Meet Andrew Baranauskas

Name, Age: Andrew Baranauskas

Class Year: 2011

Sport, Position: Baseball, Pitcher

Why’s Andrew Baranauskas the Patch Player of the Week?

senior and athlete, , threw his first no-hitter of his career last Tuesday against Mid-Wach A opponent Fitchburg. Baranauskas struck out nine batters and scattered just three walks on his way to tossing a gem, and improved the Scarlet Hawks’ record to 9-1 overall and 3-0 in league play.

“It was really exciting,” Baranauskas said. “I tried not thinking about it the entire game. I tried not to throw my rhythm off. I felt like I was hitting all my spots and my teammates were making great plays behind me. I was trying not to do too much, but just do enough to win again for my team and it just happened. I was on and I just didn’t give up any hits.”

Baranauskas has pitched well all season for the Scarlet Hawks, compiling a record of 2-0 in three starts, while also registering a no-decision. Baranauskas used to play outfield his freshman and sophomore years at the junior varsity level, but since coming to the varsity program as a junior, he has focused primarily on pitching. Needless to say, things have been working out for the right-hander so far.

Baranauskas plays basketball for Coach Manguso during the winter months, getting time at the small forward position and guard spot. He also keeps himself pretty busy off the field, as well. He is the president of the Student Leadership Council, a member of Best Buddies, a class representative, a member of the National Honor Society and has helped out with programs such as the Special Olympics. Those are just a few of his many extra-curricular activities.

What college or professional athlete inspires you and why?

Throughout my entire life my grandfather has been the person who gave me all my motivation. He would take me to all of my Little League practices and stuff and he would teach me techniques for pitching. But my coaches throughout high school have also been huge inspirations to me: Coach Manguso, Coach Grillo and Coach Divitto. I did some pitching lessons with Coach Grillo before—he pitched at Brown University—so there have been a variety of pitching coaches that have given me new techniques and I’ve tried to find things that work for me.

What is your most memorable experience as an athlete so far?

The no-hitter is definitely up there, but last year, the varsity baseball team won the league, so that was something big for me. Then I played on the baseball team last year. So I’d have to say the first game of the year [for Milford Legion] was memorable. I didn’t expect to play that much because it was my first year, and they threw me in the very first game and I got myself into trouble, but found a way to get out of it. And that gave me a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.

What are your plans for the future athletically and academically?

I’ll be going to Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. I’m going to do a six-year accelerated doctorate program in physical therapy and I believe I’m going to do club baseball down there.