If the MetroWest Daily News hosted a home run derby, which high school athletes would win?

Tommy Cassell, MetroWest Daily News
·6 min read
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The 2022 T-Mobile Home Run Derby took place last week at Dodger Stadium with a star-studded lineup worthy of the glitz, glamour and bright lights of Hollywood.

The field of MLB sluggers that took part in the annual moonshot challenge included two-time defending champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets, Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, Jose Ramirez of the Cleveland Guardians, Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals and Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals – with the latter taking home the grand prize of $1 million.

So the All-Star event got us to thinking: If the Milford and MetroWest Daily News hosted a Home Run Derby for high school baseball and softball players, who would the contenders be?

Meet The: Daily News All-Stars for high school spring sports in 2022

We’ve created a list of local high school baseball and softball players we’d watch sock a few dingers in a competitive setting.

Baseball

Joe Acker, Nipmuc

This Daily News All-Star for baseball belted three homers this spring – so this recent graduate obviously can hit the ball over the fence. But Acker’s athleticism is what we like as he was a captain of the Warriors’ soccer team and also ran track. It also helps that he’ll play baseball at Franklin Pierce University.

Joseph Acker, Nipmuc Regional
Joseph Acker, Nipmuc Regional

Eisig Chin, Franklin

Four years after suffering a horrific elbow injury while playing youth baseball, this smooth-swinging, left-handed batter smacked his first high school home run in May and we think he’s due for a few more before he graduates next year.

Franklin’s Eisig Chin heads to first base during the 14th annual Rich Pedroli Memorial Daily News Classic game against Natick at Mahan Field in Natick on May 26.
Franklin’s Eisig Chin heads to first base during the 14th annual Rich Pedroli Memorial Daily News Classic game against Natick at Mahan Field in Natick on May 26.

Evan Cornelius, Milford

A Daily News All-Star for football, this 6-foot-3, 230-pound wrecking ball can also swing the baseball bat. He was a leader on the Hill for the Scarlet Hawks this spring and we’d like to see him send some upper cut swings out of the tough-to-homer Fino Field.

Milford’s Evan Cornelius delivers a pitch during baseball game against Hopedale at Fino Field in Milford on May 12.
Milford’s Evan Cornelius delivers a pitch during baseball game against Hopedale at Fino Field in Milford on May 12.

Jake Haarde, Lincoln-Sudbury

A sophomore who burst onto the scene this spring, Haarde doesn’t find it hard to generate bat speed. The right-handed hitter belted two homers for the Warriors this spring and continues to hammer home runs this spring in AAU ball.

Lincoln-Sudbury's Jake Haarde (28) comes in for a landing at home plate after a solo home run in the second inning against Bedford at Lincoln-Sudbury High School on May 12.
Lincoln-Sudbury's Jake Haarde (28) comes in for a landing at home plate after a solo home run in the second inning against Bedford at Lincoln-Sudbury High School on May 12.

Brian Olson, Dover-Sherborn

A dymanic three-sport athlete, Olson’s name will be all over our publications during the next two years. This 6-foot-4, 210-pound beast has a sweet left-handed swing that generates a lot of power.

Dover-Sherborn sophomore Brian Olson drives to the basket during the boys basketball game against Norton High on Feb. 15.
Dover-Sherborn sophomore Brian Olson drives to the basket during the boys basketball game against Norton High on Feb. 15.

Will Parker, Hopedale

This athlete bound for West Point haunted Hopedale opponents this spring with six total homers. Parker is big, strong and can hit anything. That's why he was named the Daily News MVP for baseball this season.

Dark Horses (athletes who didn’t play baseball this spring that we think may have a chance at competing for a HR Derby title):

Johnny Bennett, Dover-Sherborn

Anything this three-sport athlete touches turns to gold. A pigskin, baton or lacrosse stick, Bennett is one of the best athletes to come from Dover-Sherborn during the past decade. Even though he’s a lacrosse player, we’d bet he’d be just fine with a bat in his hand.

