Bravehearts

Worcester, MA-  A record-breaking 12 all-stars were chosen from the Worcester Bravehearts to represent the team in the 2021 All-Star game in New Britain, CT. Out of the 12 chosen, six have ties to Central Massachusetts beyond playing for the Bravehearts. 

Headlining the All-Star selections on the mound for the Bravehearts are Shrewsbury-native Tyler Mudd (Holy Cross), Grafton-native Jack Choate (Assumption) and Holden-native LJ Keevan (UMass Lowell).

Mudd has been statistically the best pitcher out of the Bravehearts bullpen, allowing only one run in 18.2 innings pitched while striking out 28 batters. Choate has been the most dominant Bravehearts starter, allowing less than three runs in all but one of his seven starts, along with 51 strikeouts through 33.2 innings. Former Wachusett High School star Keevan is second only to Choate for the team lead in strikeouts, and has only allowed six runs in 22.2 innings of work. Rounding out the All-stars on the pitching staff is Ashland-native Alex Amalfi (Umass Boston), who was named to the All-FCBL team for the month of June. Amalfi, a returning Braveheart from 2020, started off the season strong allowing only three runs in his first four starts, including two consecutive scoreless wins in June. 

The Bravehearts will have eight position players represented at the game. Returning Braveheart first baseman Andrew Selima (Merrimack) who played his undergrad baseball at Holy Cross will be making his first All-Star appearance . Joining him will be fellow first baseman Gavin Noriega (Marist) who is hitting .300 on the season. 

Shortstop Dakota Harris (Polk State), the youngest brother of former Braveheart all-stars Dylan (2014-2015) and Dustin (2018) will follow in their footsteps and represent Worcester in the All-Star Game. Harris’ middle infield partner Randy Flores (Franklin Pierce) will join in the fun in New Britain, as he leads the team in triples and runs scored. The final infielder for the Bravehearts making the trip is Sebastian Salado, who leads the team in doubles.

Rounding out the All-Stars for Worcester are three members of the Bravehearts outfield. El Rico Riley (Jackson State), who leads the team in hits, RBI and home runs will patrol centerfield at New Britain stadium. Tayven Kelly (Penn State) will join Riley in the outfield.

Finally, Shrewsbury-native Nick Martin (Westfield State) will join the team after being selected as the East Team fan vote winner after receiving 40% of the fan votes. Martin beat out Nashua’s Nick Perkins (36%), Brockton’s Nick Mistone (16%), and Norwich’s Matt Malcom (8%).

“I’m proud of the 12  players named to the all star team this year”, said Bravehearts manager Alex Dion. “They’ve worked hard through these first 36 games and deserve this recognition. They will represent us well in New Britian and will continue to play a big role in our ultimate quest for another championship.”

Despite not being selected as an all-star, ‘Hearts outfielder Alex Neff (Dayton) will be the team’s representative in the FCBL Home Run Derby on Monday Night. 

First pitch for the All-Star Game on Tuesday Night will be at 6:30 pm. Bravehearts broadcaster and Worcester native Paul Lambert will be on the call on the FCBL Network.