By: Quinn Donovan and Domenic Casparriello
WHS senior Dylan Connors has made his presence known across the athletics environment throughout his time here at WHS. A three-sport varsity athlete, Connors has begun each year by anchoring the defense of the powerhouse soccer team, then transitioning to the ski slopes during the winter before focusing on his main sport in the spring, baseball.
A member of the varsity baseball team since his sophomore year, Connors has made an impact all over the diamond, manning multiple infield positions in addition to pitching as well. His individual success has not gone unnoticed, as he was recruited to play baseball at the college level and ultimately committed to continuing his career at nearby WPI.
As the captain for this year’s team, Connors hopes to lead the program back into the postseason for the first time since his freshman year, when he played for the JV team.
Connors says that he is honored to have the opportunity to lead the squad, and comments that “I’ve played with a lot of these boys since tee-ball so it’s great to get the chance to play together one last time.”
Throughout his years on the baseball team, Dylan has been a mainstay atop the batting order for the Rangers as one of the premier hitters around Central Mass. After predominantly playing third base in his two years of varsity baseball, Connors has made the transition back to the shortstop position for his senior year. A sure-handed fielder, he has the range and athleticism necessary to be a phenomenal all-around player.
He cites his experience as a young player on veteran teams as a template for his captainship, saying that “I had the chance to learn from a lot of older guys growing up through the program and that has definitely helped show me how to act as a teammate and a leader.”
Longtime teammate and friend, senior Ryan Gallary says of Connors, “He’s just a fun guy to be around. The way he leads and acts to everyone makes for a fun atmosphere and really gets the rest of the guys excited to be out there playing.”
Fellow teammate senior Joe Fitzgerald comments, “It’s great for Dylan. I’ve never seen someone work as hard as he has and it’s all paid off for him with his success on the field and also his commitment to play at WPI.”
Connors and the WHS baseball team have endured an up-and-down start to the season, sitting at 2-4 in what is still a very young season.
When asked about Dylan’s growth as a ball player and a leader in his three years at the varsity level, Coach Scott Kittredge had nothing but praise for his captain.
“Dylan is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. He has come a long way since his first year up on varsity, and I think his hitting has improved to such a great degree that other teams take notice of him as one of the best hitters in our league. As for the leadership standpoint, Dylan has always led by example. This year has been more about the vocal part of that, and I think he’s done well so far, even if it may not be what he is necessarily comfortable with.”
Connors is looking to build on last year’s solid play, where he batted .286 and was a defensive anchor in the infield. Although hopes of a league title appear slim, Dylan looks to lead the Rangers in a deep district playoff run.
Photo Credit: Kelly Burneson Photography
