Tirado Happy To Represent His Home State At UConn

NEWINGTON, Ct. - Gabriel Tirado likes the idea of staying in his home state to go to college and play baseball.

“I look at it as an honor,” the Loomis Chaffee High School freshman said after making a commitment with the University of Connecticut. “I have the whole state on my back to represent at the collegiate level.”

Conversation with UConn began at the age of 12 for Tirado.

“I had my first call in 2018,” the top-ranked 2024 in New England reflected.

His ability at the plate stood out to colleges that took an interest such as Boston College, Penn State as well as Duke, and of course … Connecticut.

“The bat” is how Tirado responded when questioned what UConn likes most about his game.

“That’s mostly what the hype is,” the left-handed hitting Tirado noted. “My defensive side is good as well, but I’m an offensive catcher.”

The decision to attend Loomis Chaffee has proven beneficial in the eyes of Tirado.

“I’ve started working with a lot more catching coaches,” Tirado said about his improved game. “Going to Loomis has helped me with that and so has their strength coach.”

The idea of attending such a prestigious prep school did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff of the Big East Conference school which has made six NCAA Tournament appearances in the past decade.

“As soon as they found out I’m going to Loomis they got in contact with my coach and said they wanted me to be the first in the 2024 class,” Tirado related.

Shooter Hunt, PBR National Crosschecker, has been impressed with what he has seen out of Tirado.

“Durably built at 5-9, 195 pounds with compact strength throughout a frame that shows some signs of maturing slightly more in the future, Tirado carries a heavy barrel that he whips through the zone from the left side,” Hunt said. “There is some upside to his defensive ability, especially as he continues receiving high-end arms, but the bat should always keep him in the lineup, especially as a left-handed hitter.”

Tirado has visions of becoming a standout behind the plate in addition to at the plate.

“I’m working on becoming as good of a catcher as I am a hitter,” Tirado pointed out. “I can do the stuff I need to do when I’m receiving, but right now my bat is better. My whole life the bat has been my forte, but I want to become a better catcher and also try out other positions.”

In making a commitment at a young age, a future position in college can sometimes be an uncertainty.

“They said they don’t know where I’ll be in four years, all I know is I’m ready to contribute to the team in any way I can,” the 12th-ranked freshman catcher in the nation said.

The idea of playing at the next level began just a few years back.

“It’s been a dream since I was age nine or 10,” Tirado reflected. “It was during those years when I became more serious with trainers and putting in work.”

Marcus Hill, Alex Santos Sr. and Melvin Perez have been instrumental in helping as coaches in developing Tirado into a player that has confidence in what he can bring to the UConn program.

“I’m a team player and always there to help anyone,’ Tirado said. “I stay after to get extra reps and do whatever is possible. I’m looking to lead UConn and help in any way that I can.”

A 3.5 student uncertain about a college major, Tirado is confident making a commitment at such a young age is the right thing to do.

“From my perspective, if you want to look at it from a business side of things, my stock is high for my age,” Tirado explained. “I don’t think there are many 14-year-olds in the country that are hitting the ball as hard or as far as I am. I think it’s a smart decision and the right thing to do.”

Choosing a college 45 minutes from home also brings excitement.

“As soon as I made the decision I got a bunch of congratulations,” Tirado noted. “Post days later, it’s exploded. To go to such a great institution as UConn, and it’s not just baseball but the education, I know I’ll be comfortable there.”