WOODBURY — The bats were swinging once again at Nonnewaug High School in 2021, after last year’s baseball season was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Despite the loss of last year’s season, NHS baseball had a successful year in 2021. The boys team went 19-4 this season, coming in second for the Berkshire League and reaching the Class S state tournament quarterfinals.

“I was disappointed last year not having a season, so this season I was happy and relieved that we were able to play again,” said Ben Conti, junior at Nonnewaug High School and starting pitcher for the Chiefs. 

The toughest team the Chiefs faced this season was the Northwestern Highlanders, who went 19-1 for their season. The Highlanders also won the Berkshire League Championship. 

“It honestly kinda stings that we were not able to get our goal of winning the Berkshire League championship, especially with how close we were this year,” said Owen Brown, senior at NHS. 

“But I know that at some point, whether it be next year or somewhere down the road, Chiefs baseball will be back on top,” concluded Brown. 

The Chiefs will be losing seven seniors this year, and being a part of the Chiefs has had a huge impact on each of them. 

“I’m going to miss the friends I have made and the relationships I have built with everyone. It’s more than just a team, they are my family,” said Travis Bambino, senior at NHS. 

In addition, Brown feels strongly for the team who has helped shape him into the person he is today.

“It honestly feels so surreal being a senior on the team. I still have so many memories throughout my freshman and sophomore seasons, along with my past teammates as well,” said Brown. “Overall, while I had my personal and team goals that I wanted to accomplish this season, the biggest one for me was establishing myself as a leader on and off the field,” concluded Brown. 

The seniors aren’t the only ones affected by graduation. Underclassmen on the team are also feeling the loss of the class of 2021.

“The seniors this year will definitely be missed, but I think we will still have a good chance of winning the BL’s next year,” stated Conti.