2018 HockomockSports Baseball Awards

Mansfield senior pitcher and outfielder Tyler Dalton has been named the 2018 HockomockSports.com Baseball Player of the Year. Dalton led the Hornets to a Kelley-Rex division title (first since 2015) and helped Mansfield become the first Hockomock team selected to participate in the MIAA Super 8 tournament. Dalton was also selected as the Hockomock League MVP by the league’s coaches.

“Tyler was impressive throughout the 2018 season but about halfway through the year, he took his game to another level,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “Not only was he dominant on the mound, he was one of the best hitters in the league as well. It seemed that almost every game down the stretch, Dalton was a big reason for Mansfield’s success.”

Dalton posted a 6-1 record during the regular season with a team-high 41.1 innings pitched. The right-handed pitcher struck out 59 batters while walking just nine with two complete games under his belt. His 59 strikeouts were second in the Hockomock League. He finished the regular season with an impressive 1.70 ERA, allowing just 10 earned runs all year.

“The 2018 season may have been the most competitive season in the Hockomock League’s history with a dozen players moving on to compete at high-level college baseball schools next year and Tyler emerged as the best combination of pitching dominance and offensive explosiveness amongst the other top players in the league,” said Mansfield head coach Joe Breen. “He was in the top tier of every offensive and pitching statistical category in the league and his name was everywhere, deservedly so. Dalton had one of the top two-way seasons in Mansfield history. He will continue his career at Division 1 UMass-Amherst and we are excited to see what he can accomplish at the next level.”

Not only were his pitching stats impressive, Dalton showed he can get it done offensively as well. He posted a 0.431 batting average, good for eighth in the Hock, and was fourth in the league with 28 hits. Dalton knocked in a league-best 27 runs and was top 10 in runs scored with 18.

“Dalton was one of the most competitive athletes we saw this year,” said KP head coach Greg Kessler. “He consistently pitches far into games because he gets ahead in the count early and gets a lot of ground balls. Offensively he takes advantage of pitcher’s mistakes and pulls the ball with great power. It is really difficult to get outs with him and [Kevin] Dow hitting back-to-back. He is going to do well at UMass.”

Dalton is committed to play at UMass Amherst next season. He is the first Mansfield player to win this award. Former winners include 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: Zach DeMattio (North Attleboro), Kevin Dow (Mansfield), Jake Noviello (Franklin), Nick Sinacola (North Attleboro)

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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

Zach DeMattio – North Attleboro – Catcher
North Attleboro senior Zach DeMattio showed exactly why he’s one of the most feared hitters in the entire state of Massachusetts this season. DeMattio hit 0.541 with 26 RBI (second in the league) and 21 runs scored. He tied for a league-best three home runs and drove in all four of North’s runs in the D2 State Championship. “Zach has been our offensive leader all season,” said North Attleboro coach Mike Hart. “He really turned himself into a complete hitter. He was able to bat for average without sacrificing power. Zach is a fantastic person and leader who will be very hard to replace.”
 

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Ruben Gonzalez – Stoughton – Infield
Stoughton senior Ruben Gonzalez was once again one of the best all-around players in the Hock. He was second in the league with 32 hits in the regular season (64 in the last two years) and top five in average at 0.471. “Defensively, he makes it look easy, using his speed to attack softly hit ground balls as well as going back on shallow fly balls to the outfield,” said Stoughton coach Mike Armour. “His high baseball IQ allows him to utilize his physical gifts on the bases. I look forward to seeing him play in college, as he is truly a special player.”

 

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Alex Haba – Franklin – Infield
Franklin junior Alex Haba followed a strong sophomore season with an impressive junior campaign. Haba impressed defensively at shortstop and led the Panthers’ offense as the No. 3 hitter. Haba hit 0.314 with 27 hits this season and led Franklin in runs (19), triples (6), walks (13), stolen bases (15), and tied for home runs. “Alex had a tremendous year defensively at shortstop and led our team in a number of offensive categories,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “We are excited that he will anchor our infield defense for his senior season.”

 

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Chris Pearsons – Oliver Ames – Infield
Oliver Ames junior Chris Pearsons got it done at the plate and in the field this year for the Tigers, who made an impressive run to the D2 South Final. Pearsons was among the best hitters in the Hock, posting a 0.448 batting average (6th in the Hock) with 30 hits (3rd in the league). “Chris had a breakout year for us at the plate, leading the team in nearly every offensive category,” said OA head coach Joe Abarr. “He had already established himself as a phenomenal defensive player with great baseball instincts, but he really came into his own as one of the best players in the league.”

