McDonald, whose teammates included junior center fielder Corey Abbascia (Shrewsbury High), sophomore third baseman Tyler McElman (Marlborough High), and sophomore pitcher Phil Recco of Concord (Concord-Carlisle Regional High), was named to the All-MASCAC first team as a utility player, and All-New England Intercollegiate Baseball Association first team as a designated hitter.

McDonald was first in the conference in batting (.410), slugging (.691), and total bases (96), and tied for the conference lead with eight home runs. He was also among the conference leaders in on-base percentage (.517), RBIs (42), runs (41), doubles (13), and hits (57).

Head coach Dirk Baker said of McDonald, “Corey was impressive as a five-position utility player for us this season, as he played first base, right field, left field, and designated hitter, and he even tossed two innings in relief. He is one of the best two-strike hitters that I’ve ever coached.’’

McElman, who started 38 games, batted .311 with seven homers and 41 RBIs. Abbascia had his best power numbers as a collegian with eight doubles, a triple, and two homers while batting .252. His 100th career hit was a grand slam in a 15-14 victory over Westfield State in the conference tourney semifinals. Recco was 3-1 with 25 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings, beating Roger Williams, Becker, and Fisher.

Citing Abbascia’s season, Baker said, “Corey was a tremendous defensive presence with his speed and arm, and what Tyler did for us this year was incredible, coming back from two surgically repaired wrists and a broken jaw.’’

Added Baker, whose team set a single-season program record with 50 home runs, “Phil has improved his velocity and location this season. Next year he should be in the mix to go up against our tougher midweek nonconference opponents.’’

Boston Globe Article