Interest In Gabardi Has Jumped Following Future Games

WILMINGTON, Ma. - Attending the Future Games did more than just give needed exposure to Dom Gabardi.

“I’ve switched my attitude and my work ethic,” the Austin Prep junior explained. “I used to rely on natural talent, but after seeing all the good kids at the Future Games I’ve really been working harder. I’m working out as much as I can and I’m seeing results. I’m throwing the ball harder and hitting the ball harder. I think my bat can continue to really improve.”

College interest has escalated since the Future Games for the eighth-rated 2023 outfielder in New England.

“The Future Games really put me on the map,” noted Gabardi, listing Columbia, Maine and UMass-Lowell among the schools showing interest. “I went to camps at Duke, UConn, Villanova and Northeastern and I think all of them saw me at the Future Games.”

Plans are to attend more camps at Rhode Island, Davidson, Bryant and Harvard.

“My advisor said to do as many local camps as possible,” Gabardi related.

A strong arm defender and a potent hitter are what colleges are seeing in the 6-2 195-pounder, who is working hard on improving his “weakness” - speed - with the goal to run a sub-7.0 time in the 60.

“Dom is big and athletic,” noted Dennis Healy, PBR Massachusetts Director of Scouting. “He should make jumps in his game with overall strength gains.”

The thought of baseball being part of his future began only a few years back.

“Around the age of 13 or 14 I started going to big tournaments and seeing really good players,” the 17-year-old reflected. “Seeing that I fit in with them opened my eyes. I’ve loved baseball since I was five, and once I got to 14 I started thinking I really had a chance to play college baseball so I pushed harder to do it.”

It has meant getting out there for exposure in addition to working on his game.

“It’s definitely been really stressful,” the 47th-rated New England junior admitted. “Everything started after the summer with phone calls and interest. That’s really given me a boost in confidence. Before the Future Games I don’t know if there were any colleges that knew who I was, so that definitely put me on the map and helped me out a ton. It kick-started my recruiting process, so I’m definitely going to go to more events.”

The 19th-rated uncommitted 2023 in New England has not given up on the idea of being a two-way recruit.

“I’ve been working hard at both,” Gabardi said of outfield and pitching. “I hit 86 with my velo in my first bullpen this year. I really want to be two-way for as long as I can, at least until someone says no.”

With a 3.7 unweighted GPA taking all honors and AP classes, Gabardi is leading toward a major in the medical field to go along with his desire to play college baseball.

“Right now recruitment has slowed down,” Gabardi said. “I’ve been emailing schools trying to get my name out there and hoping to get them to come see me when it gets warmer.

“I’ve really been working out the past six or seven months at Boyles Gym, which is kind of a baseball-focus place. The trainer does a lot of good stuff. I’m working on gaining power through my legs and doing a lot of speed training. I just keep working as hard as I can.”

Through all the hard labor being put in, Gabardi believes he can make an impact at the next level.

“I’m extremely confident with defensive and hitting skills and a built-in work ethic,” Gabardi noted. “I’ll take on a leadership role and have my teammates' backs bringing energy all the time. I can get it done on and off the field.”

There is no timeframe as far as making a college decision.

“I’m in no rush to make a commitment,” Gabardi concluded. “I’d love to find a home by the fall of this year. This summer is going to be huge for me when it comes to exposure. I want to find something that fits me athletically and academically and gives me the best opportunities to play at the highest level possible while also helping me develop.

“I want to play baseball at the highest level I can and get a really good degree,” Gabardi added. “That’s the ultimate goal.”