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09/01/2016 12:00 AMNick Mancini is a rising three-sport athlete at North Branford High School who also made a huge impact for the Branford Junior Legion baseball team as a center fielder and leadoff hitter this summer. Nick prefers playing behind the plate, but Post 83 Coach Mike Krause felt that Nick’s speed would serve him well in the outfield, and Nick had no problem playing out there.
“I like that I can help the team wherever I need to go. I was never picky about where I play, but I liked to help the team in whatever way I can,” says Nick, who’s also a member of the Thunderbirds’ baseball program. “My primary position is catcher and secondary would be outfield. We had a strong catcher and thought I could play a role leading our outfield.”
Batting leadoff for Branford was another new endeavor for Nick and another role in which he thrived. Nick recorded a batting average of .398 to go with an on-base percentage of .529, plus eight doubles, three triples, 20 walks, 35 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases.
“Yeah, that was new for me. For the first at-bat of the game, I’d go up with mentality of working the count and getting on base,” says Nick. “I like to attack an inside pitch. I’m a pull hitter and I’d go up with the mentality of swinging at whatever I like. I try to work the count and get on base.”
Coach Krause credits Nick for his versatility and appreciates how he was always willing to do whatever benefited Branford.
“Nick was a versatile defensive player, as well. He could play outfield, infield, and catch. He shined as our starting center fielder. Nick had the knack to see the ball quickly off the bat, get a great jump on the ball, and, with his speed, track down fly balls that many outfielders would not have been able to,” Krause says. “I know he was disappointed he did not get much time catching, but he was too valuable to the team having him in center. He never complained, just did his work, and did what was best for the team.”
Krause adds that he was pleased with how Nick adapted to his new roles and feels that Nick can become a star player if he keeps working hard.
“In the beginning of the season, I was questioned why I had Nick as my leadoff hitter and I stated to this individual that I have the confidence in Nick that he would do his job, get on base, and score runs. Nick lived up to all of my expectations and his stats proved it,” says Krause. “Nick has been a great kid to coach and is one of those players that’s easy to coach because he comes every day to the field focused and ready to work to improve his game and help his team wherever needed. If he continues to work hard, get stronger, and wants it, he has the potential for a great baseball future.”
When he isn’t on the diamond, Nick competes for North Branford’s football and ice hockey squads. Nick skated alongside T-Birds’ top defenseman Matt Chamberlain last winter and finished the year with a goal and three assists. Nick’s lone goal came against Guilford in the SCC semifinals.
“It was really special. I’ll definitely remember it,” says Nick. “It made me feel good knowing I could help out the team and give us some insurance for the lead.”
Nick has already started his sophomore football season at North Branford. Last year, Nick lined up as an outside linebacker on the varsity squad and recorded 64 tackles with three sacks. Nick says that he’s looking to build on that in his second year playing for Head Coach Mark Basil.
“My freshman year, I played outside linebacker for varsity, so I’m expecting a lot of reps and to hopefully be included on offense in the slot receiver position,” says Nick. “I like defense better. I like to make contact and it’s just every single play you’re involved. I feel like you’re never left out on defense because you always have some responsibility.”