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After almost three weeks of practices and four scrimmages, the Winchester High baseball team can’t wait to get the season underway against non-league Wellesley later today, April 2, in the home opener at Ciarcia Field, starting at 4:15 p.m.
The Red & Black enjoyed much success last year after ending up with a 14-9 overall record that included going 2-1 in the Division 1 state tournament. They made it to the Sweet 16 after beating Beverly as the 32nd seed in the preliminary round, 6-4, and then Taunton, the top seed, in the Round of 32 by the exact same score, only to lose to Natick, the 17th seed, 11-0. During the regular season, they were 12-8.
Coach Ed McDonald’s team has since turned the corner, and are ready to run it back with hopefully even more success in 2026. Adam Fiorentino and Ronan O’Connell are this year’s captains.
The second-year coach welcomed 45 – 11 of them seniors – to the start of tryouts back on March 16. The returning players already knew what he expects from them, and it’s as simple as competing for the state title.
Who can say no to that goal?
Senior Spencer Thompson and junior transfer Brady Ihrig will bolster the infield, according to McDonald, but as of late last week, those positions are still up for grabs.
But Fiorentino will definitely be in centerfield, with O’Connell calling the shots behind the plate, just like he did during the football season as the starting quarterback.
Bret Daniels is the first baseman. Junior Nick Penicaud returns to the mound as one of the team’s ace hurlers. When not throwing strikes, he’ll be in the infield. Mitch Collins is slated to start in right. Nolan Gannon will be the designated hitter, who’s also capable of playing in the outfield, along with Brendan Bock.
When it is all said and done, however, it’s going to come down to pitching – as always – and that’s a good thing for Winchester.
“The strength of this team is our pitching,” said McDonald. “We have about 10 returning pitchers with experience, who can (throw) at a high level.”
Every season has its challenges, and McDonald understands it.
“The Middlesex League is once again going to be very competitive, where anyone can beat anyone in any game,” he said.
Among those teams, the Winchester coach thinks that Reading, Woburn and Arlington should be the “toughest” this spring. But don’t sleep on the Red & Black after last year’s postseason run.
Joe McConnell is a longtime, award-winning sports editor for numerous North Shore publications. He began covering Winchester sports for the News in November 2024 and is currently its Sports Editor. He can be reached at editor@winchesternews.org.