 

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Aidan Wilde – Milford – Infield
Milford senior Aidan Wilde capped a fantastic career with the Scarlet Hawks with yet another strong season in 2018. A four-year starter, Wilde batted 0.510 and collected 26 hits this season, including the 100th of his career, with 10 RBI and 11 runs. For his career, he finished with a 0.476 average and 112 hits. “Aidan has been a pleasure to coach for the last four years,” said Milford coach Alex Dion. “He is a selfless, hard-working player who leads by example and has certainly left his mark on this program. He will be highly successful at the next level and will be greatly missed here.”
 

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Kevin Dow – Mansfield – Outfield
Mansfield senior Kevin Dow impressed all over the field during the Hornets’ memorable 2018 campaign. He was near the top of the league in average (0.409), hits (27), RBI (17) and runs (22). On the mound, the left-handed pitcher was 5-1 with 52 strikeouts in 35.2 innings with a 0.59 ERA. “Dow had huge wins on the mound over schools like Xaverian, Braintree, and Walpole which proved to be major keys in our selection to the Super 8 Tournament,” said Mansfield coach Joe Breen. “Kevin is an extremely projectable left-handed pitcher and I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if we hear his name in MLB Draft discussions in a few years.”
 

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Nate Pearce – North Attleboro – Outfield
After an impressive junior campaign, North Attleboro senior Nate Pearce took his game to another level in 2018. Pearce played a big role in helping the Rocketeers secure their first-ever state title. In the regular season, he had 19 hits for a 0.317 average and was third in the Hock with 20 RBI. “Nate really turned it on the second half of the season,” said North Attleboro coach Mike Hart. “He was as feared as anyone with his ability to hit for power. Our pitchers had no worries when a ball got into the air that he’d get to it in the outfield.”

 

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Dan Saraceno – Mansfield – Outfield
Mansfield junior Dan Saraceno played a vital role in the Hornets’ memorable 2018 season. Saraceno was one of the top hitters in the Hock for the majority of the season, finishing with a 0.364 batting average with 20 hits. He tied for third in the league with 21 runs scored and recorded 14 RBI. “As a junior, Dan established himself as not only one of the top hitters in the league but significantly improved his patience being one of our most consistent on-base threats landing himself as a leadoff hitter for the last few weeks of the season,” said Mansfield coach Joe Breen.

 

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Tyler Medeiros – Taunton – Utility
Taunton senior Tyler Medeiros did it all for the Tigers during the 2018 season. The right-handed pitcher was impressive on the mound, posting a 4-3 record while striking out 56, third most in the Hockomock, finishing with a 2.27 ERA. Medeiros was also a leader offensively with a 0.371 average on 20 hits while notching 10 RBI and 10 runs. “Enough can’t be said about Tyler’s competitiveness,” said Taunton coach Blair Bourque. “He’s a clutch player, both on the mound and at the plate. He has been our workhorse on the mound the last two seasons. The bigger the game, the better he pitches.”
 

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Tyler Dalton – Mansfield – Pitcher
Mansfield senior Tyler Dalton capped a memorable career with a wildly successful 2018 season. Dalton was named HockomockSports.com Player of the Year (see above) and Hockomock League MVP. “Tyler not only came back from injury [his junior year] and re-established himself as one of the best pitchers in the league but blossomed into one of the best two-way players in the state,” said Mansfield coach Joe Breen. “Tyler simply dominated the month of May on the mound and at the plate during a time when our team went 15-0 against some of the top teams in the state.”

 

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Jake Noviello – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin senior Jake Noviello finished a terrific career in the best way possible: a state championship. A top pitcher in the league for the last three years, Noviello went 7-2 and recorded the save in the state title game. He struck out 66 batters in 65.2 innings of work, finishing with a 1.81 ERA. “Jake is a co-captain and has been a tremendous leader for our program,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “On the hill, Jake is a workhorse and a tremendous competitor. Jake’s ability was never more on display than during our Super 8 run. Jake has left a lasting impression on our program.”
 

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Nick Sinacola – North Attleboro – Pitcher
After a breakout junior season, North Attleboro’s Nick Sinacola showed he was one of the top pitchers in the state during the 2018 season. Sinacola was 7-0 in the regular season and added three more wins in the playoffs, including in the D2 State Championship. He posted a 1.23 ERA and struck out a league-high 71 batters in the regular season. He batted 0.339 with 22 hits. “Nick did it all for us this year,” said North coach Mike Hart. “He was everything expected on the mound but was willing to practice and play all four infield positions to keep our lineup in place. He is a selfless player who looks to do anything for the team.”
 

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HockomockSports.com Second Team

Jake Macchi – Franklin – Catcher
Franklin’s Jake Macchi will remember his junior season for a long time, mostly because of his two-run home run to help the Panthers win the Super 8 State Championship. Batting fourth in the lineup, Macchi led the Panthers in hits (34), singles (23), and doubles (9). He was very strong behind the plate as well, catching nearly every inning of the season. “He was a rock behind the plate and I believe he is the best receiver and blocker of the baseball in the state,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “We are thrilled he will be back behind the dish for one more year.”

