Author: Jonathan Richter

by Jonathan Richter

Hitter Power Rankings – June 12, 2026

Presented by: (this could be your business!)

Hi all, and welcome back to GHTBL baseball. This year, I’m excited to be promoted as Assistant League Secretary and helping our great league grow. If you’d like to connect and share any ideas, please email me at jsrichter@ghtbl.org. Without further ado, let’s take a look at our league’s top hitters as of June 12, 2026.

*NOTE: If you or a small business in Connecticut would like to sponsor the Power Rankings series, please reach out to me!

Tier 1: High-Impact Bats

1. Justin Marks – Middletown Mets (6 G | 20 AB)

.450 AVG | .522 OBP | .950 SLG | 1.472 OPS | 9 H | 6 RBI

“Jutty” Marks earns the top spot as the most complete hitter on the list this month. His 1.472 OPS over 20 ABs combines elite power with an ability to consistently reach base, formulating one of the strongest offensive profiles in the league. Marks IS the engine behind the Mets’ hot start, and if his bat isn’t enough, he contributes on the mound as well. Throughout the season’s opening weeks, few players have impacted games more consistently than Marks.

2. Braiden Alaimo – M&T Bankers (4 G | 17 AB)

.588 AVG | .611 OBP | 1.235 SLG | 1.846 OPS | 10 H | 10 RBI

Alaimo’s numbers look like my Road to the Show character in MLB the Show. Through four games, he’s hitting .588 with a staggering 1.846 OPS and has driven in 10 runs. The only thing keeping him from passing Marks is his sample size. With just 17 ABs and 4 games, he’s still got some playing time left before I would place him at #1. That said, if he continues as is, there will be a different leader next month. Having seen Alaimo this past week in the Bankers’ walk off victory against the Brewers, he has the energy to do just that.

3. Javier Irizarry – South Windsor Phillies (4 G | 14 AB)

.500 AVG | .563 OBP | .714 SLG | 1.277 OPS | 7 H | 7 RBI

Irizarry’s start has been impossible to ignore. The Amherst College alum now Boston College Law J.D. candidate (he’s really smart) has paired a .500 batting average with a 1.277 OPS while helping fuel the Phillies’ early-season success. Beyond the numbers, he’s the player whose baseball IQ shows up every inning. Irizarry always finds a way to impact the game and make the veteran coach Pizzanello happy.

4. Sean Lawlor – Middletown Mets (5 G | 16 AB)

.375 AVG | .500 OBP | .563 SLG | 1.063 OPS | 6 H | 2 RBI

Welcome Sean Lawlor to the GHTBL. The Boca Raton, FL transplant has quietly manifested one of the strongest all-around offensive profiles in the league. His .500 on-base percentage speaks to his coach-like discipline at the plate (he’s currently the assistant coach at ECSU). Don’t be surprised if you see him climb the stats leaderboard as the season progresses.

5. Nick Flammia – Middletown Mets (6 G | 19 AB)

.316 AVG | .409 OBP | .632 SLG | 1.041 OPS | 6 H | 9 RBI

When Flammia gets a piece of lumber in his hands and connects with the ball, the ball tends to travel a long way. That makes sense, considering he works in construction for a living and his nine RBIs rank among the league leaders. His .632 slugging percentage shows just how much damage he can do with one swing. Pitchers who leave mistakes over the plate have paid the price.

Tier II: Productive Lineup Hitters

6. Jay Cropley – Bristol Greeners (5 G | 17 AB)

.412 AVG | .444 OBP | .588 SLG | 1.033 OPS | 7 H | 2 RBI

The Bristol Greeners have been having a rough go of things as they try to find their first win of the season. But, Jay Cropley is hitting just fine with his average and power translating into a 1.033 OPS. There’s no doubt that the Greeners are hungry for that first win and Cropley’s bat will continue to help. 

7. Matt Costanza – Manchester Brewers (7 G | 22 AB)

.409 AVG | .536 OBP | .455 SLG | .990 OPS | 9 H | 4 RBI

Hey, how about those Brewers? Fresh off a rebranding effort, the Brewers have THREE players in the rankings. Costanza is part of the Brewers’ success, bringing energy and production to Valliere’s lineup. A .536 OBP makes him one of the GHTBL’s best table-setters and seven games is a perfect attendance record. The Brewers like to have fun and they have a great team culture, don’t count them out!

