Sports

Swamspcott's Pelletier goes from also-ran to Agganis all-star

By Jean DePlacido
correspondent
Published: July 9, 2009

John Pelletier only had seven at-bats in his junior year so it's hard to imagine the amazing difference in his play as the starting first baseman for Swampscott High this spring. The busy Pelletier didn't have much time to work on his game over the winter because he was too busy playing for the Big Blue hockey team — but what a year he had.

One of the big hitters in the middle of a potent lineup, he drove in 37 runs during the regular season, hit five homers with a slugging percentage of .838 and .456 batting average.

"I had a very good season, but it was totally unexpected," said Pelletier, who will play for the South in the Agganis Classic along with teammates Hunter Gordon and Steve Moran. "I didn't do anything special to get ready for baseball except work out in the little gym at my house. Honestly, I really didn't think I would play such a huge role."

How does he explain the incredible power hitting, including six RBI in a win over Winthrop, and Northeastern Conference all-star status?

"I relaxed more, and the hits starting coming," said Pelletier. "I honestly think being more relaxed at the plate was what worked for me. Once I got a couple of hits in our first game my confidence increased, and that carried over right through the season. Everybody hit in our lineup. Having Steve (Moran), Chris (Cameron), Hunter (Gordon), and Shane (Coffey) in front of me definitely helped. They were on base just about every time I came up which made it easier to drive in so many runs."

The Big Blue, who advanced to the Division 3 North semis, lineup was powerful right down the line, and the top of the order had great success setting the table.

"Our guys at the top of the order did a great job getting on base for John, and he was aggressive at the plate," said Swampscott coach T. J. Baril. "He liked to jump on the first pitch, and more often than not he'd drive it. After being pretty much a bench guy junior year, he broke onto the scene this season. He was not just a year older but a year better. Confidence was a major part because if you are uptight, especially at the plate, you are not going to have much success. He's a real humble guy, who put in the hard work and deserving of every honor that has come his way."

Pelletier pointed to Baril's faith in him as one of the key reasons for the turnaround.

"Coach put me in the five spot; he trusted me to come through," said Pelletier. "And I could never have done it without the hitters in front of me getting on base. I really didn't want to let those guys down so I just tried to do my share to help our team win."

Being selected for the Agganis Classic is a very special honor for Pelletier, who isn't used to being in such select company.

"I never expected to be chosen," said the Salem News all-star. "I had never, ever been in an all-star game until this year. The NEC all-star nomination was my first ever. Playing in the Agganis with so many good players is special. Hunter is a good friend of mine, and I have been very fortunate to be with him for three years. He is a real special player, and a good person. To be able to end my high school career on the same all-star team with him is an unbelievable honor."

Pelletier, the Big Blue starting first baseman, played a key role in his team going all the way to the North semifinals. He is now playing for the Swampscott Legion team and thinks he may want to continue playing at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. where he will study architecture.