Monks Baseball Newsletter 1

MONKS BASEBALL NEWSLETTER

Issue #1 ~ December 15th, 2024

Coach Sanborn Inducted into Maine Sports Hall of Fame

Saint Joseph’s College Baseball Head Coach Will Sanborn ’86 was inducted into the Maine Sports Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Merrill Auditorium in Portland on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.

Coach Sanborn, who is also a member of the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame, was part of a prestigious class that included Dave Halligan, Anna McDougal, Kissy Walker, Derek Vogel, Susan Elias, Bob Hillgrove, Biz Houghton, David Hughes, Ben McCrillis, Kim Moody, Howard Paradis, Gabby Price, and Mike Siviski.

Four Generations of Sanborns Bob, Liam, Will, and Lincoln Sanborn

Monks Baseball Incoming Class

The SJC baseball coaching staf brought in another talented recruiting class, as 14 players - seven pitchers, three outfielders, two infielders, and a pair of catchershave been added to the roster. The players come from four diferent states: Maine (3), New Hampshire (4), Massachusetts (6), and Connecticut (1).

See the last page of this newsletter to learn more about the Monks’ latest additions!

Saint Joseph’s held the baseball program’s annual alumni game on Saturday, September 22nd. A total of 27 players returned to Larry Mahaney Diamond to relive their glory days, and several former standouts looked like they could still suit of for the Monks. Jameson Collins ’17, the Strength & Conditioning Coach at Saint Joseph’s College, flexed his muscles by hitting a home run of the scoreboard while Matt Pof ’22 – a right-handed pitcher – showed of his skills with the bat by recording four hits.

Fall Games vs. Fisher College

Saint Joseph’s hosted a pair of nine-inning games versus Fisher College at Larry Mahaney Diamond on Saturday October 5th. The Monks split the twinbill with the Falcons, falling 16-4 in the opener and winning the nightcap by a 9-5 margin.

Several newcomers helped the Monks salvage the split, as freshman catcher Nic Frink (Scarborough, Maine) was 4-for-5 with a double and two home runs and first-year Jake Carlisle (Portsmouth, N.H.) added four hits including a triple and a pair of doubles.

Monks Baseball Signs Steep Falls Siblings Through TEAM IMPACT

This fall, Coach Will Sanborn ’86 entered his 33rd year leading the Saint Joseph’s College baseball program. On October 5th, during the Monks’ fall doubleheader against Fisher College, Sanborn welcomed two special new team members: 8-year- old Graham Merritt and 7-year- old Jackson Merritt of Steep Falls, Maine, through Team IMPACT, an organization connecting children with chronic illnesses to collegiate sports teams. Graham, diagnosed with Spina Bifida and Epilepsy, and Jackson, living with a genetic disorder, bring incredible spirit and energy to Monks Baseball. Coach Sanborn shared, “Jackson and Graham bring positivity, humility, and gratitude to our team. We love having them as members of our program.”

Despite their health challenges, both boys radiate resilience. Graham, silly and shy, loves *Bluey*, dreams of jungle adventures, and looks up to his mom. Jackson, a “spicy meatball” with a big personality, enjoys *Paw Patrol*, dreams of a beach vacation, and admires his teacher, Mrs. Shaw.

Through Team IMPACT, the Monks gain inspiration while ofering camaraderie, support, and lasting friendships to two remarkable boys.

Monks Volunteer at Riding to the Top Fundraiser

On Saturday, October 19th the SJC Baseball team helped work the 16th Annual Triple B Boots, Band and BBQ fundraiser for the Riding to the Top Therapeutic Riding Center in Windham, Maine.

The event, which draws over 300 people each year, was a huge success as over $260,000 was raised to help support Riding to the Top’s clients, horses, and programs.

Student-athletes from Saint Joseph’s College, University of Southern Maine, Southern Maine Community College and Westbrook High School teamed up to host a 2-hour skills clinic for Majors Little League players (ages 9-12) at the Westbrook Community Center on Sunday, December 8th. With 24 volunteers leading warm-ups, drills, and competitions, the event showcased community spirit while inspiring young athletes through expert coaching and insights into balancing sports and academics.

Senior third baseman Michael Wearne (Ellington, Conn.), a Marketing & Finance major, returns as team captain. A two -time GNAC All-Academic honoree and CSC Academic All-District Team member, he boasts a career .335 average. Last spring, he hit .346 with 23 runs, six doubles, and 18 RBI, anchoring the Monks’ defense at third base.

