Freedom Division champion baseball team celebrates terrific season

THE AWARD winners from the Melrose High baseball team, pictured from left to right: Luke Mestjian (Freshman MVP), Jack Casey (Red Hawk Award), Dylan Harrington (Varsity MVP) and Nick Picariello (JV MVP). (Courtesy Photo)

By CORY THOMAS

MELROSE — The year-end banquet, sponsored by the friends of Melrose Baseball held recently at Rosaria in Saugus, was a success celebrating the best Melrose High baseball season in three decades.

Varsity coach Scott Searles hosted along with freshman coach Paul Capaldo and junior varsity coach Matt Montani.

The following awards were handed out: Freshman MVP: Luke Mestjian;

Junior Varsity MVP: Nick Picariello; Varsity MVP: Dylan Harrington;

Red Hawk Award for teamwork, character and leadership: Jack Casey;

The Middlesex League All-Stars were also honored. Those receiving All-Star nods were Dylan Harrington (All-Conference), Jaiden Aquino, Brian Capodilupo, Brendan Doyle and Michael Thomas.

The five All-Stars were the most selected in the Freedom Division. Melrose and Wakefield were tied at the top of the Freedom both with an 11-5 league record but Melrose beat Wakefield twice this year. The Warriors had four All-Stars this season.

THE 2025 CAPTAINS handed off leadership duties to next year’s captains at the recent MHS baseball banquet. Pictured from left to right to right is new captain Brian Capodilupo, graduating captain Michael Thomas, new captain Cadel Mckeown, graduating captain Brendan Doyle, new captain Jack Casey, graduating captain Dylan Harrington, new captain Nate Geer and graduating captain Jaiden Aquino. (Courtesy Photo)

The 2026 captains were also elected and announced at the banquet. Next year’s captains will be incoming seniors Capodilupo, Casey and Cadel Mckeown along with incoming junior Nate Geer.