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The excitement around Middlesex’s recent Group 1 state baseball championship has head coach Blaze Iannetti proudly sporting his school’s colors in the form of T-shirts and pullovers. “Believe it or not, I’m running low on shirts,” he said with a chuckle, highlighting his enthusiasm for showcasing the school spirit that has flourished after their victory last week.
This season has been one for the record books, as Iannetti aims to savor the moment. The Blue Jays wrapped up their championship campaign with a remarkable 23-5 record, delivering thrilling performances that fans will remember for years to come. Iannetti, who is in his first year as head coach, has been named the Home News Tribune’s 2025 Greater Middlesex Conference Coach of the Year, a recognition that underscores the unexpected success following last season’s 10-17 outcome.
Despite graduating only one senior, the Blue Jays benefitted from a year of development among their younger players who stepped up significantly. “We pride ourselves on being a tough team that isn’t afraid to compete,” Iannetti stated. “We’re ready to play through any conditions, whether it’s rain or snow, and we welcome the challenge of facing stronger teams.” His squad faced a grueling schedule, yet they consistently rose to the occasion, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
Indeed, the Blue Jays made an impressive statement by defeating a formidable non-public school, Delbarton, with a score of 5-3. This victory infused the team with confidence as they entered the Jim Muldowney GMC Tournament, where they advanced to the semifinals as the No. 10 seed. Their journey saw them triumph over the No. 2-seeded South Plainfield, who had previously secured the North 2 Group 3 title.
The Blue Jays’ momentum continued as they outscored their opponents 35-2 leading to the Central Group 1 championship. Their semifinal match against Schalick was a nail-biter, concluding in a 4-3 victory during extra innings, thanks to a clutch hit from pinch hitter Dalton Michael.
On Saturday, June 14, Middlesex faced Midland Park in the finals; however, the game was halted after just half an inning due to heavy rain. Undeterred, the players took to their home field the following day for practice in the rain, demonstrating their commitment to the game. When the match resumed that Monday, the Blue Jays clinched a 3-2 win, with key contributions from players Luke Jones and Marcus Lavornia. Additionally, Dominic Long and Chris Kozak emerged as standout pitchers throughout their postseason journey, showcasing their skills on the mound.
The roster boasted eight players with double-digit RBIs, highlighting the depth of talent on the team, which included only two seniors, Dom Parenti and Owen Reynolds, both of whom had impressive batting averages.
Iannetti’s connection to the game runs deep; he grew up in Middlesex, a borough with a population of about 15,000, where he participated in Little League and Pop Warner football. His early experiences playing against his sister, Brianne, who excelled in softball at Stony Brook and East Stroudsburg, laid the foundation for his baseball journey. He eventually focused on baseball in high school, culminating in a state title win for Middlesex in 2007.
Over the years, Iannetti has drawn on the wisdom of his former coach, Mike O’Donnell, now the athletic director at Middlesex, and continues to seek guidance from him. After completing his education at Mitchell College in Connecticut, he was invited back to coach by then-head coach Justin Nastasi, beginning his coaching career as the junior varsity coach from 2016 to 2022 before moving up to the varsity level.
Iannetti acknowledged his coaching staff, composed of Middlesex alumni Tyler Heisch and Tyrus Chippendale, for their contributions to the team’s success. “He makes practice enjoyable and fosters a strong bond among players,” remarked senior Dom Parenti, emphasizing Iannetti’s dedication and passion for coaching.
Middlesex has a rich tradition of multi-sport athletes and receives significant backing from various local businesses. For instance, Ellery’s Grill showcased the Blue Jays’ celebration after their state final victory on their advertising screen. The team’s return home was met with a warm welcome, including fire trucks and police cars celebrating their achievement.
Reflecting on the season, Iannetti humorously noted the need to do laundry, having proudly worn Middlesex apparel daily to show his support. “I’ve been decked out in Middlesex gear for a week, trying to represent and share the excitement,” he said with a grin. “The community’s love for baseball is palpable, and it’s heartwarming to receive congratulations and support from everyone around town.”
