Much of the preparation for a lengthy playoff push goes well beyond simply recording victories on the standings. It also entails crafting a team that can pull out triumphs under the settings of all scenarios while working together. The North Haven baseball team is learning that lesson and acquiring a wealth of knowledge and experience quite well for the big stage.

With first-year Head Coach Joseph Romanelli in 2023, who was filling the shoes left behind by longtime skipper Bob DeMayo after guiding the program for over six decades, North Haven stumbled out of the gate a bit to the tune of an 0-4 start. Yet the Nighthawks swiftly responded to the adversity by finishing the regular season on a 12-4 stretch from that juncture to qualify for the Class L State Tournament at 12-8.

Earning the 15th seed in the draw, the Nighthawks first defeated No. 18 RHAM 5-2 in the opening round at home on May 30 before a hard-fought loss to No. 2 East Lyme, 9-8, a day later on the road to conclude the campaign 13-9 overall.

The opening act of the script for the 2024 story has played out a bit more favorably for the Nighthawks, who currently possess a 10-7 record. The boys have certainly had a bevy of different types of triumphs, ranging from blowouts to nail-biting one-run victories.These wins have all tested them quite well for lengthy stays in the big dance.

“The goal for the team on the field is to always make the SCC Tournament and the state tournament and to make a deep run in both of them,” said Romanelli. “I believe that this team has the makeup to go far as long as they continue to work everyday.”

The Nighthawks have a trio of arms who are also serving as senior captains on the squad this year. James Tobin, also committing to play at Salve Regina University for 2025, inspires through his actions. While also spending some time in the infield, Justin Gouin shows his stuff on the mound along the way to the University of Hartford next season. Another staff member and steward is Jordan Higgins–keeping a steady temperament at all times.

“James is a fierce competitor that drives his teammates to succeed on the field and during practice,” said Romanelli. “Justin shows his leadership in the field by keeping everyone on the same page and going about his business right away. His lead-by-example mentality shows his younger teammates how to play the game the right way. Jordan also leads by example, and his even-keeled demeanor calms down the team in the tightest spots. He also gives it his all and is always going about his business during games and practices the right way.”

Max Cargan is also a key contributor from the senior class while patrolling the outfield. Elsewhere, the junior class has additional standouts in Nick Romano at shortstop, John Slais (doubling as a pitcher and third baseman), and pitcher Andrew Manzo.

North Haven will start to wind down the regular season with their Senior Night at the confines of Montowese Park vs. Branford on Wednesday, May 15 with a 7 p.m. first pitch.

Still, even with a postseason bid already intact, Romanelli and the boys are concerned about grander goals. They are about projecting progression as a group while conducting themselves as warriors and class champions on and off the diamond.

“Off the field, the goal is to continue to build on the culture established in my first year,” said Romanelli. “And that goal is to grow together as a team off the field and on the field to continue to fight in every game, no matter the inning or the score.”

The 2024 North Haven roster is comprised of seniors in Aaron Barbour, Cargan, JP O’Neill, Higgins, Dominic DeSimone, Marco Giaimo, Tobin, Ryan Bauman, Gouin, Avery Karasinski; juniors of Joey Mastroianni, Parker Mazzaro, Christian Gordian-Moro, Manzo, Slais, Nathaniel Acevedo, Romano, Brandon Stevens; sophomore Luca Faulkner; plus freshman Shane Berney and Alex Almeida.

Romanelli is back for his second slate as North Haven’s skipper. His coaching staff is comprised of Chris Demorais (also in his second season), along with newcomers Brian Gouin and Tom Walraven.

2024 North Haven Baseball Team Regular Season Schedule and Results

March 30: North Haven 6, Darien 5

April 1: North Haven 3, Sheehan 2

April 5: East Haven 2, North Haven 1

April 6: North Haven 6, Lyman Hall 4

April 8: Hand 4, North Haven 3

April 10: Hamden 8, North Haven 4

April 13: North Haven 8, Fairfield Prep 5

April 15: North Haven 6, Hillhouse-Career 0

April 17: North Haven 11, Law 1

April 22: North Haven 1, Branford 0

April 24: North Haven 5, Sheehan 4

April 26: North Haven 5, Lyman Hall 1

April 29: Hamden 2, North Haven 1

May 1: Hand 5, North Haven 1

May 6: Fairfield Prep 12, North Haven 3

May 8: North Haven 3, Hillhouse-Career 0

May 10: West Haven 4, North Haven 3

Monday, May 13: at Law at 3:45 p.m.

Wednesday, May 15: vs. Branford at Montowese Park at 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 16: vs. North Branford at Montowese Park at 7 p.m.