Top 10 Connecticut baseball players in Class of 2022
CHESHIRE, Conn. (BVM) — Connecticut baseball’s Class of 2021 was historic, largely thanks to MLB first-round draft pick Frankie Mozzicato. This raises the question: How does the Class of 2022 compare?
While there are no names of that magnitude in this senior class, the talent pool is deep and worth keeping an eye on. We filtered out 10 of the best Connecticut baseball players in the Class of 2022 to watch for the rest of the season and beyond.
Jackson Ciccone, OF, Danbury
Coming off a CHSCA Class LL All-State Selection, Ciccone finished his junior year batting .365 with 25 stolen bases in the leadoff spot. The four-year varsity starter has upped those numbers as a senior, batting .429 with six RBIs so far this season for Danbury. He also announced last April that he will play for the University of Hartford in the spring.
I’m excited to announce my commitment to playing baseball at the University of Hartford. Thank you to all of my coaches and teammates who have helped me up to this point. Special thank you to Coach Malinowski and his staff. #FlyHigh 🔴⚫️@HartfordBASE @tj_ward3 pic.twitter.com/wucWwlIkky
— Jackson Ciccone (@Jackson_Ciccone) April 1, 2022
Matt Scott, RHP, Joel Barlow
Not only does Scott clock a 94 mph fastball as a right-handed pitcher, his 6-6, 230-pound frame adds a layer of intimidation on the mount that will only get scarier as he puts on muscle. Scott compliments his fastball with a low-80s curveball, as well as a developing changeup. Earlier this month, in front of several MLB scouts, he pitched a gem on the mound to help Joel Barlow upset No. 1 Westhill. Scott finished his six-inning outing with 12 strikeouts and only six hits allowed. Scott also excels in the classroom, as demonstrated by his Stanford commitment.
Ryan Daniels, SS, St. Paul Catholic
Daniels is an exciting, talented athlete who can both field his position, and swing the bat. The lefty hitter has recorded a 97mph exit velocity, and has the ability to spray the ball all over the field. He is a box-office talent currently leading his St. Paul team to a 10-0 record. Thankfully for Connecticut baseball fans, the shortstop will stay local post-high school and attend UConn next fall.
https://twitter.com/Daniels12Ryan/status/1294441191103238144?s=20&t=3QobLKJwMN5hbqRKXs1FMg
Jake Benner, SS/RHP, Westhill
Benner had a historic 2021 season, batting .466 with an .890 slugging percentage, .559 OBP, seven home runs, 30 RBIs, and 30 runs scored, all while leading Westhill to a Class LL state championship. He also used his 84 mph fastball to strike out 46 batters in 27.2 innings. Westhill hopes to use Benner’s two-way prowess to repeat this season.
Andrew Castelluccio, RHP, Ridgefield
Castelluccio’s arsenal, consisting of a mid-80s fastball, a deceptive changeup, and a fast-breaking curveball keeps all hitters off balance. He is off to a hot start for Ridgefield this season, earning the Maxpreps Baseball Player of the Game against Fairfield Prep earlier this month. He looks to develop even further at St. John’s University next fall.
Officially a Johnnie! @BaseballUCT @BaseballU @ATP_Community pic.twitter.com/rZH697KotG
— Andrew Castelluccio (@Looch568) November 11, 2021
Drew Kron, OF, Xavier
Kron, a multi-sport athlete who plays quarterback for Xavier, earned GameTimeCT second-team all-state, CHSCA all-state and SCC all-conference while hitting .412 with 18 RBIs, 24 runs and 17 stolen bases. With Kron joining Daniels next season at UConn, Huskies fans have a lot to look forward to.
@UConnBSB is getting a good one! Congrats to @DrewKron. All of us at Xavier are excited to watch you play baseball at UConn the next 4 years! @GameTimeCT @ciacsports pic.twitter.com/YNWz5E3q9g
— Dave Eustis (@DaveEustis) November 10, 2021
Alex Irizarry, SS/2B, East Catholic
Irizarry is a multi-positional left-handed hitter that brings it on both ends. He has recorded a 96 mph exit velocity and can throw 79 mph across the diamond. Most recently, Irizarry hit a walk-off home run against East Hartford in extra innings to keep East Catholic’s 30=plus game win streak alive. He looks to follow in the footsteps of his former teammate, Frankie Mozzicato, and take his game to the next level. He has committed to the University of Maryland.
I am humbled and honored to announce that upon graduation I will continue my academic and baseball career at the University of Maryland. A special thanks to my family for their constant support and to all of my coaches past and present. #feartheturtle @TerpsBaseball pic.twitter.com/YX40lXV3fm
— alexirizarry2022 (@alexirizarry201) September 10, 2019
John Heitzman, OF, Warde Sr.
Heitzman is a lefty slugger who batted .470 with 24 hits and a 1.480 OPS, leading the Mustangs to a FCIAC championship last season. He earned a GameTimeCT first-team pick and was named CHSCA all-state and All-FCIAC in the process. Heitzman will also stay local next year with his commitment to Quinnipiac University.
I am blessed to announce my commitment to Quinnipiac University to further my academic and baseball careers! @CoachDel14 @PatEgan32 @Corey_Keane @TheQBaseball pic.twitter.com/fXFS83XDtq
— John Heitzman (@johnheitzman24) September 23, 2020
Eddy Garabito-Soto, SS, Norwalk
The outfield backs up when Garabito-Soto comes to the plate. His home runs not only clear the fence, but often reach the concession stands. Garabito-Soto is off to a blazing start this season, hitting .522 with a 1.633 OPS, two home runs, five doubles, and five stolen bases.
Shaun Callahan, OF, Newington
Callahan is another left-handed hitter who opposing teams fear because of his speed and ability to make contact. He batted .446 with a .556 OBP and 26 stolen bases last season. He is also a threat in the outfield because of his arm, clocking at 83 mph, and solid range. Newington is currently 7-0 thanks to his contributions. He will take his talents to the University of New Haven next season.
I am proud to announce that I have committed to further my baseball and academic career at the University of New Haven. I’d like to thank my family, friends, coaches, and everyone who’s supported me along the way. 🐎⚡️#chargernation pic.twitter.com/Aby6d63QB5
— Shaun Callahan (@ShaunCally) September 1, 2021