West Hartford, Conn. witnessed an exciting announcement on Wednesday as Head Baseball Coach Steve Malinowski revealed that junior JJ Romatzick (Stratford, Conn.), junior Michael Featherstone (Ramsey, N.J.), and senior Jake Santiago (Bristol, Conn.) would take on the crucial role of team captains for the upcoming 2024-25 season. These selections hold significant importance as they represent the essence of the program.

Embodiment of the Program

Coach Malinowski emphasized, "These three guys embody what our program is about. They are prepared every day, lead by example, and bring other guys along with them." Santiago, with the most experience among them, played a vital role in guiding the group through the transition and had an outstanding season. Featherstone, a natural-born leader, will continue to contribute crucial innings on the pitching mound. Romatzick, who overcame an injury, showed up daily during the fall, not only improving his game but also enhancing the entire infield. There were several other players who were considered for the captaincy and will still play a significant role in leading the team in the spring. The coaching staff is excited to see this group take the lead.

JJ Romatzick's Journey

Romatzick is set to enter his junior season after a challenging 2024 due to injury. In his Hawk career, he has started 37 games, scoring 20 runs, driving in 9 RBIs, stealing 7 bases, and hitting 4 extra base hits. His determination and resilience in coming back from injury are inspiring. He has been working hard to regain his form and is expected to make a significant impact on the team this season.

Michael Featherstone's Pitching Prowess

Featherstone is in his third season with Hartford. In 2024, he made 12 pitching appearances, recording a 1-2 record and an ERA of 4.76. He ended the year by throwing 22.2 innings, recording 27 strikeouts and allowing just 12 earned runs. His ability to hold opponents at bay and make key pitches will be crucial for the team's success.

Jake Santiago's Breakout Year

Santiago enters his fourth year with the Hawks after an exceptional 2024. He ended the year with an impressive average of.452, hitting 4 homers, driving in 37 RBIs, scoring 24 runs, and recording 18 doubles. His offensive prowess and leadership on the field have been evident, and he will be a key player in the team's lineup.The Hawks' schedule has not been released yet, but it is expected to be available before January 2025. Fans can stay updated on the latest information by following the Hawks on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.