8. Dan Steiner – Manchester Brewers (6 G | 18 AB)

.444 AVG | .545 OBP | .444 SLG | .990 OPS | 8 H | 0 RBI

Dan Steiner is in his eighth year in the GHTBL. The first three years of his playing career were a bit rocky, but the last 5 have been really solid. This year might be his best one yet as he’s focusing on getting on base and creating traffic. The lack of extra base hits and RBIs limits his placement in the ranking, but his value in the lineup can’t be overlooked.

9. Caleb Winkley – Manchester Brewers (6 G | 23 AB)

.391 AVG | .440 OBP | .435 SLG |.875 OPS | 9 H | 9 RBI

Where did Jason Valliere find this guy? He’s been electric on getting ducks off the pond and his nearly .400 batting average joins the rest of the Brewers dependable hitters list. Sure, his OPS trails some of the names above, but his ability to deliver in key situations has been a prime factor to the Brewers’ strong start.

10. AJ Hendrickson – River Valley Expos (5 G | 21 AB)

.381 AVG | .381 OBP | .524 SLG | .905 OPS | 8 H | 9 RBI

Hendrickson rounds out the list after putting together another strong offensive start. He just loves the GHTBL and 2026 marks him playing for a decade (probably longer, but our stats for the website only goes back to 2016). Although the Expos just got their first win this week, his bat keeps the newly rebranded River Valley Expos in the fight for seven innings. Anyone who has caught the Expos in person knows that AJ is a fixture in the organization both on and off the field, and his production remains a big reason why.

Definitions:

AVG: Batting Average (hits/at-bats)

OBP: On-base Percentage (hits + walks + hit-by-pitch)/(at-bats + walks + hit-by-pitch + sacrifice-flies))

SLG: Slugging (1B + 2B*2 + 3B*3 = HR*4)/AB

OPS: On-Base Plus Slugging (OBP + SLG)

H: Hits

G: Games

AB: At Bats

General Methodology: When I develop these lists, I care mainly about overall offensive production using OPS (on-base plus slugging). Batting average, RBIs, and hits were used as secondary factors. Additionally, I look at sample size which includes ABs and games to avoid oversaturating players with extremely limited at bats.

by Jonathan Richter

Postseason Pressure: 10 Hitters and Pitchers to Watch

With the 2025 regular season wrapped up, the stage is set for playoff baseball. The first pitch of the postseason is just a night away, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the league’s statistician, I’m excited to present the top 10 hitters and pitchers ready to make an impact in the chase for the ‘ship.

Batters

1. Brendan Lynch – M&T Bank

.433 AVG / .534 OBP / .700 SLG / 1.234 OPS

The league’s most consistent bat this year, pairing gap power with run production to anchor Coach Abbruzzese’s lineup.

2. Braiden Alaimo – M&T Bank

.400 AVG / .493 OBP / .717 SLG / 1.210 OPS

Extra-base machine who can change a game with one swing; equally dangerous in clutch RBI spots.

3. Jeff Criscuolo – East Hartford Jets

.363 AVG / .474 OBP / .525 SLG / .999 OPS

Veteran hitter with a polished approach, delivering both high average and power all season. FLASHBACK: Criscuolo vs. Pileski

4. Will Kleinhenz – Middletown Mets

.347 AVG / .434 OBP / .500 SLG / .934 OPS

Brings a smooth, disciplined swing and the ability to drive the ball to all fields.

5. Jack Halpin – Vernon Orioles

.375 AVG / .468 OBP / .438 SLG / .905 OPS

A table-setter with great contact skills and patience at the plate, perfect for playoff baseball.

6. Greyson Pizzonia – M&T Bank

.419 AVG / .490 OBP / .558 SLG / 1.048 OPS

Multi-tool threat who hits for average, reaches base, and adds speed on the basepaths.

7. Kyle Mitchell – Middletown Mets

.357 AVG / .426 OBP / .571 SLG / .997 OPS

Brings a mix of pop and consistent contact, making him a tough out in any situation. Also very slick with the glove at Shortstop.

