On the one hand you could say this baseball season was a disappointment. Both Pinkerton Academy and Andover felt as if they had enough talent to bring home state championships, but both fell short, losing in the second round of the NHIAA and MIAA playoffs.
On the other hand, there were many pleasant surprises. Lawrence grabbed a share of the MVC Division 1 title and Salem knocked off Londonderry to reach the NH Division I semi-finals for the first time in 12 years.
Then there was the individual talent. North Andover’s Dylan Lawrence put up a season for the ages, while Pinkerton’s trio of Leo Boucher, Michael Cioffi and Hunter Brasier combined to give up less than a run per game, which probably won’t be repeated anytime soon.
Except for Brasier, the other players will be moving onto various collegiate programs. Next year’s season will center around a new group of stars including Brasier, Jayden Minaya (Lawrence), Mike Phelps (North Andover) and Matt Fitzgerald (Timberlane).
Before we get to next year, here’s a look back at the 2025 season.
MVC
Vacancy signs up for Golden Warriors
The Golden Warriors (16-6) aspired to make a deep state tournament run, perhaps representing the MVC as the state champions as opposed to league rival Chelmsford, which accomplished that.
Head coach Dan Grams will be losing 12 players off this year’s roster, including five pitchers, who combined to throw all but 19 innings, as well as several outstanding hitters. Owen Cote will be a key piece for next year’s team.
“We have a very good sub-varsity program, I think they’ll be able to step right up, and the leadership of these seniors will be greatly missed,” said Grams.
Red Raiders returning a lot of experience
Central (8-14) had ups and downs including an 11-9 loss to the eventual state champion Lions and a 1-0 win over St. John’s Prep.
“We got a lot of guys experience. Hopefully that helps next year,” said head coach John Sexton.
Sophomore Danny Snyder will return from his incredible season. He won five games on the mound and notched a save, figuring in six of the eight wins. He’ll look for help from next year’s senior group which includes Nick Burgess and Fin Rourke.
Hillies climbed the standings
It was a tale of two seasons for Haverhill. The first half was a 0-9 record with four losses by one run. The second half featured a record of 8-4, with several dramatic wins, including winning its own Haverhill Tournament for the second straight year.
“Each practice the boys worked harder, and they never gave up. The leadership from our senior class and coaches was contagious,” said head coach Paul Sartori.
Haverhill will lose 11 seniors but return three players who emerged to the forefront in pitcher Brendan Snyder, outfielder Max St. Hilaire and power hitter Jeremy Aquino Rosario.
Lancers gearing up for a big 2026 season
While Lawrence will certainly miss a handful of veteran seniors, the rest of the team returns including Minaya, up and comer Dariel Gonzalez, as well as talented stars Jose Sanchez, Anderson Silverio, Daoneal Garcia and Isaias Romero.
“It was a disappointing ending to the season, but we are excited about what we have coming back,” said head coach William Carrasco. “Our juniors who are coming back have already taken the leadership role that some of our seniors held this season. One year from now sounds like a long time but it will get here before we know so getting ready for the 2026 season has already begun.”
Methuen made giant strides
The Rangers took many steps forward, going from a two-win season to finishing 8-12 and having their post-season chances come to an end in the final week of the season. Alex Santiago will return along with holdovers Jeyvien DeLeon and Juluis Soto.
“We have a bunch of young talent, including three freshmen and four sophomores who earned significant varsity innings, and will have a strong returning senior class to lead the program next season,” said head coach Cam Roper.
Scarlet Knights taking a hit
North Andover head coach Todd Dulin saw tremendous growth from three sophomores, Trey Martin, Mike Phelps and Brayden Salach, who will be looked upon to lead the younger team next spring.
“We have a talented group to build around,” said Dulin. “We have good young players on JV. If we work hard, we will be in good shape.”
CAC
Greater Lawrence looking to break through
The Reggies anticipated making the playoffs after winning six games a year ago, but that fell short finishing 7-13.
