A Dream Come True: Former Broadneck Pitcher Now Hurls For Hartford University

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Former Broadneck Bruins pitcher Nick Gatton had an outstanding senior season in 2019, accumulating a 5-0 record with a 1.30 earned run average (ERA) with four shutouts. Gatton was named Anne Arundel County Baseball Player of the Year in 2019 while recording over 27 scoreless innings.

After that sensational senior season, Gatton received a scholarship to Stevenson University but opted to attend Chesapeake Community College in Wye Mills.

The pandemic interfered with his true freshman year, but Gatton had a noteworthy redshirt year by posting a 4-1 record in nine starts with three complete games in 2021.

With many scouts visiting the Wye Mills campus last year, Gatton received the attention of Hartford’s University regional recruiter, Trey Stover. The Hawks offered Gatton a scholarship from the Connecticut school, which plays in the America East conference.

“It’s a dream come true to play Division I baseball,” Gatton said. “I was speechless when they offered a scholarship and enabled me to play at the highest level of collegiate baseball.”

Hartford has changed Gatton’s pitching style to a three-quarters delivery that takes advantage of his 6-foot-5-inch frame. The new style also gives Gatton more deception and movement of his pitches.

“Nick is a tireless worker,” said Hartford’s coach, Steve Malinoski. “He’s been a great addition to the pitching staff, is a super-competitive kid and fields his position very well.”

Gatton is currently being used as a relief pitcher, and with his new delivery, he has pitched against high-level college competition.

Hartford has created a formative schedule this spring to include powerhouses like Clemson, University of Connecticut, and Bryant. The Hawks also play a rigorous schedule in the America East conference, which includes University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Gatton appreciates all the support of his Anne Arundel County supporters, which include teammates from Broadneck and his other youth teams throughout the county. His dad, Chuck, travels to as many games as possible and was his coach for many of his teams growing up.

“It means a lot to see my dad at the games, and I appreciate all of the sacrifices my family has made for my baseball career,” Gatton said.

Gatton has two years of eligibility left and he hopes to garner attention from professional scouts. He is also a criminal justice major with a 3.43 grade point average and has made the dean’s list.

Hartford has had many noteworthy baseball players come through its program including Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell and first-round pick Sean Newcomb. Gatton will continue to chase his dreams and hopefully gain attention from professional scouts.

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