8. Ian Halpin – Vernon Orioles

.378 AVG / .489 OBP / .541 SLG / 1.029 OPS

A gap-to-gap hitter who controls at-bats and finds ways to get on base.

9. Zach Nakonechny – M&T Bank

.370 AVG / .469 OBP / .667 SLG / 1.135 OPS

The league’s home run leader where every at-bat is a longball threat. Be careful though, you leave one up and it won’t come back.

10. Sean Jefferson – Middletown Mets

.329 AVG / .466 OBP / .529 SLG / .994 OPS

Patient, ruthless, and dangerous with runners on; a big-game performer.

WILDCARD – Willy Yahn – M&T Bank

.500 AVG / .533 OBP / .550 SLG / 1.083 OPS

Even though he’s only played 12 games, this UConn-alum will be a menace if Coach Abbruzzese pencils him into the lineup (he will).

Pitchers

1. Matt Curtis – Vernon Orioles

51.0 IP / 1.10 ERA / 1.12 WHIP / 42 K

Unbeaten ace who goes deep into games and shuts down rallies.

2. Leif Bigelow – Middletown Mets

43.0 IP / 1.47 ERA / 1.07 WHIP / 58 K

Strikeout artist with excellent control, built for big-game starts. He’s what I like to call “just a baseball guy.”

 3. Ryan Schultz – Rainbow Graphics

35.2 IP / 0.99 ERA / 1.19 WHIP / 42 K

Clutch arm with elite ERA and the ability to miss bats in key spots.

 4. Jack Kelley – M&T Bank

32.0 IP / 0.44 ERA / 0.84 WHIP / 28 K

Nearly unhittable all season; commands the strike zone with precision.

5. Jack Steed – Vernon Orioles

38.0 IP / 2.21 ERA / 1.21 WHIP / 36 K

Durable and efficient, capable of dominating lineups multiple times through.

6. Garrett Fusco – East Hartford Jets

39.2 IP / 2.14 ERA / 1.35 WHIP / 63 K

League strikeout leader with overpowering stuff that plays up in October.

7. Nick Worthington – South Windsor Phillies

29.1 IP / 2.16 ERA / 1.17 WHIP / 29 K

Reliable arm who mixes command and swing-and-miss stuff.

8. Kenny Knox – Bristol Greeners

23.1 IP / 2.12 ERA / 1.17 WHIP / 25 K

Keeps hitters off balance and thrives under pressure.

9. Jason Ray – Vernon Orioles

17.0 IP / 0.00 ERA / 0.94 WHIP / 23 K

Electric reliever who hasn’t allowed an earned run all year.

10. Max Giacco – Record-Journal Expos

33.2 IP / 1.90 ERA / 1.30 WHIP / 23 K

Steady presence who limits damage and gets big outs.

WILDCARD – Justin ‘Jutty’ Marks – Middletown Mets

13.0 IP / 0.00 ERA / 0.77 WHIP / 23 K

He has a perfect ERA in 8 outings and throws heat. Also, I forgot to mention that he hits as well.

Don’t worry, here’s the final team count, including wildcards:

  • M&T Bank: 5 hitters; 1 pitcher
  • Middletown Mets: 3 hitters; 2 pitchers
  • Vernon Orioles: 2 hitters; 3 pitchers
  • East Hartford Jets: 1 hitter; 1 pitcher
  • Record-Journal Expos: 0 hitters; 1 pitcher
  • Bristol Greeners: 0 hitters, 1 pitcher
  • South Windsor Phillies: 0 hitters, 1 pitcher
  • Rainbow Graphics: 0 hitters, 1 pitcher

2020 Ray McKenna Field East Hartford GHTBL Playoffs
by Jonathan Richter

Criscuolo vs. Pileski: GHTBL Stars Ready For July 2nd Matchup at McKenna Field

July 1, 2025 | by Jonathan Richter (jsrichter@ghbtl.org)

Tomorrow, July 2, the East Hartford Jets and Middletown Mets will face off at 7:00 PM in what might look like a typical GHTBL matchup, until you check the stat sheet.

The game features the league’s two top hitters: the Jets’ Jeff Criscuolo and the Mets’ Kyle Pileski. The last time these two met, Pileski stole the show by going 3-for-3 with a home run, double, and single. Criscuolo had a quieter, yet fine day, finishing 1-for-3 with a hit-by-pitch.