“Kewdy Ceballos, Andy Segura and Jerlin Melo all settled in as contributors both in the field, on the mound and at bat,” said head coach Chris Cyr. “While we will miss Brad Familia’s presence in the lineup, we look forward to next season when all these young men will have this experience behind them.”
Wildcats just missed the playoffs
In 2024, the Wildcats won 11 games, including a Division 1 playoff contest against Haverhill, but this past spring, Whittier fell two wins shy of making it back to post-season play.
“We lost a lot of good kids from last year and we played a tough schedule, and we were a little bit up and down,” said head coach Peter Arsenault. “We had a tough patch in the middle of the season and things could have gone south but the kids (fought until the end). It just didn’t fall our way.”
Shortstop Corey Deziel and his near .500 average will be sorely missed. Adan Oliveri, Jalen Cuello and Stalin Tiburcio will have much bigger roles next season.
Prep
Brooks hopeful for more wins
The Brooks School finished with just four wins against ISL opponents.
“We played some of the better ISL teams very close and we lost a tough competitive playoff game to Groton, 2-1,” said head coach Jay Dawson. “We graduated six players but are bringing back ten so we should be improved next year.”
Among the veteran players returning include shortstop James Sullivan of North Andover, outfielder Aidan Davis from Andover and Ricky Frias Inoa of Methuen.
Injuries depleted Phillips
Phillips Academy finished with a 7-14 record, which included a 4-0 playoff win over Cushing Academy before losing to eventual New England champion Dexter, 2-1.
“Injuries forced six starters from our line-up,” said head coach Kevin Graber. “Next year will bring one of the strongest incoming classes in recent memory, including local standout infielders Grady Wright and Jedward Sanchez, who are both coming from the Doherty Middle School in Andover.”
Other local players returning next year will be Caleb Penn (Haverhill), Austin Stern (Andover), Michael Gilligan (North Andover) and Jacob Honor (Windham).
New Hampshire
Four-year dominance by Pinkerton
While the Astros fell short of winning their second straight state title, in the four years, the program won two titles, lost in the final in 2023, went 19-0 during this year’s regular season and 82-10 overall. Pinkerton will be losing six players, who will be playing collegiate ball.
Hunter Brasier returns and will be one of the top pitchers in the state. Catcher Hayden Marshall and third baseman Matt Hanna, also return.
“We know that we are losing several key pieces who have defined Pinkerton Baseball over the past three to four years,” said head coach Steve Campo. “However, we’re also excited about the group coming up. Many players stepped up this season when called upon, and they’re eager to take on larger roles. While next year’s team may look different, I’m excited to see what they can achieve when given the opportunity.”
Mercedes ready to take off
The Blue Devils took a giant step forward going from a 4-15 record to 12-11, which included reaching the NH Division I state semi-finals. Looking to next year, talented outfielder Elias Mercedes, among others, plan on getting the Blue Devils back to the Final-4.
“It was a great run. I’m really proud of my guys and we’ll be back next year,” said head coach Dan Keleher.
Two stars to push Timberlane
The Owls went from five wins in 2024 to an 8-12 record this season, which included making their first state tournament appearance in seven years, losing to Trinity 4-1 in the first round.
“We competed and we were tough to play against each day, which was our goal (to start the season),” said head coach Alex Horgan. “We hope to build on this next year and keep the train rolling.”
Six players will return, including junior Matt Fitzgerald, who was named to the NH All-State team after batting .353 and throwing 29 innings on the mound with two wins and Kieran Lamb, a sophomore, who emerged as the ace of the staff, with four wins and a 1.51 ERA.
Frank Carrasquillo, Shaun Ingram and Mike Santosuosso will also be key returners for next season.
Windham returns three pitchers
The Jaguars finished 7-12, including a first round state tournament loss. The team loses its best player in Jake Sullo but will return 11 lettermen including flame throwing pitcher Josh Martino (4 wins) as well as Eddie Charity and Jason Sullo, who also had success on the mound.
“We’re excited about the potential of this veteran group,” said coach Alex Horgan. “With the experience gained this year, we’re confident that the team will continue to grow and be ready to compete at a high-level next season.”