Mitchell College was chosen by the conference coaches as the favorite for the upcoming NECC baseball season. The Lynx, who finished fifth in the NECC in 2013, were picked to finish seventh by the coaches. The Mariners finished with 46 points and six first place votes and return a plethora of talent from a squad that advanced to the NECC Championship title game a year ago. The entire starting pitching staff is back, including nine-game winner Tyler Shamas, the 2013 NECC Pitcher of the Year. The Mariners also return seven starters from a lineup that batted .334 in conference play last season.

Lesley, under first year skipper Billy Cather, returns eight starters including 2013 NECC All-Conference honorees Ryan Genua (Prospect, Conn.), Tyler Plourd (Canton, Conn.), Rob Parson (Commack, N.Y.), and John Gosnell (Toronto). The Lynx fell out of playoff contention in the final weekend of conference play last season, dropping a series to Becker College, who was picked to finish third in 2014.

Two-time defending champion Daniel Webster was picked to finish second with 38 points. After losing 12 seniors to graduation, the Eagles will rebuild around a smaller nucleus and look to remain as a challenger for the NECC title led by NECC Player of the Year Kyle Brigham.

Becker, who earned 35 points and one first place vote, will return five positional starters from the 2013 team including NECC First Team outfielder Tom Natoli who led the Hawks with a .410 batting average and a .581 slugging percentage. 

To view the official release, please click here.

2014 NECC Baseball Preseason Poll

1. Mitchell - 46 (6)
2. Daniel Webster - 38
3. Becker - 35 (1)
4. Elms - 26
5. Southern Vermont - 18
6. Newbury - 17
7. Lesley - 16