Nighthawks Headline All-Star Game With Six Participants
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT – The NECBL announced six Upper Valley Nighthawks to the 2022 Northern Division All-Star team: Third baseman Ryan Ignoffo, second baseman Max Grant, center fielder Tyler Sorrentino, right-handed pitcher Randall Alejo, right-handed pitcher Matt McShane and catcher Clay Stearns. Ignoffo was named the starting third baseman and a participant in the Home Run Derby. The Nighthawks six All-Star selections tie for the most on the Northern Division roster.
The NECBL All-Star game will be held at the Shark Tank in Martha’s Vineyard on Sunday, July 24. The Home Run Derby begins at 2:00 p.m. First pitch for the game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. All festivities can be streamed on NECBL Network.
Ryan Ignoffo (3B) - Eastern Illinois University
Ryan Ignoffo has succeeded in every aspect of the game in 2022. In a super-utility role, he has spent time at third base, first base, second base, right field and has pitched out of the bullpen. He started the season with a 26-game on-base streak and slashed .370/.438/.714 in 31 games. Ignoffo leads the NECBL with 10 home runs and 43 RBI, and ranks fourth with 13 stolen bases. He is 10 RBI away from tying the NECBL single-season record of 53 (TT Bowens, 2019). While pitching, he struck out eight batters in 6.1 innings, highlighted by an immaculate inning against the North Shore Navigators on June 10. Last night, he delivered his own pitching win with the go-ahead hit and 1.1 IP against the Ocean State Waves.
“It’s awesome because not a lot of guys get the opportunity,” Ignoffo said. “To be a starter, and to get the chance to compete with the guys I’m gonna compete with, I wouldn’t want anything else. Especially coming out here from Illinois, this is the competition I want to be around.”
Max Grant (2B) - Canisius College
Grant, from Fredericton, New Brunswick, is the only Canadian on the NECBL All-Star roster, and he just hits. His 34 hits rank second on the Nighthawks and tied for seventh in the NECBL. He slashed .291/.359/.410 in 30 games and has 10 multi-hit games. In 2022, was named a freshman All-American (Canadian?) and Canisius Male Athlete of the Year.
Tyler Sorrentino (CF) - College of Charleston
Sorrentino uses his speed to wreak havoc on the basepaths. His 32 hits rank third on the Nighthawks and tied for eighth in the league. He has 12 multi-hit games and his 12 stolen bases tie him for fifth in the NECBL. He slashed .276/.368/.371 in 30 games and was also named a freshman All-American at Charleston.
Randall Alejo (RHP) - College of Saint Rose
Alejo is one of four returning Nighthawks players in 2022. From Division-II St. Rose, he impressed with a 1.77 ERA in 20.1 IP. In seven appearances, he struck out 24 and walked just two. Alejo can be spotted with his signature neon socks and toe tapping on the mound.
Matt McShane (RHP) - St. Joseph’s University
McShane has been one of the most effective arms in all of the NECBL. Although he has not pitched enough to qualify for the ERA title, he has a 0.51 ERA in 17.1 innings. His only earned run of the season came on a solo shot by Carter Mathison at the short fences of Alumni Field. He has struck out 21 and walked five in 10 appearances.
Clay Stearns (C) - Troy University
Stearns' greatest attribute is his defense. He is primarily a catcher, but has also spent time at first base. He uses framing skills to steal strikes and is an excellent blocker behind the plate. He can frequently be found with a jersey covered in dirt. Despite hitting just .188, he has an on-base percentage of .404 in 26 games.
