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To view the full list of 2023 Team Previews that we have already completed, please click here.

2023 Spring Team Preview: St. John's Prep

DANVERS, Ma. - Dan Letarte has been around the coaching ranks for nearly 30 years and understands the importance of what it takes for success.

“The keys for us will be how well we pitch,” noted Letarte, who has coached for 29 years at St. John’s Prep, including 10 as the head coach. 

A year ago the Eagles finished 13-8, losing in the first round of the playoffs. Three juniors are expected to lead the way this season as Letarte seeks to improve on his overall coaching record of 144-50.

Aidan Driscoll returns to catch, Cam LaGrassa is back to play shortstop and Joe Williams brings experience on the mound for St. John’s Prep. A left-handed hitter who hit .350 with 17 RBIs and an on-base-percentage of .481 a year ago, Driscoll is a Maryland commit rated sixth among 2024 catchers in New England. LaGrassa, a Brown recruit, batted .321 with 15 runs scored last season while Williams, the 13th-ranked junior RHP in New England, was 3-1 with a 2.31 ERA in 2022, striking out 37 in 36.1 innings.

Additionally, a pair of seniors are back to help bring optimism to the 2023 campaign. Drew McGowan is a right-handed pitcher also expected to see time at first base while Marco Zirpolo, the 18th-ranked senior shortstop in New England and a Colby College commit, is penciled in to play at third base or second base.

“I like the solid early chemistry and work ethic,” pointed out Letarte. “We should be strong in all areas.”

A trio of sophomore pitchers, left-hander Braeden Hurley and right-handers Henry Hebert and Will Shaheen (who could also play infield), are being counted on to make major contributions this year according to the St. John’s Prep mentor, who has three key losses from last season in outfielder Shane Williams (Salve Regina), second baseman Paytno Palladino (Flagler College) and RHP Cam Wodarski (St. Joseph’s College).

It leaves for some big challenges ahead as Letarte looks forward to the season.

“Year in and year out the Catholic Conference is extremely competitive,” Letarte noted. “Our overall schedule is very strong and challenging.”

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