I had a chance to catch up with both Jeff Criscuolo and Kyle Pileski before Wednesday’s matchup. 

Jeff Criscuolo is your typical baseball player-manager. He’s been in the GHTBL since 2012, having played in the beginning with the Ferguson Waterworks, then three summers with Ulbrich Steel (now the Middletown Mets, coincidentally) and playing with the Jets since 2019. Paired with his veteran status is his impressive career .322 batting average. Currently through 14 games, he’s one of the league’s most complete hitters with a .356 batting average (ranked #5 currently) and only 7 strikeouts in 45 at-bats.

2019 Jeff Criscuolo GHTBL East Hartford Jets
Jeff Criscuolo fielding a ball in 2019

While there’s certainly a lot of baseball left to be played, Criscuolo is about to surpass his hit total from last year, and there’s no sign of him slowing down. He simply credits a return to basics. “I just try to keep it simple; pick up the ball early, stay back, and hit it where it’s pitched,” he said. Like many players in the GHTBL I have chatted with, he admits he’s never been one to check the stats page (“I never look at them, messes with my head too much”), Criscuolo admitted last season he was a bit too passive, falling behind in counts and letting good pitches go by. “I probably drew a lot of walks, but I also started guessing and chasing late in the year.”

This summer, Jeff flipped the switch. “I’m just more aggressive, ready to swing every pitch, every count. Trust the hands and pull the trigger.” So far, this new mindset is paying off.

But then Kyle Pileski wanted to become a Middletown Met. This is Pileski’s rookie year playing in the historic GHTBL, and despite the smaller sample size, he has a .478 batting average and leads the league with a .870 slugging percentage. He has not struck out in 23 at-bats, and when he makes contact, the ISO of .392 suggests that the baseball is not coming back.

When I inquired about Pileski’s approach at the plate, I got a hilarious yet serious reply of “Think home runs to center.” This is the only thing that’s been on his mind since college baseball to now. “Staying up the middle helps me handle outside pitches, fastballs or off-speed,” he explained. Instead of over-adjusting to a new league (Pileski also plays in the CTL), he trusts his instincts. “Whether a guy’s throwing 70 or 90, my plan doesn’t really change,” he said. “Just stay through the ball and let the bombs come.”

Kyle Pileski on base, ready.

As mentioned earlier, Pileski’s GHTBL rookie debut at Palmer Field was special, with a home run on the very first pitch he saw. “Obviously, pretty cool,” he said. Despite growing up in Connecticut, he hadn’t played much at Palmer, making the moment even more special. But to him, it wasn’t just about the final box score. “Even if I went 0 for 3 with three K’s, the guys on the Mets would’ve treated me the same,” he said, praising the close-knit Middletown roster.

Still, leaving a strong first impression and propelling the Mets on his season and GHTBL debut wasn’t lost on him. “At the end of the day, I’m just trying to help the guys win, whether that’s hitting a bomb or laying down a sac bunt.”

by Jonathan Richter

Player Power Rankings: The Top 10 Hitters and Pitchers Through June 10

As the season heats up, so do the bats and arms. Some players are getting it done with raw power, others with elite pitching — and a few are doing both. With over a month of action in the books, here are your top 10 hitters and pitchers.

First, the hitters…

1) Kyle Pileski, INF/OF/DH, Middletown Mets 

.462 AVG / .500 OBP / 1.077 SLG / 1.577 OPS

The league’s most explosive bat so far. Pileski is punishing pitchers with two home runs, two doubles, and seven RBI in just 13 at-bats. His bat speed is matching his stat line — unreal.

2) Baylor LaPointe — Rainbow Graphics

.625 AVG / .625 OBP / .875 SLG / 1.500 OPS

Small sample? Sure. But there’s nothing small about LaPointe’s numbers. A .625 clip at the plate and power to match. Oh — and he’s also been lights out on the mound. Two-way superstar?

3) Will Kleinhenz — Middletown Mets

.500 AVG / .591 OBP / .667 SLG / 1.258 OPS

One of the most complete offensive profiles in the league. Kleinhenz pairs elite contact with plate discipline and extra-base power. His 13 total times on base in six games leads the league.

