On Monday, February 3rd, the Northeast Conference released its preseason rankings for the 2025 season, placing Central Connecticut State University third. Last season’s NEC champion, Long Island University, claimed the top spot while Wagner College ranked second. Although Central was technically tied for third with Fairleigh Dickinson University, the Blue Devils received one first-place vote, giving them the edge over FDU who received none.

Five-time NEC Coach of the Year Charlie Hickey returns for his 26th season, boasting eight NEC tournament titles—two in the last 5 years (2021 & 2023). 

Central’s experienced roster features senior infielders Brady Short, Aidan Redahan, Bo Yaworski and Josh Taylor, along with outfielders Kyle Gorden and Gianno Merlonghi. Utility player Colby Brouillette and pitchers Wyatt Cameron and Omar Garrido also return. Junior infielders Danny Rodgers and Domenic Crocenzi, pitcher Drew Munn, and utility player Louis Jordan round out the key returning players. .

Short and Merlonghi were standouts in 2024, with Short leading the NEC in batting average (.388) and on-base percentage (.473), while Merlonghi’s .378 average ranked third in the conference.

Last season, the Blue Devils struggled with a championship hangover, finishing 18-24. However, they have surpassed 27 wins five times in the last seven years and are determined to return to form. All-NEC selections Merlonghi and Short, alongside a veteran core, aim to reclaim the NEC title and secure a berth in the 2025 Division I College Baseball Championship. 

Central opens the season on the road in the Midwest against the University of Central Arkansas before hosting the University of Albany in their home opener on March 4th.