25 CIAC BASEBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2022

Here are 25 CIAC baseball players to watch entering the 2022 season:

David Antonetti, Hand, Sr. P:

The righthander returns after guiding the Tigers to the Class L title with a one-hitter in the 3-0 state final win over Berlin.

Michael Belcher, Woodland, So. P/IF: Was the first all-state freshman in Woodland history and one of the state's best pitchers. He can also swing the bat. Has verbally committed to Bryant.

Jake Benner, Westhill Sr. SS/P: Benner hit .466 with an .890 slugging percentage and .559 OBP with 7 home runs, 30 RBIs and 30 runs scored. On the mound, he struck out 46 batters in 27.2 innings, helping the Vikings to the Class LL championship game. GameTimeCT First-Team All-State.

Mac Burke, Amity, Sr. 3B: The 6-foot-4 Burke was one of the best hitters in the SCC last season and should bring even more power this time around.

Andrew Castelluccio, Ridgefield, Sr. P: The St. John's commit has a fastball in the md 80s but a devastating change-up that makes 85 feel like 95 and a curveball that is thrown with velocity and breaks late.

Jackson Ciccone, Danbury, Sr. OF: The four-year starter was first team CHSCA Class LL AllState, batting .365 with 25 stolen bases batting leadoff for the Hatters.

Shaun Callahan, Newington, Sr. OF: The smooth left-handed hitter batted .446 with a .556 OBP and 26 stolen bases. Above average range and arm in the outfield. Committed to play at New Haven.

Ryan Daniels, St Paul, Sr. SS: A GameTimeCT first-team AllState pick, hit .507, with 16 home runs, 46 RBIs, leading St. Paul to the Class S championship game. Committed to UConn.

Eddy Garabito-Soto, Norwalk, Sr. SS: One of the most powerful hitters in the state, he can send the ball over the fence to all fields as demonstrated in his opposite-field bomb he hit at New Canaan's Mead Park last year that nearly reached the snack bar.

Dan Gantert, New Fairfield, Sr. C: An All-SWC Outfielder, Gantert will move behind the plate this season after batting .429 with 6 doubles, 3 triples, 1 home run and 12 RBIs.

John Heitzman, Warde Sr. OF:

The lefty batted .470 with 24 hits and a 1.480 OPS, helping the Mustangs capture the FCIAC championship. GameTimeCT first-team pick, was also named CHSCA All-State and All-FCIAC.

Alex Irizarry, East Catholic, Sr. SS:

Committed to play at Maryland, Irizarry can do it with his bat and his glove and might be the best player in the CCC.

Drew Kron, Xavier Sr. OF:

GameTimeCT second team All-State, CHSCA All State and SCC All Conference player hit .412 with 18 RBIs, 24 runs and 17 stolen bases. Committed to play at UConn.

Gianni Gambardella, West Haven, Sr. P:

The 6-foot-3 hurler was 7-2 last season with a 1.15 ERA while batting .379, earning CHSA All-State honors.

Colin Lanctot, Plainfield, Sr. P/IF: The Franklin Pierce commit hit .415, earning All-ECC honors.

Connor Lane, Old Saybrook, So. C:

The sophomore backstop is already verbally committed to UConn with a pop time of 1.982.09.

Evan McCue, Waterford, Sr. 1B:

The 6-foot-3 Keene State commit hit .438 while slugging .594 with 10 doubles, 21 RBIs and 16 runs scored, earning All-ECC honors.

Cam McGugan, Fitch, Sr. C:

A CHSCA All-State pick, he leads a group of 11 seniors, five of which started last season, back for Fitch which has its eyes on making runs at ECC and state titles. New Haven commit.

Sean Minnick, Masuk Sr. IF/P: The Ithaca College commit batted .383 with 3 home runs and 15 RBIs, earning All-SWC honors.

Brendan Palmer, Ansonia, Sr. P:

Posted a 3.34 ERA with 75 strikeouts in 52 innings for the Chargers. Committed to play at the University of Bridgeport.

Zack Ramppen, New Canaan, Sr. C:

The West Virginia commit is one of the best defensive catchers in the state and he can also swing the bat with a .340 batting average, 18 runs scored, 3 home runs and a 1.109 OPS.

Jackson Rusiecki, Southington, Sr. OF/3B:

The North Carolina commit crushes baseballs with exit velos of 99. He plays infield and outfield with equally talented skill.

Matt Scott, Joel Barlow, Sr. P:

The 6-foot-6 righty has been committed to Stanford since his freshman season. He has command of multiple pitches with his fastball sitting in the md-90s.

Hiro Wyatt, Staples, Jr. P:

No transfer brings as much attention as Wyatt who comes to Staples from King. The Duke commit has a mid-90s fastball mixed with a devastating curveball.

Justin Zych, Greenwich, Sr. 3B/P:

The 6-foot-3 All-FCIAC West pick batted .406, hitting for average and for power.

— Scott Ericson