WORCESTER, Mass. - Less than three months until the Worcester State University baseball team takes the field to open its season in sunny Florida, head coach Dr. Dirk Baker Friday afternoon announced his incoming freshman class. Each of the class's 12 members is introduced below.
Aidan Abernathy - Pitcher - Methuen, Mass.
Why Worcester State? "I loved the size of the school and the small class sizes, so I could have a better relationship with my professors."
High School: Pitcher at Central Catholic…2018 Super 8 Final…coach was Marc Pelletier…also pitched in American Legion State Finals with Methuen
Major: Education
Family: Father TJ, mother Jen, two sisters Haley and Maura, and brother Connor
Michael Chaves Jr. – Catcher - Hudson, Mass.
Why Worcester State? "Love the city and campus feel. Great people all around and close to home."
High School: Made 2018 Central Mass. Final with Hudson…played for Tim Reinhardt and former Worcester State captain Jeff Wood…played Hudson Legion and in Bay State Games
Major: Communication
Family: Parents Mike and Michelle Chaves…siblings: Emma and Lila Chaves.
Kyle Cravatis - Pitcher - Beverly, Mass.
Why Worcester State? "The opportunity to continue playing baseball with great academics and campus atmosphere"
High School: Went 5-0 as junior at Beverly with a 0.25 ERA…NEC and Salem News All-star… senior year went 6-1 and recognized as NEC All-Star as team made D2 state final…coach was Dave Wilbur
Major: Business administration
Family: parents Greg and Lori…one sibling Cierra
Sean Devin – Outfield - Lynn, Mass.
High School: Lynn Classical…league all-star…4.0 GPA…hit .424 and team was MIAA No. 1 seed in 2017…coach Mike Zukowski…played at Fenway Park in the The B.A.S.E. All-Star Classic.
Major: Business Administration
Family: parents Bill and Lynne...brothers Brandon, Kyle, Matthew and sister Jocelyn
Joey Goldblatt – Pitcher - Naples, Fla.
Why Worcester State? "Wanted to play baseball."
High School: played at Gulf Coast in Naples, Fla…Second Team All-Conference and Bentley Sporting Goods SWFL Senior All-Star team
Major: Undecided
Family: parents Donna, Jimmy, and sisters Gina and Samantha.
Michael Mabee Jr. - Catcher - Saugus, Mass.
Why Worcester State? "Great campus, great environment, also they had the major I want and the opportunity to play baseball."
High School: Captain and All-Star for football, basketball, and baseball at Saugus...coach was Steve Freker…in summer, played for Vikings, Bay State Games, and NSBL Saugus Wings
Major: History
Family: Parents Michael and Jayne...two siblings, Aly and Ryan.
Justin Pena - Pitcher - Mansfield, Mass.
Why Worcester State? "Great academics and positive atmosphere."
High School: Played for Mansfield in Super 8 Tournament…team won league title senior year…Hockomock League honorable mention…coach was Joe Breen…All-Sun Chronicle Team…earned American Legion scholarship playing for Foxboro…pitched in 2017 Cape Legion All-Star Game
Major: Criminal Justice
Family: Mom Ivy and brother Jose
Paul Prior – Infield - Berlin, Conn.
Why Worcester State? "I liked the college feel to the campus and how the upperclassmen made us feel welcome."
High School: All-State and twice made All-New Britain Herald playing for Goodwin Tech…hit .552 as senior…coach was Joe Granja
Major: Business Administration
Family: Paul, Matilda, Lauren
Joe Rogato – Second Base - Methuen, Mass.
Why Worcester State? "Size of the school, small classrooms, and 1-on-1 help."
High School: Captain at Methuen for Coach Bill Blackwell…Second Team All-Conference as senior…started in 2018 Legion State Finals.
Major: Criminal Justice
Family: Fran, Todd, and Josh
Payton Stinson – Outfield - Somers, Conn.
Why Worcester State? "Chance of playing baseball with really nice facilities, and the nice campus along with the environment."
High School: Led East Catholic in steals and hit .400 as senior…played for DB Bombers in summer…runs a 6.90 60yd dash
Major: Business Administration
Family: Parents Stacey and Eric…brothers Brandon and Austin.
Chris Ward – Pitcher - Lowell, Mass.
Why Worcester State? "Close to home, low cost, chance to play college baseball."
High School: Pitched in 2017-18 D1 state tournament for Lowell…winning pitcher in relief of 2018 Spinners World Series…coach Danny Graham…also pitched in state finals for Lowell Legion as well as Bay State Games.
Major: Criminal Justice
Family: Parents Scott and Jen, and sister Caitlin
Joey Zawisza – Pitcher - Newington, Conn.
Why Worcester State? "I like the campus and the opportunity to play baseball."
High School: Four-year varsity player…made All-CCC and twice All-New Britain Herald….went 7-2 with 1.78 ERA as senior (15 career wins)…in summer played for Connecticut Capitals
Major: Health Education
Family: Karen, Joe, Mike and Zach
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