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03/26/2024 11:12 AMLucas Ametrano has had baseball in his life for as long as he can remember. With talent that shines through no matter where he plays, he has been a key asset to the Guilford baseball team in his short tenure.
The junior center fielder began playing baseball at 6 years old, and he has family influence to thank for that.
“I started with tee ball and built my way up, every spring, summer, and fall to playing at the high school level,” Lucas says. “Baseball has run in my family. My dad and grandfather always worked with me, and my great-grandfather played professionally. He was drafted by the Boston Red Sox. I also have an older brother who plays baseball at Quinnipiac, so I was following in his footsteps, too.”
In addition to the diamond, Lucas played AAU basketball up until high school and enjoys playing recreational basketball with his friends to this day.
Guilford baseball Head Coach Nick Merullo has been coaching Lucas since he transferred last season from Hamden Hall, and he saw him make a quick impact on his club upon his arrival.
“Lucas transferred to Guilford High School for his sophomore year after spending his freshman year at Hamden Hall,” says Merullo. “He entered his sophomore year with some good experience as a starter at Hamden Hall, and immediately stepped in as our starting center fielder last season and hit at the top of the lineup.”
As Lucas was making the transition to a new school and a new baseball program, he had some help along the way. His brother, Sam, played with him in his debut season, and he came across many other familiar faces.
“It was a great experience for me because I was able to play with all of my best friends from growing up,” says Lucas. “Also I was able to play with my brother, who immediately accepted me as a member of the team and helped me learn the Guilford baseball way.”
Last season, the Grizzlies won the Southern Connecticut Conference (SCC) Championship title and made their way to the Class L State Championship game. They fell short to the No. 5 seed, Brookfield. Lucas was named to the All-SCC First Team.
Merullo is excited to see Lucas continue to grow on the field this upcoming season and showcase his skills as one of the best players the conference has seen.
“Last year, he came in with high expectations and was eager to prove himself to his new coaches and teammates, which he did very quickly,” Merullo says. “I'm looking forward to seeing him play with confidence and enthusiasm this season as a player who has proven himself to be one of the top returning players not just on our team, but in our league as well.”
Lucas also looks to build off his success from last season, as he enters into a crucial junior year.
“This season, I want to get 20 extra-base hits and 20 stolen bases. This will push me to exceed my numbers from last year and see steady growth,” says Lucas. “I want to win the state championship this season, because now that this team has the experience of the playoffs from the prior year, we will be able to handle the pressure better than other teams, and that was what got to us last year.”
To prepare for the season, Lucas and the Grizzlies recently held their second annual ice cream fundraiser on March 21 to raise money for a variety of equipment items to support the development of the team. Lucas was the anchor of this successful day for Guilford baseball.
“My brother and I started it last year. I used to help make and deliver the ice cream, but now I work in the front of Ashley’s serving ice cream,” says Lucas. “I thought it was a good idea to keep the tradition rolling, because I know how much it brings the players together, and we get to raise money to benefit our program.”
As much as Lucas has the on-field skills and talent to help elevate his team this spring, Merullo also looks forward to seeing him set the tone off the diamond as a good role model and leader.
“Lucas can lead the team by continuing to set a strong example with his work ethic and desire to be the best player he can be,” Merullo says. “He works hard at practices and in the weight room to constantly improve. We will look to see him continue to lead by example, while becoming more vocal to address the team, when necessary, as an upperclassman. He can be a top contributor by continuing to play great defense in center field, where he tracks balls down in the outfield and takes away possible extra base hits from opponents. Offensively, he is a dangerous power and speed combination, with the ability to hit with power to all fields, and has game changing speed on the basepaths.”
Lucas hopes to build a family-like atmosphere with his team this campaign, with everyone working together and staying focused and competitive.
“It all starts at practice; I need to help lead the team to have super competitive practices that force us to push each other and help improve everyone,” says Lucas. “This will also bring the team closer together, as when you compete, you build chemistry.”
Lucas is looking to play Division I baseball after he graduates from Guilford, however, he has not made a decision as to where he will continue playing.