'Bumpy Road' Ends At Merrimack For Scanlon

WEST HAVEN, Ct. - Even a coaching change has not deterred Christian Scanlon from joining the baseball program at Merrimack.

“I made a commitment on July 19 and on July 25th or 26th I found out he was relieved of his duties,” Scanlon said of the former head coach at the Northeast Conference school, Nick Barese, who was also joined on the outside by recruiting coordinator Cody Kauffman. “They went two months without a coach and then hired coach (Brian) Murphy. He seems like a great guy.”

So, the 22nd-rated 2022 outfielder in New England decided the fit was too good to move on.

“When I heard the recruiting coordinator was leaving I found out my deal with them was still good,” the Hamden Hill High School senior related. “They said if you want to open up your recruitment you can. Although it’s been a bumpy road, I saw no reason to change.”

After all, Scanlon did his diligent research on the program while being recruited.

“I love the academics, I love the location and I love the baseball there,” Scanlon explained about Merrimack, located 21/2 hours from his home in West Haven. “I flew there in the middle of a tournament I was in in Georgia and spoke with the former head coach and he showed me around and I really liked it. That’s when I got my initial offer and two weeks later I decided to take the offer.”

Two areas stood out according to the 18-year-old.

“When I first heard of Merrimack I researched it and found they had the major I was interested in, rehabilitation science, and that they also have a Master’s program in physical therapy,” Scanlon noted. “With baseball, they finished fifth in the conference playing with a Division II roster, so there are tons and tons of upside with the program.”

Once the new head coach was in place, Scanlon made the communication necessary.

“I sent coach Murphy a video and he had also seen me on PBR,” Scanlon related. “He agreed with the former staff to bring me on board. I hope to meet him soon.”

Scanlon, who points to Clubhouse travel team coaches Matt Burns, Mike Porzio and TK Kiernan as being influential in his development and recruitment, believes he can be a big asset to the college program in North Andover, Ma.

“First and foremost, and what I’ve worked on the most the past eight or nine months, is my bat,” Scanlon said of what he feels he can bring to the next level. “Along with being a good outfielder, that’s my proudest tool. There’s also my competitive factor. That’s the most important part to a winning program … that want-to-win. Those are the biggest things I’ll bring.”

Army, UMBC, Sacred Heart, Monmouth, UNC-Wilmington, Holy Cross and Columbia are additional colleges that were on the radar for Scanlon, whose final two choices were Fairfield and Merrimack.

“I got in super late with my process,” Scanlon pointed out. “In terms of Division I recruiting, it’s usually right before junior year.”

But it all worked out for the 6-1 200-pounder rated the number 10 senior outfielder in Connecticut.

“What a huge lift off my shoulders,” Scanlon said about making a commitment official. “It was a super confusing and complicated process. A lot was going on and that takes a toll on the mental health. To have it over is a huge relief. Now I’m able to work even harder now that I know what I’m working toward.”

As for college, the 52nd-rated 2022 in Connecticut looks ahead with anticipation.

“The biggest thing I’m looking forward to is meeting the guys that I’ve been recruited with and the coaching staff,” Scanlon said. “I can’t wait to compete with the boys.”