 

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Chad Bearce – Foxboro – Infield
Foxboro senior Chad Bearce had a strong season and helped the Warriors qualify for the state tournament again this year. Bearce manned both corner infield spots for the Warriors and played strong defense at both spots. Offensively, Bearce hit 0.316 with 18 hits, including three doubles, with seven RBI and seven runs. Bearce hit 0.429 with runners in scoring position. “Defensively, Chad is one of the best around at both corner infield spots,” said Foxboro head coach Derek Suess. “He had a great year offensively as well; a testament to his hard work and dedication each day.”

 

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Jon Candiales – Attleboro – Infield
Attleboro senior Jon Candiales was an anchor for the Bombardiers during the 2018 season. He emerged as one of the team’s top pitchers, and when he wasn’t on the mound, was a rock in the infield. He was also one of Attleboro’s top offensive players, leading the team in doubles, triples, and RBI while finishing second in hits, walks and slugging percentage. On the mound, he went 2-1 with a 1.81 ERA and held opposing hitters to a 0.172 batting average. “Jon did a tremendous job for us leading by example when it came to work ethic, passion for baseball, and paying attention to detail and the fundamentals,” said Attleboro coach Matt Bosh.
 

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Colby Fitzgibbons – Franklin – Infield
Franklin senior Colby Fitzgibbons had a breakout season in 2018 and helped the Panthers win their first-ever Super 8 Championship. In his first year as a starter, Fitzgibbons emerged as a catalyst for the Franklin offense, batting in the leadoff spot. He finished with 24 hits and a 0.308 average. He added six doubles, 12 RBI, 16 runs, and stole four bases. “Colby batted leadoff for us and played a stellar second base defensively,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “He was always a calming and clutch presence. He was one of the most consistent performers we had all season.”

 

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Matt Muir – Oliver Ames – Infield
Oliver Ames senior Matt Muir finished a stellar high school career by helping the Tigers reach their first sectional final in over a decade. He hit 0.361 with 31 hits (two doubles, two triples), 18 runs, and 11 RBI. He struck out just four times all season in 93 plate appearances. “Matt was the heart and soul of the team this year,” said OA coach Joe Abarr. “He has a relentless but quiet work ethic that truly sets him apart from most players his age. As our shortstop, the leadoff hitter, and our most reliable relief pitcher, he filled many important roles and he will be sorely missed next year.”

 

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Matt Casamento – Canton – Outfield
Canton senior Matt Casamento finished his career with the Bulldogs with a very memorable season. Casamento, who is headed to Elon this coming school year, was a three-year starter and was one of the top defensive outfielders in the entire Hockomock League. He also had a very successful season at the plate, posting a 0.422 batting average while leading the Bulldogs in all offensive categories. He was selected as an Hockomock League all star as well. “Matt is very competitive, athletic and smart,” said Canton coach Greg Digirolamo. “He is a great example of what we look for in our leaders.”
 

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Mitch Goulet – Oliver Ames – Outfield
Oliver Ames senior Mitch Goulet did a lot of impressive things in his final season in black and orange. Not only was he a reliable center fielder, he provided the power to the Tiger lineup. He finished with 21 hits, including eight doubles, 19 runs, and a team-high 16 RBI. He tied for a team-high with 10 walks. “Mitch is a tremendous athlete with terrific strength that could drive the ball and parole the outfield with a great deal of skill,” said OA coach Joe Abarr. “He and Matt [Muir] were our team captains and their leadership on and off the field was incredibly valuable to me as a coach.”
 

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Brendan McHugh – North Attleboro – Outfield
North Attleboro junior Brendan McHugh had a breakout season for the Rocketeers and played a vital role in Big Red’s run to a D2 State Championship. Taking over in left field, he was solid defensively and was the catalyst for North’s lineup, batting in the leadoff spot. He hit 0.447, finished with 21 hits, 14 RBI, and scored a Hockomock-best 24 runs. “Brendan had a breakout first varsity season,” said North coach Mike Hart. “With his speed, it was great getting him on base in front of guys like DeMattio and Pearce. His natural athletic ability translates to every aspect of the game. He’s a true competitor and gamer.”
 

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Jeremy Rhines – King Philip – Utility
King Philip senior Jeremy Rhines impressed during his final high school season. Not only was he one of the go-to pitchers for KP, he was a huge part of the offense. His 0.386 batting average led the way for the Warriors, connecting on 27 hits (tied for sixth most in the league). He also had seven RBI while going 2-3 on the mound, striking out 18 with a 3.33 ERA. “Jeremy has been the leader of our offense and a major asset to our pitching staff. Jeremy was always batting in runs and setting the example for our younger guys. Jeremy will do well pitching for WPI next season because of his work ethic and effort.”
 

