Bradley McCafferty Named Gatorade Massachusetts Baseball Player of the Year

Bradley McCafferty, a junior at Austin Prep in Reading, is set to embark on a nationwide baseball tour, with aspirations of one day stepping onto the hallowed grounds of Fenway Park.

In Reading, a field known affectionately as "The Swamp" has produced a lineage of Division 1 college baseball players. "We refer to ourselves as the Swamp Boys, honoring those who played here before us when it was literally a swamp," explained Austin Prep Baseball Coach JP Pollard.

Among this group, McCafferty stands out as the sole recipient of the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year award for Massachusetts. "Every moment of every day, I wanted to play baseball since I was little. It’s taken me to where I am today. I love the game," he shared.

As a catcher, McCafferty dedicates most days to refining his skills. "Every play, you're back there commanding the game. That’s why I fell in love with it. There’s never a moment where you can’t be locked in. I’m a competitor," he stated.

His performance behind the plate has garnered praise from Austin Prep alum Evan Blanco, now a Major League Baseball draft prospect from the University of Virginia. "Bradley’s a stud. I remember him catching me in middle school before he came to Austin Prep. Even then, I knew he was something special," Blanco remarked.

McCafferty values insights from experienced players like Blanco. "It’s always valuable because those guys have another perspective—I haven’t been there yet," he noted.

This season, he has played a pivotal role in leading Austin Prep to a remarkable 20-2 record, boasting a .367 batting average and averaging one RBI per game. "He’s come a long way as a catcher; as a hitter, he’s night and day. He’s well-rounded with power potential and can hit to all fields. He’s a future pro," Pollard asserted.

Over the past two years, McCafferty has gained experience with the Red Sox and Yankees scout teams. "It’s surreal playing for those great organizations. I visit places like Fenway and envision myself on that field. What would it look like? I see it happening—that's the goal," he expressed.

This summer, he will travel across the country playing baseball and will serve as captain for Team Massachusetts in Omaha. "I wasn’t a good Little League player... When I coach young kids, I tell them, 'I never hit a home run in Little League, and look where I am now.' It doesn’t matter how you start; it’s about work ethic and goals. Your skill is never static; you have to keep working at it," McCafferty concluded.

Nick Giovanni is a sports reporter and anchor for WBZ-TV.