Sports Journalism

By Jonathan Donahue
Freehold Township, NJ — April 2025

When Freehold Township baseball head coach Todd Smith was asked in March about his goals for the 2025 season, his response didn’t mention wins, rankings, or championships.

“We need to become a true team first,” Smith said. “If we play for each other, the rest will follow.”

One month later, that vision is becoming a reality.

The Patriots, sitting at 4–3 after a dramatic win over Howell, have emerged as one of the most tightly knit teams in the Shore Conference. Despite fielding a roster that includes multiple underclassmen and only four returning starters, the group has forged a rare bond, one that’s showing up on the scoreboard.

“Last year, we had the talent, but something was missing,” said senior shortstop and team leader Mike Avino. “This year, we’re closer. In the dugout, on the bus, during warm-ups—we’ve built trust.”

Offseason Spark: The Foundation of Chemistry

It started in the offseason, when the team began participating in optional Saturday practices and team-building workouts. Attendance was nearly perfect. They called it “The Buy-In.”

“Even the sophomores were showing up at 8 a.m. on their own,” said junior pitcher Jackson Redmond. “That tells you everything about how committed everyone is this year.”

Coach Smith and his staff also introduced a “Culture Week” in January, a five-day series of workshops and discussions where players were encouraged to talk about their goals, motivations, and even off-the-field challenges.

“It was awkward at first,” Avino laughed. “But it brought us together. You start to realize you don’t just play with teammates you play with people going through the same stuff as you.”

Shared Leadership, Shared Results

Rather than assign captains, Smith implemented a rotating leadership model. Every week, two different players are responsible for setting the tone in practices, leading stretches, and speaking in pregame meetings.

“It keeps everyone engaged and accountable,” said Smith. “You don’t wait for a senior to say something you take ownership, no matter your age.”

The results are tangible.

Through seven games, the Patriots have cut their team errors from 28 at this point in 2024 to just 11 in 2025 (Source: Team Stat Report). Their team batting average has risen from .225 last spring to .278 this year (Shore Sports Network Box Scores), and they’ve outscored opponents 15–5 in the final two innings, a stat that speaks to focus and resilience.

“Those late-inning moments show who we are,” said Redmond. “We’re in it together. Nobody wants to let the guy next to them down.”

The Freshman Effect

Perhaps the clearest example of this unity is how the team has embraced its younger players. Sophomore catcher Nick Schicchi, now the everyday starter, says he’s never felt like a rookie.

“From day one, the older guys treated me like I belonged,” Schicchi said. “Avino talks to me before almost every inning. That kind of support makes you play freer.”

Coach Smith echoed that sentiment: “We don’t have cliques. That’s what I’m most proud of. You walk into our dugout, and it’s one voice.”

Ryan Kopf (3) of Freehold Township reacts after hitting a double during the baseball game between Freehold Township and Howell at Freehold Township High School in Freehold, NJ on Monday, April 18, 2022.

Beyond the Lines

The brotherhood stretches beyond the field. The team regularly eats together after games at a local pizzeria, hosts FIFA tournaments on off days, and recently spent a Sunday volunteering at a Freehold Little League clinic.

“That’s the stuff that builds real chemistry,” said Avino. “Not just ground balls and BP. It’s learning who your teammates are off the field.”

Parents have taken notice too. According to team mom Jen Redmond, the camaraderie is unlike anything she’s seen in four years of watching the program.

“These boys genuinely like each other,” she said. “The energy is different. Even when they lose, they stick together.”

Looking Ahead

The road ahead won’t be easy upcoming games against divisional contenders like Marlboro and Manalapan will test the Patriots. But this team’s identity is already firmly established.

“We’re not the most talented team in the conference,” Smith admitted. “But we might be the most connected. And that counts for more than people realize.”

As practice wrapped up Tuesday afternoon, laughter echoed from the outfield as players shagged fly balls and heckled each other with smiles. In the dugout, Redmond scribbled a motivational quote on the whiteboard: “Together > Talent.”

It’s not just a slogan. It’s the Patriots’ formula.

And in 2025, it’s working.