Melrose’s season opener slated for next week
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose High baseball team kicks off their season next week, returning to the 2025 season Wednesday on the road in Belmont, before hosting their home opener on Thursday, April 3 at Morelli Field against Lincoln Sudbury at 4:30 p.m.
Melrose hopes to return to playoffs after a one-year absence after missing a post season by just one game in 2024. That’s something they will aim to avoid this spring.
“This year has got a different feel to it,” reports coach Scott Searles. “We have some great leadership and a good number of returners. The talent is deeper than we have had in the last few years. It has been tough with the weather. Morelli hasn’t been ready, and we have not had a chance to get out there. We are getting a lot of solid reps in the gym offensively and really like the way we are getting after it.”
And one advantage they have this year is a strong senior and junior presence that brings experience to the diamond. “We have a very balanced roster this year,” says Searles. “We’re coming up on a great senior class, most of which have been with me since freshman or sophomore year.”
That includes captains Mike Thomas, Brendan Doyle, Jaiden Aquino and Dylan Harrington and senior Reid Hiedebrecht.
“We also a good group of juniors that are all back from last year,” he notes, which includes Brian Capadilupo, Tyler Garipay, Cadel McKeown, Brendan Sestito, Jack Casey and addition Ian Mckeown. He adds, “We also have a couple of sophomores back with a few additions and 3 freshmen that could see time this year as well.”
The roster is rounded out by sophomores Jay Dennison, Tom Santoriello, Nathan Greer Justin Santoriello, Jamie Hickey, Chris Repici, and freshman Ray Willis, Max Hoag and James Tillis.
Of his captains, Searles has incredibly experienced players lacing up this spring. Mike Thomas is the team’s returning shortstop and leadoff hitter who will play a post year at Winchendon next year. “He does a great job setting the tone,” says his coach.
Dylan Harrington is the team’s returning left fielder and # 2 hitter, and a Wesleyan baseball commit. “He was a league all-star last year and should pick up right where he left off. Both he and Mikey have done a great job of getting on base the last two years and give us opportunities to get on the board,” says Searles.
Brendan Doyle is the team’s returning catcher who will play baseball at Wentworth next year. “Brendan has done a great job behind the plate the last two years. He really made a jump last year towards the end of the year in the run game. He was fantastic last season at cutting guys down,” notes the coach.
Jaiden Aquino is the team’s returning DH. “He’s been snake bitten the last two years. He was slated to be our number two pitcher last year but ran into arm troubles but did a great job serving as the DH and four hitter in our lineup. He has an offer at Lassell but is also doing a grad year,” says Searles.
Pitching should also be a strength this year. “We are not going to replace Ben Cassavoy,” coach Searles notes. “But we are deeper than we have been since my first year or two. We have guys that will do a great job and some young guys that can really develop into strong pitchers. Brian Capadilupo and Dylan Harrington both really did a great job last year down the stretch. Vying for the third spot will be Thomas Santoriello and Jaiden Aquino. Jaiden has been throwing well. Thomas is a sophomore that we are very high on. He’s got a chance to be a solid ace down the line. Also in the mix for innings are Nate Geer, Max Hoag, Jamie Hickey, Reid Hiedebrecht.”
Missing playoffs last year was unfortunate for Melrose, but it was partially the result of some injuries. “Honestly, the record probably does not fully tell the story from last year,” says Searles. “After Jaiden went down, we spent time trying to figure out that third starter and we had a rough go of it there.” He also would like to see more offensive output. “We want our guys to just be grinders in the box. Limit mistakes on defense and not have mental lapses. We must, and will, limit strikeouts. Top to bottom we have guys that can get the barrel to the ball more consistently.”
Melrose has two scrimmages this week on the road at Swampscott and St. Mary’s. After that they kick off their season against some tough Middlesex Large teams: Belmont, Reading and Winchester, plus their home opener against Lincoln Sudbury on Thursday.
“The Middlesex league will be tough as always,” says Searles. “We have as much talent as anyone in the league this year and we are deep. If we are able to adjust in the box, we will be a tough matchup day in and day out. We have a very solid, well-balanced group this year and the sky’s the limit.”