White River Junction
Though considering the Upper Valley Nighthawks outfielder’s ranking among NECBL hitters this summer, it didn’t come as much of a surprise.
“I kind of saw my number and how they stacked up with everyone else’s numbers and I kind of had an idea that I’d make it,” he said. “I don’t like (I’m) in a game, like, ‘Oh, I’m 0-for-3 tonight, I’ve got to get a hit.’ I like to let it take its course over time.”
“I’m grateful,” he added. “It’s awesome to get the recognition. The hard work is paying off.”
Denison, who will be a senior next season at Troy University, is the first NECBL All-Star selection in Nighthawks history. Manager Nick Cenatiempo said more teammates will be invited, though the league has yet to announce the rest of its selections. Cenatiempo was part of a 90-minute league-wide conference call Saturday morning to make their selections.
Cenatiempo said choosing Denison was a no-brainer.
“His work ethic shows why he’s been so successful,” Cenatiempo said. “He shows up at the park every day with a professional attitude. He approaches his preparation with a professional mentality. He’s prepared to play every night and he’s a really good player. But his work ethic is why he’s having success.”
For hitting coach Matt Lynch, Denison’s quiet confidence provides a lead-by-example attitude to some of his younger teammates.
“He doesn’t talk much,” Lynch said. “(He brings) stability. When he’s up there, you know you’re going to get a solid at-bat, a quality at-bat. He’s a tough out. … He gives the guys something to chase after, because he’s always doing the right things.”
Denison, who has spent most of his time this summer batting third in the Nighthawks lineup, is ranked third among NECBL hitters with a .361 batting average, amassing a league-leading 35 hits, 18 runs scored, eight doubles, two triples, three home runs, 19 RBIs and two stolen bases in 24 games and 97 at-bats for Upper Valley this summer. On Friday, the Troy, Ala., native was 2-for-5, including a double, with a run scored and two RBIs.
“I had to get used to the wood bat,” Denison said. “It’s a little heavier. It doesn’t have the same jump.”
Still, getting a chance to show his skills in front of a large contingent of pro scouts will certainly make it worth it.
“I think that’s why everyone is here,” he said. “Everyone here thinks they’re good enough to do that, and they are good enough to do that. I was just real lucky to have a good start to the season.”
Denison will be joined by Valley Blue Sox catcher Erik Ostberg, Vermont Mountaineers first baseman Mikael Mogues, Sanford Mainers second baseman Ako Thomas, Winnipesaukee Muskrats third baseman Ryan Stekl, Mountaineers shortstop Michael Osinski, Mainers outfielder Zach Jancarski and Muskrats outfielder Anthony Godino.
Keene’s Jordan Howard will be the designated hitter and Tommy Doyle will be Team North’s starting pitcher.
Team South is comprised of New Bedford Bay Sox catcher Andrew Penner, Ocean State Waves first baseman Austin Upshaw, Mystic Schooners second baseman Nick Mascelli, Schooners third baseman Chase Lunceford, Ocean State shortstop Grant Williams, Ocean State outfielder Nick Angelini, New Bedford outfielder Ryan Wolfsberg, Danbury Westerners designated hitter Ryan Nelson and Westerners starting pitcher NIck Gallagher.
The NECBL All-Star Weekend begins with a cocktail reception on Saturday at O’Brien’s Pub in downtown Newport. Sunday will feature a home run derby and a skills competition coordinated by the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau and MLB scouts before a 6:35 p.m. scheduled first pitch at Cardines Field.
Upper Valley’s Saturday night matchup against the Keene Swamp Bats was postponed after rain and thunderstorms picked up during pregame warmups. A make-up date has still yet to be determined. The Nighthawks (10-14) are scheduled to take on Ocean State today at Maxfield Sports Complex. Game time is 5 p.m.