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2022 New England High School Team Previews

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2022 Spring Team Preview: Mansfield

MANSFIELD, Ma. - There has been plenty of success at Mansfield during the eight years Chris Hall has been coaching in the program, the last two as head coach. More accomplishments are expected at the Hockomock League school in 2022.

“We bring back a range of varsity experience,” noted Hall, whose Hornets finished 8-8 a year ago and 85-45 over the past eight seasons, qualifying for state twice. “The entire pitching staff returns from their successful 2021 season and have dominated so far in the preseason. The team spent the majority of the off-season finding ways to improve and they certainly have turned heads so far. With four college commits, and more to come, we have developed a strong core of players to lead.”

Seniors Aaron Blinn, Anthony Sacchetti, Jimmy Gilleran and Colby Geddis are returning pitchers for the Hornets. All right-handers, Blinn, the 48th-rated 2022 RHP in New England, is an Endicott College commit who also plays outfield as does Sacchettit while Gilleran and Geddis are infielders when not on the mound.

Andrew Slaney and Jared Fraone are additional seniors looking for playing time with juniors Conner Zukowski, Sam Martin, Caden Colby, Aidan Jones and Rocco Scarpellini ready to contribute. Connor Curtis and Jake Maydak bring varsity experience from the sophomore class.

“Offensively, we hope to get back on track,” explained Hall. “After a tough 2021 season at the plate, the team has been focused on finding ways to improve their hitting mentality and get on base more often. The team enters 2022 stronger, more physical, and more athletic than ever. Constant competition has been the key to practice so far and every player has battled to earn a spot in the starting lineup.”

Newcomers are also seeking to get on the field led by senior Jeremy Rottenberg, who returns from a knee injury. Infield depth comes from Jason Rubicinie with multi-sport seniors Cian Goulet and Andrew Bain returning after a few years hiatus from baseball.

Hall also points to the prospects of juniors John Moore and JT Veiking bringing infield and pitching depth to the team. Jones and Wyatt Bolduc are battling for the starting catcher job after losing senior Liam Anastasia to a knee injury. Sophomore Matt Deshiro, a first-year varsity player, rounds out the roster.

“This year's team brings a dedicated, disciplined, competitive, fun and enjoyable environment to Mansfield,” Hall said. “Everyone buys into their role and does everything in their power to help the team. Players continue to face constant competition and challenge each other for position battles. As a close-knit group, we continue to work hard to exceed expectations and develop into a top-tier program in the Hockomock League.

“The keys to success this season rely heavily on every player doing their job,” continued Hall, who has been coaching baseball since the age of 16 with RBI Baseball Academy and the GBG Hawks along with legion ball. “We bring a well-rounded roster to the table and expect to compete all season long. Pitching and defense continue to be a strength while offensively we look to use a variety of talent to score runs and win baseball games.”

Mansfield, which will participate in the Division Two state tournament for the first time this season, plays an impressive schedule against the likes of 2021 state champion Xaverian, Franklin, Walpole, Taunton, North Quincy and Bishop Feehan. There is also a trip to Maryland to face perennial powerhouse Archbishop Spalding.

“The goal is to win the Hockomock League championship and make a deep run in the Division Two state tournament,” Hall concluded.

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