Follow on Twitter- @PBNewEngland
Follow on Instagram- @PBR_NewEngland

Interested in attending a Prep Baseball New England event? Check out our schedule by clicking here.

2024 New England High School Team Previews

To view our complete list, please CLICK HERE.

2024 Spring Team Preview: Franklin (MA)

FRANKLIN, Ma. - Being the state runners-up for the second year in a row has Zach Brown aspiring for more in 2024.

“We’re going to keep striving to be one game better,” related the head coach of Franklin, whose Panthers won the Hockomock League again in 2023 only to lose to league foe Taunton in the state title game the past two seasons. “It was another year we’re proud of, we just wish we were one game better.”

Hopes are high the one game improvement will be the case following a 23-4 campaign under the direction of Brown, who has a 164-53 overall mark since taking over the program in 2014, winning a state championship in 2018.

“I want us to be known for pitching and defense, and hopefully we’re competitive offensively,” Brown said in describing a program that has a 20-9 record in the playoffs since becoming head coach. “We just want to be a well-rounded team that’s coached well and prepared well, a team that plays with energy and passion on game day. Hopefully, we’re considered a consistent program as well.”

Pitching looks to be a strong suit this year led by Austin Campbell, the ninth-rated senior left-handed pitcher in New England. A UMass-Amherst commit, the 2024 southpaw was 9-0 with one save and a 1.056 ERA a year ago, striking out 91 and walking 28 in 59.2 innings.

“We’re hoping he steps up in a leadership role for Alfred,” Brown said in reference to last year’s leader on the mound Alfred Mucciarone, who is now at UMass-Lowell.

Eastern Connecticut State signee Jake Shaughnessy, another lefty who is the 27th-ranked 2024 southpaw in New England, was 1-1 with a 0.457 ERA in 15.1 frames and also returns along with Matty Miller, a senior right-hander who was 2-0 with a 1.37 ERA in 15.1 innings.

A trio of newcomers are also being counted on to contribute in junior Leo Meuse, a 6-6 260-pound hard-throwing right-hander, junior Zach Winer and sophomore Sean Kryzak.

“I think our pitching depth is intriguing,” noted Brown, who is also hopeful that senior Brian Auciello can make an impact on the mound.

Norwich University commit Michael Davide, the 12th-rated senior catcher in New England, is the front-runner to start behind the plate.

Senior Lukas Phillip, an Emerson College signee, and Shaughnessy will handle first base duties with Miller, Winer and senior Dom Caccavelli battling for time at second base.

Four-year starter Henry Digiorgio will anchor the infield at short, with the All-league captain coming off a .374 season with 16 RBIs, 19 runs and 16 stolen bases.

“He’s a guy we will be leaning on,” Brown said of the third-ranked senior SS in Massachusetts, a Northeastern commit. “We believe he’s the best defensive shortstop in the state.”

Senior Ben Yuknis and Miller are among those seeking to start at third base.

Rex Cinelli, a team captain who is headed to Air Force for academics, returns to lead the outfield in center after hitting .295 with 15 runs and nine RBIs. 

Junior Cole Sidwell, Auciello and Kryzak are among the other potential outfielders for the Panthers.

“We’re excited about our outfield depth,” Brown noted. “We have a bunch of guys that can swing it and cover a lot of ground. The best man will get the job.”

Program depth is just part of what stands out about the team.

“I feel this is a really hard-working athletic group,” Brown explained. “It’s a tough group that’s played in a ton of big games. They’re 46-8 over the last two years and won two conference championships and been state runners-up two times. They’re battle tested.

“The thing I appreciate is their work ethic. They’re baseball junkies, they work hard in practice and are enjoyable to coach.”

So what’s the key to being one game better?

“We do what we do,” Brown concluded. “We’re super consistent and put ourselves in opportunities to play in big games. The staple last year was pitching and defense. Unfortunately, our worst game defensively was on the biggest stage and we ended up losing 7-2 to Taunton.

“But I’m encouraged by how gritty and tough this group is,” Brown added. “I’m excited to get started with these guys.”

Recent Articles