Hawks’ Martellini inks NLI with Boston College

Matt Metcalf, Sports Editor
Posted 5/12/15

The recruiting path has pulled Hendricken catcher Gian Martellini in a number of different directions over the last year.

But after initially committing to Vanderbilt University, there was …

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Hawks’ Martellini inks NLI with Boston College

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The recruiting path has pulled Hendricken catcher Gian Martellini in a number of different directions over the last year.

But after initially committing to Vanderbilt University, there was Martellini sitting in front of family, friends and teammates on Thursday afternoon in Hendricken’s theater, signing a National Letter of Intent to play at nearby Boston College next year.

At the end of the day, a lot of factors came into play when making the ultimate decision to go to BC, but for Martellini, the determining factor was his sense that it would be the right fit for him.

“Boston College came around, and I just felt more comfortable there,” Martellini said. “It reminds me a lot of Hendricken, which was a big component as to why I chose to go there. It’s close to home, so my family can come watch me play. I’m very grateful for this opportunity.”

Another significant factor in Martellini’s decision was the coaching staff, but not necessarily the head coach.

Rhode Island native Jim Foster is the associate head coach of the Eagles, primarily working with the catchers and pitching staff.

Foster’s presence at BC also had an impact on Martellini’s decision, as Foster was a former All-State catcher at Hendricken too, and played at Providence College before going on to play professionally – a goal that Martellini hopes to achieve one day.

“Foster being a former Hendricken catcher and Rhode Island guy just makes my decision that much easier,” Martellini said. “I feel comfortable with him there, and I’ll be able to work with him on a personal level too. He’s going to work my tail off, no doubt about that. But I’m up for it.”

There’s no question that BC will be much more accessible for family and friends than the trip down to Nashville, Tenn. that could’ve been.

And family is extremely important to Martellini.

It was evident at the signing ceremony on Thursday, as the presence of Martellini’s family was quite visible, filling up a good portion of two rows.

The fact that Martellini’s large family will be able to watch his collegiate career in-person, is something that is extremely special to him, as they’ve been with him through all of the ups and downs up until this point.

“My family is great,” Martellini said. “They’re my backbone and my supporters. I love them. They’re always there when I need them and pick me up when I’m down.”

There has definitely been more ups than downs, though.

The Hawks’ backstop was named the Rhode Island Gatorade Player of the Year last spring following a standout season that also earned him First Team All-State honors.

After a season in which he posted an average of .407 to go along with five home runs and 35 RBI, Martellini is back at it this spring in the heart of Hendricken’s lineup.

The senior catcher is a big reason for Hendricken’s unblemished 11-0 start, providing a presence at the plate and managing a talented pitching rotation.

“The team’s playing great – we’re 11-0 at this point,” Martellini said. “We’re the favorites this year, but we have to play the games. I’m having a good year, but I can always do better – that’s just how it goes. But I’m proud of my team. Hopefully we can make it a four-peat now.”

Division I is deep this season, but the Hawks have proven that they’re a step above the field.

A big reason for that is the Hawks’ starting rotation that features Mike McCaffrey, Matt Kennedy and Anthony Cofone – three guys that make Martellini’s job behind the dish that much easier.

“McCaffrey’s great,” Martellini said. “He’s just a really easy guy to catch – we always work on the same page. Same thing with Kennedy. He has a lot of potential and is an absolute stud. He’s going to have a lot of success.”

Martellini has won two state titles as a varsity player at Hendricken – something that he definitely doesn’t take for granted.

“To win and come out on top in the state championship is an unreal feeling,” Martellini said. “I’ve been lucky enough to be there twice and come out on the winning end – it’s just a great feeling.”

But one thing’s for sure – Martellini isn’t satisfied with two championships. He wants a third before he departs for BC.

“Absolutely,” Martellini said when asked if something would be missing if he didn’t get a title this season. “When you come to Hendricken, you expect to win – you expect greatness when you come here in anything that you do. Hopefully I can get a third one.”

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