Baseball standout Aidan Teel excited to join older brother Kyle at Virginia
MAHWAH, N.J. (BVM) — It isn’t often you hear about a high school athlete reclassifying to graduate early. Though rare, it’s a path Mahwah High School baseball player Aidan Teel has chosen to take. Teel shouldn’t have graduated until June 2023, but instead will receive his diploma this June. He is committed to play ball at the University of Virginia.
Teel began playing coach pitch recreational ball at the age of 5, skipping over t-ball. By 6, he was playing competitively with the Teel Ravens. The Ravens is a club program started in 2006 by his dad, Garrett Teel.
It’s no surprise that baseball is in his blood. The elder Teel was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the 1989 MLB Draft, playing five seasons in the minors.
Around the age of 14, Aidan went on to play for the Evoshield Canes to get more exposure. He even played on their national team, teaming up with kids from all over the country.
The pitcher/infielder never took the field his freshen year at Mahwah. The COVID-19 pandemic struck, canceling the season and robbing him of the opportunity to play with his older brother, Kyle, who was a senior during the 2020 season.
“It’s really unfortunate,” Aidan said. “Kyle and I still talk about it, how awesome that year would have been. But you just have to adapt through the hard times.”
During his sophomore season at Mahwah, Aidan excelled, earning first team All-Bergen County honors. He was one of only two sophomores to earn that distinction. Dominating from the mound, Aidan had an ERA below 1.00 and threw a fastball around 90 mph.
The Teel brothers will get a second chance to play together when Aidan heads to Virginia to start his own college career. Kyle is currently a sophomore catcher/utility player for the Cavaliers. The siblings will likely only get one year together at Virginia, as Kyle will be eligible for the draft in 2023. This was one factor that made Aidan reclassify.
“We decided in August of 2021 to reclassify because it was best for my family and me,” Aidan said. “Kyle and I will be able to have a year together.”
This will also also give Aidan three years of college eligibility before his draft eligible year.
“My parents and I sat down and I talked to a lot of people to figure out what I needed to do to accomplish what I want to accomplish,” he said.
In order to graduate early, Aidan has had to carry a heavier course load this school year, including an extra math and an additional English class to meet graduation requirements. He has received enormous support from the entire school community.
“The teachers and staff at Mahwah are the best and so unbelievably helpful,” Aidan said. “They are doing all they can to help me because they know what I have on my plate. They want to see me succeed.”
Virginia was an easy choice for Aidan, as the institution began recruiting Kyle when he was just a freshman and Aidan was a sixth grader. The younger Teel has actually been committed to Virginia since his own freshman year.
“Kyle really paved the way for me,” Aidan said. “I started being exposed to Virginia as a sixth grader. Being around that atmosphere, getting to know the aura of the campus, knowing what I’m getting into, I just thought it was the perfect fit for me.”
Once he graduates high school, Aidan will head up to Auburn, New York, to play summer ball for the Auburn Doubledays. The team is affiliated with the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. Towards the end of August, he will travel down to Charlottesville, Virginia, to begin his freshman year.
Aidan praises his parents and older brother for all of their support and encouragement throughout this journey.
“My mom and dad have stuck by my side through everything and have always wanted what’s best for me,” he said. “I can’t be more thankful for them and also my brother. Kyle has always been someone I looked up to and still do. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the three of them.”