WEYMOUTH, Mass. (May 23, 2024) 一 The 14th season of Futures League baseball in New England is here. Opening Day is set for Friday, May 24.
Three season-opening games are on tap for Friday, beginning with the Westfield Starfires hosting the Worcester Bravehearts at 10:30 a.m.
The action continues in the evening when the Vermont Lake Monsters visit the Nashua Silver Knights at 6 p.m. Finally, the New Britain Bees and defending Futures League champion Norwich Sea Unicorns match up in an all-Connecticut battle at 6:35 p.m.
Saturday marks the season debut of both the Brockton Rox and the new Futures League Road Warriors. Brockton begins a series at Vermont, while the Road Warriors will take on their first challenge at the Sea Unicorns.
It is a big summer in Norwich. Not only will the Sea Unicorns be looking to become the first repeat champion since Worcester in 2018-19, but they will host the Futures League All-Star Experience on July 22-23 as a highlight of Dodd Stadium’s 30th season.
Four teams boast All-Futures League honorees from a year ago, including Nashua catcher Will Fosberg (Northeastern) who was named the league’s Top Pro Prospect among position players. All-Star pitcher Andrew Chenevert (Saint Anselm) also returns to the Silver Knights.
Westfield welcomes back a strong outfielder in Kiernan Caffrey (American International), who was the fifth-leading qualifying hitter in the league with a .302 average last summer. The Starfires gained another All-Star with the signing of utility player Matt Lussier (Fairfield).
Norwich will look to run it back with outfielder Brennan Hyde (Nichols), while New Britain returns one of its .300 hitters in Freddy Forgione (SUNY Maritime).
Vermont right-hander Wyatt Cameron (Central Connecticut) is second all-time in Futures League appearances with 68 and enters the season five shy of the record holder. Along with the 2022 All-Futures League reliever, the Lake Monsters also bring back two other fourth-year players in outfielder/designated hitter Colby Brouillette (Central Connecticut) and catcher Tyler Favretto (Kansas Wesleyan).
The Worcester roster includes one of the top Massachusetts high school prospects in LSU-bound pitcher Mav Rizy, who will start in Saturday’s home opener against Westfield. The Bravehearts also welcome another familiar Futures League name in outfielder CJ Egrie (Holy Cross), who led the league in stolen bases for Norwich last season.
Another one of the recent top players in Massachusetts in two-way standout Owen McHugh (Williams), who coach Brendan Morrissey has tabbed as Saturday’s starter on the mound for the Road Warriors. He is also no stranger to the league, having played for Brockton last summer. Brockton returns one of its top offensive producers in outfielder Jordan Thomas (Polk State).
Once again in 2024, every league game this season can be streamed via the Futures League Network. Seven-day ($10), 30-day ($30) and season ($99) passes are available for purchase.
For the latest news and information on the Futures League all year long, visit thefuturesleague.com and follow the league’s Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram pages.
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