Travel ball coach: Chelmsford model for program building in MIAA

Chelmsford youth baseball players came out for the high school team's D1 championship. (Kyle Prudhomme/NEBJ)

State titles start at 8, not 18.

It pains me to write this article as a Lowell native, but it’s more than well deserved to give Chelmsford its flowers for winning the Massachusetts (MIAA) Division 1 championship.

The Lions’ title win is not just a culmination of getting hot for two weeks, but more so a reward for continued dedication for the last 10 years by players, coaches, parents and the entire Chelmsford community.

Chelmsford’s win is the result of numerous individuals pulling the rope in the same direction for a common goal. Here are a few things that positioned Chelmsford to win this year’s top title.

• A strong youth program. Through the dedication of many, Chelmsford does a great job in developing young talent. Through their recreational offering to district teams, it combines eager young athletes with great coaches, and the accomplishments follow. For their top players, “Lions Baseball” allows top youth players to play against the best competition throughout New England.
• Access to a top travel program. Nor’Easters Baseball deserves a ton of credit as many Chelmsford athletes further honed their skills playing for one of the top travel programs in New England.
• Loyalty to the public high school. Easier said than done, but Chelmsford was able to offer an educational and athletic package that enticed their players to stay at home instead of searching for the growing prep school baseball circles. This is a combination of the efforts of educators, administrators, coaches and the entire community.
• Leadership at the high school level. Lou DiStasi has been there every step of the way, developing many of these players right from the start with sons Cody and Drew by his side. Lou deserves a tip of the cap for shepherding a full lifecycle of baseball development.
• An engaged alumni and community base. Chelmsford alumni Derek Adamson, Colin Clancy, and Ryan Doherty came back to the program after their own playing careers to coach. In addition, the community came together this year and built a first-class locker room. This is a great reflection of the community in action with the goal of furthering the experience of their student-athletes.
• An updated facility with experienced instructors. Adam McCusker’s Lion’s Den is the heart of offseason development for Chelmsford baseball players and brings together top instructors, including Ken Connerty and Kevin Gately.
• Great high school players. Chelmsford has an absolute stud player. Big props to Matt Stuart. He is a phenomenal two-way player who will have a terrific college career with the potential for more.

As schools across the state reflect on how they can take the next step in their high school baseball program heading into next year, we can all learn a little bit from this year’s King of the Jungle.