Waltham High School baseball team concludes season with collection of Dual County League honors

The Waltham High School baseball season ended in premature fashion this spring: The Hawks received a brutal draw in the first round of the MIAA Division 1 state tournament, resulting in a 9-3 road defeat at the hands of Boston College High School on June 2.

However, that does not detract from the success WHS enjoyed throughout the year. The Hawks rolled through the Dual County League slate and amassed an impressive 14-6 record en route to a Foley Division title.

“I am absolutely proud of the way we played,” head coach Larry Scafidi said. “We competed against good teams the whole year. I sit there and look at the final four and both Natick and Chelmsford are in that group. We beat them both, including beating Natick by 13 runs. Overall, I have no complaints winning north of 12 games. It was just a great group of kids, and the leadership was outstanding.”

The rest of the coaches in the DCL took notice of the team’s pedigree. Not only did Scafidi earn conference Coach of the Year honors, but also the players on the squad cleaned house in terms of recognition. Senior left-hander Conor Gavin netted the DCL Co-MVP award while juniors Tim O’Toole and Hunter Fucci were named to the all-conference team.

Furthermore, first baseman Brian Fleming, catcher Emmett Moynihan and second baseman Connor Chiasson netted DCL All-Star nods.

Going into the season, Scafidi knew he had a tight-knit bunch. Just by watching this team play, it was easy to measure the remarkable level of chemistry.

“A great group of kids,” Scafidi said. “I might have raised my voice twice the whole year. They are hysterical and just love busting each other’s chops. I don’t even have to do it. Even after a strikeout, the player will come back and somebody will get on their back instantly. I just sit there with a smile on my face. The camaraderie was huge with this team, and I hope that continues next year.”

Looking ahead to 2026, the Hawks are prepping for multiple contributors to take steps forward. A major part of this development will be hitting the weight room.

“We have to be ready to take that next step,” Scafidi said. “You want them playing as many sports as possible. It’s not just about playing the game of baseball in the summertime; it’s about getting in the weight room and becoming bigger, stronger. A lot of kids feel they can get by on ability until they start facing these really good teams who train year-round for all of their sports. That is the culture that I am trying to get these kids to understand.”

The aforementioned Fucci is one player the Hawks will rely on next year.

“He has so much raw talent and wants to pitch at the next level,” said Scafidi. He just needs to understand the weight room work that you need to get there. We are going to have that conversation, and he is going to be our ace. I expect him to have a great season. He is a black hole in center field, anything that gets hit out there gets caught.”