Dover-Sherborn Regional High School senior captain Johnny Bennett runs onto the field against Nipmuc Regional High School on Sep. 17, 2021.
Dover-Sherborn Regional High School senior captain Johnny Bennett runs onto the field against Nipmuc Regional High School on Sep. 17, 2021.

Matt Gillis, Ashland

One coach called him a “generational athlete at Ashland” and for good reason. Gillis is as good as it comes at both football and wrestling (he was a Daily News All-Star for both), and we’d like to see him try to hit some dingers as well.

Ashland's Matt Gillis takes down Wayland's Luciano Sebastianelli during a 182 lbs. bout at Ashland Middle School, Jan. 13, 2021.
Ashland's Matt Gillis takes down Wayland's Luciano Sebastianelli during a 182 lbs. bout at Ashland Middle School, Jan. 13, 2021.

Marco Monteiro, Milford

At 6-foot-5 and over 300 pounds, Monteiro is a mountain of a man. A Daily News All-Star for football and outdoor track and field – who will play football at Brown University – Monteiro is an athletic specimen. And although we’d imagine he may not have the prettiest of swings, if he made contact – watch out.

Natick's Jake Adelmann, right, and Milford's Marco Monteiro shake hands after the Scarlet Hawks beat the Redhawks 21-7 to advance to the final four of the MIAA Division 2 playoffs, at Milford High School, Nov. 11, 2021.
Natick's Jake Adelmann, right, and Milford's Marco Monteiro shake hands after the Scarlet Hawks beat the Redhawks 21-7 to advance to the final four of the MIAA Division 2 playoffs, at Milford High School, Nov. 11, 2021.

Jacob Reinach, Natick

Accomplishing something no other Natick High male athlete had done before; Reinach went to Nike Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, this spring. Although he specializes in throwing things far in track and field – and will do so at Duke University – we’d like to see him swing a bat, too.

Natick High School graduate Jacob Reinach worked out with coach Kassidy Gallagher at the high school on June 23. Reinach, who will attend Duke University in the fall, is the first Natick High School athlete ever to qualify for the Nationals held in Eugene Oregon, where he placed third in the shot put and fourth in the discus.
Natick High School graduate Jacob Reinach worked out with coach Kassidy Gallagher at the high school on June 23. Reinach, who will attend Duke University in the fall, is the first Natick High School athlete ever to qualify for the Nationals held in Eugene Oregon, where he placed third in the shot put and fourth in the discus.

Softball

Emma Ballard, Blackstone Valley Tech

This multi-sport Daily News All-Star had a tremendous final act this spring with the Beavers. Ballard belted three homers and the smooth-swinging lefty is a threat for a dinger every time she reaches the plate.

Blackstone Valley Tech's Emma Ballard follows through on a swing during a game against Hudson at Hudson High School on May 19.
Blackstone Valley Tech's Emma Ballard follows through on a swing during a game against Hudson at Hudson High School on May 19.

Caitlin Cassidy & Abbey Nezuch, Hudson

This dynamic duo from Hudson hit a combined 14 homers this spring with the latter being named a Daily News All-Star. Even teammate and Daily News All-Star Maddie Kiley hit four homers – so we could basically invite a third of the Hawks’ lineup.

The Hudson High School softball team waits for teammate Caitlin Cassidy (4) to come in for a landing on home plate after Cassidy's solo home run in the Hawks 14-4 victory over Dracut in the opening round of the Sheryl Jones Tournament at Hudson High School on April 20.
The Hudson High School softball team waits for teammate Caitlin Cassidy (4) to come in for a landing on home plate after Cassidy's solo home run in the Hawks 14-4 victory over Dracut in the opening round of the Sheryl Jones Tournament at Hudson High School on April 20.

Charlotte “Piper” Kinney, AMSA

This senior was about as electric as it comes on the softball field this spring both at the plate and on the rubber. Kinney, who goes by Piper, hit six dingers and would be a tough out in our Home Run Derby.

AMSA’s Charlotte 'Piper" Kinney heads home after hitting a home run during the softball game against BVT at Marlborough High School on May 16.
AMSA’s Charlotte 'Piper" Kinney heads home after hitting a home run during the softball game against BVT at Marlborough High School on May 16.