Senior right-handed pitcher Hugh Barrett (Durham, Conn.) has been a valuable option out of the bullpen during his collegiate career. In three seasons, he has made 39 appearances and struck out 40 batters in 51.1 innings. The Psychology major has been listed on the GNAC All-Academic Team following each of the last two seasons.

Senior Logan Dee (Laconia, N.H.), a Human Resource Management major and two -time GNAC All-Academic honoree, transitioned to a key relief role for the Monks in 2024. A .250 career hitter with 22 runs and eight steals, he made seven appearances, posting a 2-1 record, one save, and 13 strikeouts over 8.2 innings while continuing his versatile contributions.

#21 Brayden Bellerose

Position: Pitcher (R) HT: 6-2 WT: 195

Hometown: Skowhegan, Maine High School: Skowhegan

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played baseball for four years and basketball for one year at Skowhegan Area High School...Recorded a career ERA of 1.54 and a fielding percentage of .929...Earned three varsity letters in baseball...Recognized for academic achievements with four years on the Honor Roll, an academic letter, and the School Principal Award…Played for Sluggers Baseball for three years and the GNCBL Augusta Surgin’ Sturgeons for one year...Participated in events such as the Firecracker Fire 55 Invite and Firecracker Sports Top 5 Prospects Class of 2024.

Personal: Brayden Robert Bellerose, son of Sam & Cindy Bellerose...Has one sibling, Hayden Bellerose.

#5 Ethan Belvin

Position: Catcher/Utility HT: 5-10 WT: 187

Hometown: Claremont, N.H. High School: Bridgton Academy

Before Saint Joseph's: Competed in baseball (5 years), football (2 years), and basketball (1 year)...Played catcher, fullback/middle linebacker, and shooting guard, respectively...Named Football Prep Player of the Year as a freshman and First Team All-Division catcher (D3 Vermont) as a junior...Achieved highest honors for two years at Bridgton Academy...Played for Post 84 Legion (5 years), Maine Lightning (1 year), Concord Cannons (2 years), and Augusta Surgin’ Sturgeons (1 year, GNCBL All-Star)

Personal: Ethan Eulys Belvin, son of Amy & Chris Belvin.

#12 Nick Brindle

Position: Infield HT: 5-8 WT: 175 Hometown: Pittsfield, Mass. High School: Pittsfield

Before Saint Joseph’s: Four-year baseball and threeyear basketball player at Pittsfield High School…Tallied 103 hits, 85 runs, 75 RBIs, 51 stolen bases, 57 walks, and 8 strikeouts with a .385 average, .585 OBP, and .970 fielding percentage…Three-time All-Berkshire County and All-Western Mass honoree…Helped win a Western Mass Championship and reach the State Finals as a senior, with State Sweet 16 appearances his sophomore and junior years…Maintained High Honors throughout high school…Played for Rip City Academy for four years.

Personal: Nicholas Robert Brindle, son of Paul & Laurie Brindle...Has one sibling, Nicole Brindle.

#6 Jake Carlisle

Position: Pitcher (R)/Utility HT: 6-2 WT: 195

Hometown: Portsmouth, N.H.

High School: Portsmouth

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played baseball (4 years), basketball (2 years), and golf (3 years) at Portsmouth High School... Tallied 69 hits, 10 home runs, 62 RBIs, a .358 batting average, a 1.70 ERA, and 9 wins in varsity baseball... Won the 2021 NH State Golf Championship and earned multiple NH All-State Baseball honors (2023, 2024)... Played on the NH Senior All-Star Team (2024) and contributed to a Sr Legion NH State Championship (2021)... Honor Roll student... Played for Seacoast Pirates (8 years), NEB Baseball (2 years), and Sr Legion Baseball (3 years).

Personal: Jacob George Carlisle, son of Sam & Jan Carlisle...Has two siblings, Elsie and Gabe Carlisle

#27 William Dionne

Position: Pitcher (R) HT: 6-5 WT: 215

Hometown: Somerset, Mass.

High School: Somerset Berkley Regional

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played baseball for four years and basketball for three years at Somerset Berkley Regional High School...Served as captain for baseball his senior year...Received SCC honorable mention his junior and senior years...Contributed to MIAA Division II Sweet Sixteen finishes as a junior and senior...Member of the National Honor Society...Played for NEB Coastal for two years, winning a Firecracker tournament championship and MVP…Also played for the Baysox National team for a year and currently plays for the Samurai.

Personal: William Matthew Dionne, son of Mary & Matthew Dionne...Has one sibling, Andrew Dionne.

#13 Jack Dyer

Position: Pitcher (R) HT: 6-1 WT: 187 Hometown: Medford, Mass.