4) Ian Halpin — Vernon Orioles

.455 AVG / .500 OBP / .727 SLG / 1.227 OPS

Halpin’s hot start includes three doubles in just 11 at-bats. Don’t be surprised if he climbs even higher with more reps. Quietly elite.

5) Dan Steiner — Rainbow Graphics

.533 AVG / .533 OBP / .667 SLG / 1.200 OPS

No walks, no strikeouts — just laser-focused contact. Steiner has been a model of consistency, and the batting average says it all.

6) Chris Lusignan — Rainbow Graphics

.429 AVG / .526 OBP / .571 SLG / 1.098 OPS

An OBP machine with gap-to-gap power, Lusignan is making pitchers pay for any mistakes in the zone. Smart, selective, and dangerous.

7) Jack Halpin — Vernon Orioles

.455 AVG / .500 OBP / .545 SLG / 1.045 OPS

Halpin delivers every time he steps in the box. A high-contact bat with underrated power and wheels to match.

8) Nick Roy — Vernon Orioles

.417 AVG / .417 OBP / .583 SLG / 1.000 OPS

Roy might be the most quietly productive hitter so far. Just 12 at-bats, but already five hits and a triple. Pure impact.

9) Matt Costanza — Rainbow Graphics

.400 AVG / .591 OBP / .400 SLG / .991 OPS

The league’s most patient hitter. He’s drawn six walks, swiped five bases, and scored four runs. Speed and smarts on full display.

10) Sean Jefferson — Middletown Mets

.294 AVG / .478 OBP / .471 SLG / .949 OPS

Jefferson has been rock-solid in the outfield and a force in the batter’s box. His six walks leads all outfielders — and his lone homer was a no-doubter.

And now on to the pitchers….

1) Jason Ray — Vernon Orioles

10.0 IP • 0.00 ERA • 0.70 WHIP • 15 K

Ray has been simply untouchable. Two starts, zero earned runs, and 15 punchouts. Hitters haven’t figured him out — and might not all season. Ace stuff.

2) Leif Bigelow — Middletown Mets

12.0 IP • 1.17 ERA • 1.00 WHIP • 16 K

Bigelow’s been a bulldog: Two wins, 16 strikeouts, and barely a mistake across 12 dominant innings. He’s giving ace vibes with every start.

3) AJ Rooks — Rainbow Graphics

10.0 IP • 0.70 ERA • 1.00 WHIP • 8 K

Rooks isn’t flashy; he’s just filthy. Mixing speeds and inducing weak contact. That ERA speaks volumes.

4) Nick Worthington — South Windsor Phillies

7.0 IP • 1.00 ERA • 0.86 WHIP

Worthington only made one start, but it was masterful. Just three hits and a walk over seven innings. The definition of lockdown.

5) Kai Cottle — Middletown Mets

6.1 IP • 1.15 ERA • 0.82 WHIP • 9 K / 0 BB

Maybe the most efficient pitcher in the league. Cottle’s got pinpoint control — Nine Ks, 0 walks — and elite command in relief.

6) Charlie Hesseltine — Record-Journal Expos

7.0 IP • 2.00 ERA • 1.00 WHIP • 12 K

Only one start, but Hesseltine made it count. A complete effort with 12 strikeouts and filthy stuff throughout.

7) Baylor LaPointe — Rainbow Graphics

7.0 IP • 1.00 ERA • 1.00 WHIP

Quiet dominance from the two-way star. He’s not only mashing at the plate — he’s keeping opponents off the scoreboard on the bump.

8) Anthony Mierez — Vernon Orioles

6.0 IP • 1.17 ERA • 8 K

A reliable arm out of the bullpen, Mierez has been a strikeout threat and kept runs off the board. A trusted fireman.

9) Ben Darrow — M&T Bank

7.2 IP • 1.94 ERA • 6 K

Darrow’s ERA is strong, but a high WHIP (1.94) holds him back a bit. Still, he’s navigating traffic and getting outs when it matters.

10) JD Tyler — Record-Journal Expos

13.0 IP • 3.23 ERA • 9 K • 2 CG

He’s the innings-eater every rotation dreams of. Two complete games already on his résumé. Workhorse mentality, high-impact volume.

Author: Jonathan Richter, jsrichter@ghtbl.org