'Honored to be an All-Star': Seven Bravehearts selected to Futures League All-Star Game

WORCESTER — The Worcester Bravehearts returned home to Fitton Field Thursday morning after a brief All-Star break.

Seven players were selected to the Futures All-Star Game, which took place Tuesday at Dodd Stadium in Norwich, Connecticut.

Pitchers Nik Pavia and Brady Stuart, infielders Shea Grady and Dylan LaPointe, and outfielders Matt Milone, Owen Pincince and Cody Smith were all picked to the All-Star squad.

It was an experience the Worcester players won’t soon forget.

“It's something you're not really used to,” said Stuart, who lives in Hudson. “I had a good time; it was something new. I've never been to an All-Star Game like that, so it was new. It was fun, though.”

“It was really cool to be named an All-Star and to be able to represent myself, my school and even the Bravehearts,” said Smith, who is from Holden. “I know me and the six other All-Stars were really proud and honored to be named All-Stars. Just the whole experience in general was really cool. From the autographs to the (batting practice) to talking to other teammates and all the other kids on the other team.

“So the whole experience was cool, and we got the win, so that was the cherry on top.”

Team Rose City topped Team Three Rivers, 9-1.

Let’s meet the All-Stars from the Worcester Bravehearts:

Nik Pavia (Franklin Pierce, Sophomore)

In seven games (6 starts) with the Bravehearts, the right-handed Pavia has put up a 2.27 ERA across 35⅔ innings to go with 33 strikeouts, 16 walks and a 2-2 record.

“It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve gotten closer with a few guys I played against in high school. It’s been one of my more enjoyable summer ball teams,” said Pavia, who attended Nashoba Regional and is from Bolton. “It’s pretty cool to be named an All-Star with them because I’ve been playing against St. Paul for a couple years and will always remember the Hudson (vs.) Nashoba rivalry with Brady (Stuart).”

Brady Stuart (Endicott, Junior)

Across eight games (7 starts) for the Bravehearts, Stuart possesses a stingy 0.47 ERA while striking out 50 in 38 innings. Stuart leads the Futures League in strikeouts. The right-hander received the start in the All-Star Game and pitched a scoreless inning.

“Brady and Pavia have been our top two arms this summer,” Bravehearts manager Alex Dion said. “I always want to find the best local talent I can, and those two guys are prime examples. (They) compete, they throw strikes and their stuff is excellent. Both of them have done a lot for us this summer, and I appreciate the way that they go about it.”

Shea Grady (Bryant, Sophomore)

This right-handed infielder has logged 101 at-bats in 27 games with Worcester, and possesses a .317 batting average with 24 runs, 10 RBIs and a homer.

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Dylan LaPointe (Florida Atlantic, Sophomore)

A catcher, LaPointe has not only guided the Worcester pitching staff — but the Florida native has also put up a .287 average from the batter’s box in 126 at-bats and 34 games for the Bravehearts.

Matt Milone (UMass, Senior)

This 6-foot-3 right-handed hitting outfielder has provided pop to the Bravehearts lineup this summer thanks to a .287 batting average, 28 RBIs and three homers.

Owen Pincince (Siena, Junior)

This North Haven, Connecticut, native has not only roamed the outfield successfully, but also done damage in the batter’s box. Pincince has a .351 batting average across 148 at-bats to go with 32 runs, 22 RBIs and a homer.

Cody Smith (Assumption, Senior)

This St. Paul grad and Assumption senior is a veteran presence for the Bravehearts, and has proven to also be a leader with his play. Smith owns a .322 batting average and has scored 15 runs, driven in 13 and hit a home run.

“Cody was signed on a (temporary) contract at the beginning of the summer but quickly earned the right to stay for the whole season,” Dion said. “He is a dynamic player. Can run it down in center field, has some power offensively, is a good base runner and is a phenomenal teammate.”

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For Smith and his teammates, being selected to the Futures League All-Star Game was a phenomenal privilege.

“The whole experience was really cool,” Smith said. “Just honored to be an All-Star.”

His manager agrees.

“It’s great to have seven players represent our team at the All-Star Game,” Dion said. “It’s a competitive league where most of the teams are good and (All-Star Game) roster spots are limited, so to have that many is special.”

—Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 'Honored to be an All-Star': Seven Bravehearts selected to Futures League All-Star Game