High School: Arlington Catholic

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played baseball and basketball for two years at Arlington Catholic High School...Recorded 72 innings pitched, 109 strikeouts, and eight saves in as many opportunities with a 2.42 ERA his junior and senior years…Notched a 0.98 ERA and earned CCL All-Star honors as a senior...Played for Antonelli Baseball in 2022 and 2023.

Personal: Jack Henry Dyer, son of Gina & Mark Dyer...Has one sibling, Ross Dyer.

#3 Connor Finn

Position: Outfield HT: 5-10 WT: 205 Hometown: Kingston, Mass. High School: Silver Lake Regional

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played baseball for three years and hockey for two years at Silver Lake Regional High School Contributed a .366 batting average and a .387 on-base percentage in baseball...Listed on the academic honor roll all four years.

Personal: Connor Joseph Finn, son of Ruth & Joseph Finn...Has two siblings, Emily and Matthew Finn.

#4 Nic Frink

Position: Catcher HT: 6-1 WT: 200 Hometown: Scarborough, Maine High School: Thornton Academy

Before Saint Joseph's: Played baseball for four years at Thornton Academy...Recognized as a 3-Time High School All-State selection...Contributed to two baseball state championships in 2019 and 2022...Played for Maine Lightning for 10 years.

Personal: Nicolas William Frink, son of Amy & Corey Frink...Has three siblings: Noah, Taylor, and Cal.

#41 Ben Gebhart

Position: Outfield HT: 5-8 WT: 165 Hometown: Carlisle, Mass. High School: Concord-Carlisle

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played baseball for four years at Concord Carlisle High School and club ball for the Bay State Braves and the Middlesex Cannons.

Personal: Benjamin Theodore Gebhart, son of Beth & Dan Gebhart…Has one sibling, Emma.

#28 Nate Leavitt

Position: Pitcher (R) HT: 6-0 WT: 155

Hometown: Alton, N.H.

High School: Prospect Mountain

Before Saint Joseph’s: Competed in baseball and basketball for four years at Prospect Mountain High School...Achieved over 220 strikeouts, 15+ wins, and a 1.96 ERA with 5 one-hitters Earned the Baseball Cy Young Award (2022, 2023, 2024) and was named D3 First Team All-State in 2023...Recognized as Basketball MVP in 2022 and 2024...Consistently on the High Honor Roll and earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

Personal: Nathan Douglas Leavitt, son of Peter & Courtney Leavitt...Has one sibling, Julia Leavitt.

#19 Henry Paquette

Position: Pitcher (R) HT: 6-0 WT: 160

Hometown: Pelham, N.H.

High School: Pelham

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played four years of baseball at Pelham High, serving as a senior captain and earning First Team All-State, Pitcher of the Year runner-up, and Eagle Tribune All-Star honors…Played for Show New England for 10 years

Personal: Henry Robert Paquette, son of Danielle & Scott Paquette…Has two siblings, Emily and Scotty.

#14 Ryan Thurber

Position: Outfield HT: 5-11 WT: 195

Hometown: South Portland, Maine High School: South Portland

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played two years at Southern Maine CC…Earned All-Conference honors in 2023…Helped win back-to-back division titles…Played four years at South Portland High, winning the 2021 State Championship…Claimed First Team All-Defensive and All-Conference Honorable Mention…Played travel ball for the Southern Maine River Rats and Supernova.

Personal: Ryan Patrick Thurber, son of Robyn and John Thurber.

#15 Corey Turcotte

Position: Pitcher (R)/Infield HT: 6-1 WT: 190 Hometown: Middletown, Conn.

High School: Middletown

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played four years of baseball at Middletown High, hitting .426…Earned the highest GPA among spring athletes as a sophomore and AllConference Class L honors as a senior…Named American Legion All-Star (2020) and won Fall Ball (2020) and Sunday Night Mixed League Bowling (2024) championships…Inducted into the National Honor Society…Played for Legion Post 75 for four years.

Personal: Corey Patrick Turcotte, son of Ronda & Todd Turcotte...Has two siblings, Ty Turcotte and Audrey Luca.

#8 Nick Villano

Position: First Base HT: 6-2 WT: 205 Hometown: Peabody, Mass.

High School: Bishop Fenwick

Before Saint Joseph’s: Played one year at Peabody High School and two years at Bishop Fenwick…Named as a Salem News All-Star three times…Earned CCL All-Star, Salem News Silver Slugger, and Salem News Gold Glove accolades…Played for Antonelli Baseball for nine years.

Personal: Nicholas Vincent Villano, son of Michelle and Dennis.