selected as the 2016 HockomockSports.com Baseball Coach of the Year. It’s the first time Armour has won the award.

Armour led the Black Knights to their first ever Davenport division title and the program’s first Hockomock League title since 2001. Stoughton posted a 14-6 overall record and a 13-3 record in league play, the best of any of the 12 Hockomock schools.

After missing out on the playoffs last season, Armour guided the Black Knights back to the Division 2 South tournament, where Stoughton posted wins over Hopkinton and Nauset before following Dighton-Rehoboth, the eventual D2 State Champs.

“After just missing out on the playoffs last year, we expected Stoughton to make a strong push this year,” HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan said. “But Armour and Stoughton did much more than that, winning a league title and a pair of playoff games. Maybe more importantly, Armour had his players having fun out on the field and that translated into wins.”

Armour joins Oliver Ames’ Leo Duggan (2014) as winners of the award from the Davenport division. Taunton’s Jeff Sylvia (2013) and Mansfield’s Joe Breen (2015) have also won the award.

Honorable Mention: Matt Bosh (Attleboro), Pat Weir (King Philip), Jeff Sylvia (Taunton)