The Peabody High baseball team wrapped up the 2024 season with its annual awards banquet. The banquet was held at the Polish Club and was catered by Champions Pub.
Head coach Mark Bettencourt hosted the evening, singing praises for all three teams in the program and also thanking his coaching staff for all it did to help make the season a success. He noted the varsity team had a “bounce-back” year, finishing with a record of 17-5. After failing to qualify for the Division 1 state tournament in 2023, the Tanners earned the No. 29 seed in the 2024 tournament. They defeated No. 36 Belmont at home in the preliminary round, only to be eliminated in the round of 32 by No. 4 Braintree, 9-2.
Bettencourt cited the close bond Tanners’ teammates had, regardless of their individual roles. He said that starters and reserves alike were always ready to do what they could to help the team.
The freshman and junior varsity teams were recognized for their success. The JV team, in particular, had a wildly successful spring, finishing with a perfect 16-0 record. Matt Nazzaro and Liam Smith received the freshman team’s Most Valuable Player awards. Max Siivia and Jordalis Sosa received the JV team’s MVP awards.
Bettencourt summarized some of the varsity team’s best and most memorable victories. After that, it was time for the presentation of awards.
Pitcher Cam Connolly received the team’s MVP award for a second consecutive year. Catcher Josh Sigmon received the Offensive Player of the Year award and shortstop Jariel Tolentino earned the Defensive Player of the Year award. Dylan Cunningham received the Pitcher of the Year award.
The Comeback Player of the Year award went to second baseman Mike Petro. Third baseman Reymi Andino received the Unsung Hero award and pitcher/right fielder Joey Smith received the Pedro Morales Rookie of the Year award. Liam Hurley and Remy Guerrero received Coaches awards.
Connolly and Sigmon received James Geanoulis/Gary Linehan scholarship awards.
The Tanners’ Northeastern Conference All-Stars were also recognized. Tolentino, Sigmon and Connolly, who was also named NEC Player of the Year, were named to the NEC All-Conference team. First baseman Noah Crocker, pitcher Cunningham and Petro were named to the NEC All-Star team.
The captains for the 2025 team were announced: Tolentino, Joey Smith and Crocker.
