GOVERNOR’S ACADEMY rising junior Ben Dahlstedt was named as the Independent School League’s Co-Pitcher of the Year during his sophomore year this past spring. (Alex Wang Photo)
Governor’s Academy star receives numerous accolades
By DAN TOMASELLO
BYFIELD — Hard work pays off.
Governor’s Academy rising junior Ben Dahlstedt earned a number of accolades during his first season playing for the Govs baseball team this past spring. He is a pitcher and plays first base for the Govs.
Dahlstedt, who transferred to Governor’s Academy from Lynnfield High School, helped guide the Govs to an 8-7 record and a state tournament appearance in the Independent School League. Belmont Hill eliminated the Govs from the Independent School League state tournament in the semifinals.
“My first season playing at Governor’s couldn’t have been much better,” said Dahlstedt in an email sent to the Villager. “I loved the environment and the community at the school and during the baseball season too. The coaching was great, and my teammates and I had a phenomenal season.”
Governor’s Academy baseball head coach James Baker praised Dahlstedt’s performance on the mound this past spring.
“Ben was our team MVP and one of the most dominant pitchers in both the ISL and New England,” said Baker. “A true ace, he posted a 4-1 record with 46 innings pitched, a 0.761 ERA and a WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) of just 0.717. His 58 strikeouts to just six walks exemplify his command and poise. Ben threw three complete games, including a near no-hitter and a clutch playoff performance against number two seed Nobles.”
Baker said Dahlstedt was very strong at the plate this past season as well.
“Ben ranked second in RBIs and delivered a walk-off hit to start our season,” said Baker. “Ben’s competitiveness, integrity and leadership set him apart.”
Dahlstedt was named as the ISL Co-Pitcher of the Year along with Lawrence Academy Class of 2025 graduate Logan Forgie.
“It felt amazing to win the award, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the coaching and defense behind me,” said Dahlstedt.
Dahlstedt was also named to the All-ISL Team and received All-New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) honors. He competed in the ISL Underclass All-Star Game at Boston College.
The New England Baseball Journal also named Dahlstedt to the All-Prep First Team and stated he was “a sparkling ’27 pitching prospect.”
While Dahlstedt pitched and played first base at Governor’s Academy this past spring, he is pitching exclusively while playing for the Expos club team this summer.
“I am playing with the Expos this summer, and we are doing well,” said Dahlstedt. “My fastball recently topped out at 90 mph, and I am having a successful season with them.”
In addition to playing for the Expos, Dahlstedt was invited to play in the 2025 Prep Baseball Future Games that was held in Emerson, Georgia during the last weekend in July. He served as the starting pitcher for Team Massachusetts in a contest against Team Connecticut, and finished with two strikeouts and gave up no runs. Dahlstedt also made a difficult one-hand play during the second inning that helped Team Massachusetts defeat Team Connecticut 17-5.
The Prep Baseball Future Games has become the biggest college-scouting event in the country since it first began in 2011. Over 400 college coaches attended the event.
“The experience was unbelievable to participate in,” said Dahlstedt. “I had a great catcher and loved the team camaraderie and competitiveness.”
Dahlstedt has also been selected to participate in the “A Shot for Life (ASFL) Pitchers Challenge” at Boston College High School on Sunday, Sept. 7, where he will be raising money for brain cancer research at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). The ASFL is an all-star program for which the best players in Massachusetts are chosen after going through a scouting and interview process.
“I am honored to have the chance to raise money and awareness for brain cancer research at MGH,” said Dahlstedt.
If residents want to donate to Dahlstedt’s ASFL 2025 Massachusetts Baseball/Softball fundraiser, they can visit https://givebutter.com/CTdztH.
“To donate, comment Ben Dahlstedt where it says, ‘write your message,’” he said. “Many thanks to those who donate!”
After a very busy summer playing baseball, Dahlstedt is looking forward to returning to the field with the Govs next spring.
“I am a rising junior at Governor’s,” said Dahlstedt. “I have been playing baseball almost my entire life. I started with T-ball when I was 5 and worked my way up since then.”