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Jack Moynihan – Taunton – Pitcher
Taunton junior Jack Moynihan had some dominant performances for the Tigers during the 2018 season. Moynihan was one of the few pitchers who had wins over two Super 8 teams, including a 15-strikeout performance against the champs Franklin back in April. He went 4-2 in the regular season, striking out 40 batters in 37 innings with just eight walks, posting an impressive 0.97 ERA. “Whenever Jack was pitching, we knew we were going to have an opportunity to win,” said Taunton coach Blair Bourque. “He was able to do what any top pitcher is supposed to do: give his team an opportunity to win.”
 

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Michael Mulrean – Oliver Ames – Pitcher
Oliver Ames senior Michael Mulrean went from reliever to ace during the 2018 season. At the beginning of the year, Mulrean was used in relief but by the end, he was the most reliable pitcher the Tigers had. Mulrean had a team-high seven wins, posting a 7-2 record with 52.2 innings of work. He struck out 63 batters, which ranked among the best in the league and finished with a 1.99 ERA. “Michael’s season was unreal when you consider that he had not previously been a starter,” said OA coach Joe Abarr. “He was an absolute bulldog on the mound and had some of the gutsiest outings I have seen at the high school level.”
 

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Bryan Woelfel – Franklin – Pitcher
Franklin senior Bryan Woelfel started the season as one of the most underrated pitchers in the league and finished as one of the most respected in the area. Woelfel, a right-handed pitcher, threw a team-high 66 innings for the Super 8 Champion Panthers, going 7-1 with a save. He struck out 63 and allowed just nine earned runs all season for a 0.95 ERA. “Bryan is a co-captain and a great teammate,” said Franklin coach Zach Brown. “Pound for pound, Bryan is one of the best competitors. His versatility as a pitcher makes him extremely unique. Bryan was always unfazed by pressure situations.”
 

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Stoughton sophomore George Currier has been named the sixth annual HockomockSports.com Baseball Underclassman of the Year after a strong year for the Black Knghts. Currier is the first Stoughton athlete – male or female – to be selected HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year in any sport.

Patrolling right field, Currier emerged as a strong defensive player and really impressed at the plate for a sophomore. Offensively he was a key part of the Black Knights’ lineup, batting 0.328 with four doubles while scoring 14 runs and driving in 13 runs. He was just one of four Black Knights to play in all 19 games. He was finished in the top five on the team in hits, runs, RBI, doubles, and total bases.

“Despite George being only a sophomore, he played with a poise and maturity that made him a staple in our lineup,” said Stoughton head coach Mike Armour. “He played both positions at a high level, making just one error in 32 total chances. I look for George to be a leader on this team for the next two seasons both on and off the field.”

Currier had multiple hits in seven games this season while recording a pair of RBI in four contests, including against the Super 8 Champions Franklin.

“George showed versatility by being able to play good defense at multiple positions,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “And he was impressive at the plate from start to finish. His approach didn’t seem to change regardless of how big the moment was, which is impressive for a young player. The future looks bright for Currier and Stoughton baseball.”

Currier is the fourth sophomore to win this award, joining 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: John Carney (Mansfield), Alvaro Espinal (Attleboro), Jack Nally (Franklin), Chris Sawyer (King Philip)

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Coach of the Year – Mike Hart, North Attleboro

North Attleboro head coach Mike Hart has been selected as the 2018 HockomockSports.com Baseball Coach of the Year after leading the Rocketeers to their first ever state championship.

A former player for North Attleboro, Hart guided the Rocketeers to a Davenport division title and a Division 2 State Championship in his first year at the helm. North Attleboro went 18-2 during the regular season, including a 14-2 league record, with its only two losses coming to Super 8 selections Mansfield and Franklin.

In the playoffs, North Attleboro rolled through the South sectional, outscoring its three opponents 41-4. In the state final, North Attleboro edged out Beverly, 4-3, to clinch the title.

“Not only did North Attleboro have a lot of talent this year, they bought into Coach Hart’s game plan and that paid off in the end,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “They were prepared for every scenario they encountered throughout the season and had a very aggressive approach at the plate that resulted in a successful offense.”

Hart is the sixth winner of the award, joining Franklin’s Zach Brown (2017), Stoughton’s Mike Armour (2016), Mansfield’s Joe Breen (2015), Oliver Ames’ Leo Duggan (2014) and Taunton’s Jeff Sylvia (2013).

Honorable Mention: Joe Abarr (Oliver Ames), Joe Breen (Mansfield), Zach Brown (Franklin)