Frankie Pizzarella, Millis

With a name that makes you think Italian food, this junior didn’t let many pitches get by her at the dish this spring. Pizzarella plated eight home runs and a whopping 62 RBI. She was named the Daily News MVP for softball.

Millis catcher Frankie Pizzarella (left) gives her pitcher, Riley Caulfield, (7) some encouragement as Caulfield takes the mound in the late innings against Hopkinton at Hopkinton High School, May 27, 2021.
Millis catcher Frankie Pizzarella (left) gives her pitcher, Riley Caulfield, (7) some encouragement as Caulfield takes the mound in the late innings against Hopkinton at Hopkinton High School, May 27, 2021.

Janelle Scirocco, Nimpuc

Following in her older sister’s footsteps, this Nipmuc slugger belted four homers this spring and has a smooth swing tailor-made for a Home Run Derby.

Catherine Seay, Marlborough

With another solid spring from this sophomore, Seay wouldn’t be afraid of the moment despite being younger than most of the other competitors. She hit six home runs this spring and is just getting started.

Marlborough shortstop Catherine Seay holds up the ball for the umpire after forcing out a Marlborough baserunner Wednesday at Westborough High School, June 2, 2021.
Marlborough shortstop Catherine Seay holds up the ball for the umpire after forcing out a Marlborough baserunner Wednesday at Westborough High School, June 2, 2021.

Dark Horses (athletes who didn’t play softball this spring that we think may have a chance at competing for a HR Derby title):

Aislinn Bennett, Milford

A talented two-sport athlete who will play both ice hockey and lacrosse in college, what do we think Bennett could do with a bat? We think she could figure it out.

Milford High School graduate Aislinn Bennett will play lacrosse and hockey at Salem State, pictured here at the high school field on July 8.
Milford High School graduate Aislinn Bennett will play lacrosse and hockey at Salem State, pictured here at the high school field on July 8.

Allison Jeter, Natick

A state champion and All-Star in soccer, and a Daily News All-Star for tennis, we think this recent Natick High grad would live up to her last name and be able to handle herself with a bat in her hands.

Natick goalie Allison Jeter holds up the Division 1 state title trophy while the team and their classmates celebrate around them following their 3-2 win over Hingham in the Division 1 state final at Whitman-Hanson High School on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.
Natick goalie Allison Jeter holds up the Division 1 state title trophy while the team and their classmates celebrate around them following their 3-2 win over Hingham in the Division 1 state final at Whitman-Hanson High School on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.

Katie Peterson, Franklin

This talented midfielder and Daily News All-Star for lacrosse, it would be fun to watch this 6-footer drop the lax stick and pick up a softball bat. She’s that athletic.

The Franklin High School Panthers girls basketball team hosted Braintree High School in a Round of 32 playoff game on March 4. Franklin won, 70-43. Pictured, players cheer on teammates at the end of the game. From left: senior Brigid Earley, senior Julia White, senior Jessica Pingeton, junior Katie Peterson.
The Franklin High School Panthers girls basketball team hosted Braintree High School in a Round of 32 playoff game on March 4. Franklin won, 70-43. Pictured, players cheer on teammates at the end of the game. From left: senior Brigid Earley, senior Julia White, senior Jessica Pingeton, junior Katie Peterson.

Kate Powers, Hopkinton

With another name fitting for a Home Run Derby, Powers was a Daily News All-Star for both volleyball and track and field. Sure, she may be going to University of Kentucky to throw things, but we’d like to watch her try to hit things for a change.

Hopkinton's Kate Powers holds up the Division 2 championship trophy as she and her teammates celebrate the win over Westborough at Tewsbury Memorial High School, Nov. 20, 2021.
Hopkinton's Kate Powers holds up the Division 2 championship trophy as she and her teammates celebrate the win over Westborough at Tewsbury Memorial High School, Nov. 20, 2021.

(Who do you think would win our baseball and softball home run derbies? Who did we miss? Let us know what you think about our list. John Ballou of the Gardner News contributed to this report.)

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: MetroWest Home Run Derby: Which local HS athletes would win challenge?