Category: Player Power Rankings

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

by Weston Ulbrich

Jack Steed Slings No-Hitter at Dunkin’ Park

In a heroic effort by Vernon Orioles left-handed pitcher Jack Steed, the Twilight League witnessed its first no-hitter at Dunkin’ Park on July 21, 2025. Steed commanded the zone with mostly fastballs topping out at 81 mph, while mixing in accurate curveballs at 70 mph. He served up thirteen strikeouts and just two walks in Hartford on Monday night. The backend of the first doubleheader ended in a 7-0, Bristol Greeners defeat after seven full innings.

Steed, a homegrown player from Vernon and a graduate of Nichols College, was somewhat shocked following the game. He expressed his gratitude for his teammates, and he noted that it was his first no-hitter he’s ever pitched. The game was Steed’s fifth deciding win out of seven appearances for the O’s this season, making him second in the league in wins. Here’s a clip of the southpaw’s last pitch and a short interview:

According to Vernon’s Manager Jack Ceppetelli, “Steed had outstanding command and good movement on his fastball. He was dominant from start to finish, despite throwing a lot of pitches.”

The O’s are currently tied with M&T Bank for second place (both having 11-7 win-loss records) in the standings, a mere half game behind the Middletown Mets and the standings appear to being getting tighter and tighter as the summer wears on. More spectacular pitching performances from Steed, along with plus arms like Jason Ray and Matt Curtis, may give Vernon the edge they need to capture the season title. There’s much more baseball down the stretch!

The 2025 GHTBL Regular Season will be completed August 3rd if no additional rainouts take place.

Playoffs are projected to begin August 7th at McKenna Field in East Hartford, Connecticut, weather permitting.

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