College Dream Becomes A Reality For Hebert

Mason Hebert RHP / SS / Hall , CT / 2024

WEST HARTFORD, Ct. - Mason Hebert admitted there was some uncertainty in his recruitment leading up to this summer.

“It was stressful to the point I was seeing guys going D-I and my stats were better,” the Hall High School senior reflected. “A lot of it was not having coaches speak up for you. When coach Mac from Gap2Gap did, it really helped. I didn’t realize the impact that would have for me.”

While it was coach Mac, Mike McGuire, the legion head coach who connected Hebert with Stonehill, it was another Gap2Gap legion coach that passed along his view of the 35th-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in New England.

“Dave Maljanian saw me at a PBR showcase,” Hebert related. “I dominated and two days later I got a call and Stonehill offered. I accepted on the call.”

Central Connecticut State and Merrimack also had an interest in the 5-11 150-pounder, but Stonehill stood out in the eyes of Hebert.

“I love the feel of the campus,” explained the 17-year-old, who was looking for a school in the northeast. “I didn’t want a massive school. Stonehill just had great vibes. Everyone there was nice.”

Stonehill head coach Pat Boen and pitching coach/recruiting coordinator Zack Sultar were enamored with the eighth-ranked senior RHP in Connecticut.

“They love my curveball,” Hebert noted. “At their showcase it was 3,000 RPMs. They like my composure on the mound and my ability to throw strikes and put the ball where I want it.”

It was a half dozen years ago when the 103rd-rated 2024 in New England began to believe college baseball was realistic for his future.

“I always thought about it when I was younger but around the age of 10-12, I dominated,” Hebert said. “That showed I was different.”

What changed was his position.

“At first when I was younger I thought shortstop was my position for college baseball,” Hebert explained. “Then I was thinking two-way. Only recently, this spring, did I start thinking just as a pitcher.

“I enjoy pitching more and I think I’m a little better at it,” Hebert added. “In the spring against Southington I had a shutout, only the second in 20 or 30 years for Hall against our rival.”

Hebert was quick to give credit in his improved game on the mound.

“I’ve been working with pitching coach Brian Pendergast in the offseason,” the 34th-ranked senior in Connecticut pointed out. “Now I have a lot less stress on my arm and I’m using my body better. I look like a pitcher instead of a thrower. I’m more fluid.”

It has Hebert confident about being a contributor for the Northeast Conference program.

“I’m going to be a guy who will give you quality innings and dominate right away,” Hebert said. “I’ll bring them a guy who wants to be there, brings intensity and works hard for it.”

Hebert, who carries a 3.2 GPA and is looking to major in business at the college located in East, Ma., a little less than three hours from home, is thrilled to be a Stonehill commit.

“It was an amazing feeling,” Hebert reflected. “To work so hard for it and for it to finally happen, it’s a dream come true.”

A sense of accomplishment comes with it.

“Less than two percent get to play D-I baseball, so you’re in a league of your own,” Hebert concluded.