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08/30/2024 12:00 PMFrom the beginning, Colton Merola has recognized that baseball is essentially a birth right to him. He has utilized his multi-generational passion for America’s Pastime within his family tree to branch out as a commendable catcher and leader for Haddam-Killingworth baseball.
The H-K senior grew up with baseball in his genes, as his father and older brother took to the diamond. After beginning his journey at the young age of 4, Colton also took on basketball and cross country, though baseball remained his true love. After being a steady backstop for the Cougars’ club the last two campaigns, Colton’s steady abilities and leadership earned him a captain’s nod for the upcoming 2025 slate.
“I have always wanted to play baseball, and I feel it is the sport I am the best at. It is also in my blood,” says Colton. “I love it because it is one of those sports where if you do good one out of every three times, then you are one of the greats. It is a game of failure, so those moments of success are more meaningful. Consistency has helped me; I try to stay consistent with my routine of practicing, dieting, and exercise. You cannot do much in baseball without consistency, so that and putting in the work every day have been key for me.”
While blocking the plate, Colton relishes in the spotlight of being a focal point of every pitch. He knows that it can certainly take a physical toll on his body through the journey of each campaign, though he is the ultimate gamer and loves the grind.
“As a catcher, I love being involved in every play; only the pitcher and I are in on every play out there,” Colton says. “I like the leadership role of the position and directing traffic. It is a physically demanding job, and I have constant aches and pains while playing three or four games a week, but I love it.”
In that game of averages that Colton alludes to, there are inevitable skids that he will find himself a part of. But yet he knows that when you slow things down and do not try to overcompensate for any deficiencies, things tend to get back to normal.
“I always resort back to basics and focus on doing what I know how to do,” says Colton. “I find that I usually fail when I try to do too much. When you simplify things, that is how you get out of a slump. You have to also have an even-keeled mind, or else you will dig yourself into a deeper hole.”
Colton carries himself as a humble individual when it comes to assessing his talent level. Still, he had never stepped behind home plate prior to coming onto campus, but he has continued an upward trajectory in assimilating into the job.
“I have not mastered one skill yet because no player ever does,” Colton says. “But my receiving, catching, and blocking skills have taken huge leaps over the last two years. I was never a catcher prior to high school, but I have been there ever since, and it has been great.”
The Cougars are a year removed from the benchmark moment of the program’s illustrious history in a state crown. Colton believes that as long as the boys stick together and have each other’s backs, then they can get back to the top and hoist the trophy once again.
“We have a good group of guys here on this team in order to make a run at Shoreline and state titles,” says Colton. “We want to have a good, tight-knit group of guys next year. If we have that support for one another, then we will have a really good team because the support makes a huge difference.”
Longtime H-K baseball skipper Mark Brookes commends his future captain for his easy willingness to sacrifice his comfort level for the betterment of the club. It has been a switch to catcher that has worked out for the better for both parties involved, as well.
“Colton is a natural leader who has been elected by his peers as captain for 2025. He was converted from an infielder as a freshman who volunteered to be catcher, recognizing that the team was in need,” says Brookes. “He is one of the most selfless players I have ever coached. His defensive skills have steadily improved, and he was an important contributor to H-K's 21-6 record in 2024 as the starting catcher. I am excited to witness his continued success in 2025.”
While it is a ways off as he begins to start his senior year, Colton is eagerly anticipating returning to the field as a steward for the Cougars next spring. He has some great predecessors to emulate, and he is quite motivated and locked in on leading the charge. Colton concludes that no matter how much he may do on and off the field as that leader, it is all about the pieces coming together.
“Being named a captain means everything to me,” says Colton. “We have had great captains every year I have been here, and I looked up to them. It is an honor to be captain; I love to lead and support the team. I feel I am the right guy for it, but I also feel we will do great things together as a team.”